20 jobs to go as Clifford Chance gets tough on headcount

Clifford Chance is taking a leaf out of Linklaters’ book by reducing headcount at its London office.
It is understood that Clifford Chance has announced a reduction of around 20 associates and support staff in its corporate department while a number of lawyers will be redeployed throughout the firm.
The move echoes that of Linklaters which has gone through a review of staffing levels resulting in a number of lawyers, including partners, being managed out of the firm.
However, Clifford Chance has not announced any plans to cut partner numbers in any practice areas. While the corporate department has been the first to instigate staff cuts, it is believed that all areas in the firm are monitoring headcount.
The move arrives days after the firm revealed plans to reduce pay for newly-qualifieds to £48,000 from £50,000, the current benchmark for pay for all magic circle firms.