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Back in April, megafirm Norton Rose Fulbright made a series of COVID-19 related cuts. And more than just the salary cuts that swept the industry in the early days of the pandemic, they also laid off associates. And those that survived saw a 15 percent salary cut for all those making over $50,000. Then in September, they reversed those cuts, returning salaries to full, pre-pandemic levels.
Now in a firmwide email the management committee revealed the firm is giving folks some backpay — approximately 55 percent of any reduction. Then they dropped this line, “Further, the Firm is considering an additional payment to be made during the first part of the New Year. This additional payment, however, will be dependent on the firm closing strong at year end.”
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While the firm’s intention may have been benevolent, to some tipsters it reads as an “absurd” threat. As one insider wryly noted, “Nice to see the firm using our own salary as a carrot leading in to the New Year.”
Here’s the full email from the firm:
If your firm or organization is slashing salaries or restoring previous cuts, closing its doors, or reducing the ranks of its lawyers or staff, whether through open layoffs, stealth layoffs, or voluntary buyouts, please don’t hesitate to let us know. Our vast network of tipsters is part of what makes Above the Law thrive. You can email us or text us (646-820-8477).
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Kathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, and host of The Jabot podcast. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter (@Kathryn1).