The autumn of COVID is rapidly turning into a season of layoffs in Biglaw, and administrative staff has been particularly hard hit. It’s long been a trend for Biglaw firms to reduce the amount of staff that is needed to support Biglaw attorneys, but the economic upheaval of the novel coronavirus seems to have supercharged the issue.
The latest firm to take a carving knife to its staff ranks? Cleary Gottlieb.
Last week, the elite law firm laid off staff members. According to sources at the firm, this follows a voluntary severance package that was offered back in June. It’s unclear how many people took that voluntary package which saw them depart the firm in July, but given the recent involuntary layoffs, it doesn’t seem like it was enough.
And the salt in the wound? Above the Law understands the voluntary severance package was more generous than the one given to those laid off. Ouch. Guess the firm is sending a message that it mean business when it offers a voluntary package.
A spokesperson for Cleary provided the following statement in response to Above the Law’s layoff inquiry:
Following a comprehensive review begun early last year, we have restructured some operations to align our business functions with the needs of our lawyers and our clients. These changes reflect long-term trends in the legal market and have been made with careful thought and consideration for those directly affected by this transition.
Best of luck to those who find themselves involuntarily out of work.
Now the real question is, which other firms — even ones without any previous COVID-19 austerity measures — have decided layoffs are the way to go?
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).