Hammonds is to cut up to 20 partners as part of a sweeping review that will see the firm’s partnership reduced by more than 10 per cent.
The firm is blaming poor economic conditions for the cuts. It is understood that negotiations are already underway.
Managing partner Peter Crossley (pictured) said: “We’ve been reviewing partner levels for some time and in view of the prevailing economic downturn we’ve regretfully decided that up to 20 partners across the UK will be leaving the firm.
“We’re currently in discussion with partners and we will, of course, offer our full support to those departing the firm.”
The cuts will affect both equity and fixed-share partners. The firm has 74 of the former and 114 of the latter.
The firm has already laid off a total of 77 fee-earners and support staff as part of a redundancy consultation.
Shocking
Is there any part of the Legal profession recession free?
Return on capital
Given Hammond’s famously high capital contribution levels after the Burns era this is going to be a big chunck of cash for them to find to repay the guys who are being asked to leave.
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“Is there any part of the Legal profession recession free?”
Academia perhaps? The public sector’s legal departments should still be fine, once you’re in with the government you’re highly unlikley to ever lose your job, but the private sector’s being hammered. Maybe John Grisham will even have to reconsider his subject material if things get any worse.
Trimming at minimal cost
No doubt many will be fixed share partners who are asked to leave so the cost may well be minimal as unlike employed salaried partners, they are unlikely to have employment protection rights or capital repayment requirements.
Recession Free
In house lawyers are busier than ever……..
And so the poor doggy…
Following the infamous “black hole” incident, Hammonds cut costs to the core. That was when other firms were enjoying the good times. Now that the bad times are here, what if Hammonds’ cupboard is more bare than most? What do you cut?
Peter “Mother Hubbard” Crossley may be scratching his head as to where he is going to get that next bone from! No more freeholds to sell and sound financial policies constraining any “creativity”. I would not trade places with him, but if anyone can do it, he can. He must be amongst the few managing partners at this time who can say “I have been through far worse than this”.
in house lawyers-recession free not
Lots of inhouse lawyers have lost their jobs.Get real.You might be next.
Hammonds Cupboard
Riddler’s assumptions about the Hammonds cupboard being bare may be interesting but… only if you assume they still have a cupboard to be empty (which they don’t- must have been pawned along time ago). You also assume Mr Crossley is in control which seems doubtful.
Partner led legal service?
Hammonds claim to offer a partner-led legal service to clients.
Headcount changes mean that this cannot possibly be true.
I think that their client base is up for grabs!