I think firms should focus on revenue growth instead of cutting overhead. That is a better long-term strategy. But if they are going to lay people off, cutting staff while at the same time raising salaries for associates certainly sends a message.
If firms don’t part with people the right way, it opens them up to criticism. Law students are looking at sites like Glassdoor and seeing not just what associates are saying about the firm, but what the staff is saying as well. It is such a small and connected world.
— Deborah Farone, legal consultant and founder of legal marketing firm Farone Advisors, commenting on the rash of staff “rightsizing” that’s currently in progress across a number of Am Law 100 firms. If your firm or organization is 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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Staci Zaretsky is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.