White & Case announced today it was laying off around 200 associates and 200 administrative and business support staff from its global network.
White & Case announced today it was laying off around 200 associates and 200 administrative and business support staff from its global network.
The cuts, among the largest so far announced by a US law firm, follow a strategic review at White & Case which also included an evaluation of its partnership.
In a statement released today, White & Case added that the latter evaluation would result “in a reduction in the number of partners, commensurate with current and anticipated business needs”.
A firm spokesman said it was not yet clear how many partners would be asked to leave the firm but that it would be “proportionate” with the laying off of 200 associates.
White & Case Chairman Hugh Verrier (pictured) said: “I greatly regret having to take these actions. The decision was made only after a very careful review of our business. I believe these measures provide the best way forward to meet the challenges we face today and to ensure the firm’s long-term success.”
White & Case is also deferring the start date of approximately 60 per cent of this year’s incoming associate class in the US until 2010. Incoming associates who are not deferred will join White & Case on 2 November, 2009.
No surprise here
Well, have to say, this is no surprise. The Titanic continues to sink – albeit too slowly. They should have cut the partners this time. Rather, in typical, W&C fashion, the associates and the support staff bear the brunt of the cuts to continue to support the lavish lifestyles of the W&C partners. Expect more cuts soon . . .
Congratulations Hugh!!
White & Case now has the dubious honor of being the international law firm with the largest number of layoffs! Way to go, Hugh! You are a fantastic manager! Keep up the good work!
It was expected…
It is about time they kick some partners out… I guess noone gives a $hit anymore with massive redundancies everywhere…
Gotta Keep The PEP Up
PEP is king… forget how many associates, support staff and minor partners you have to screw in the process.
London and Finance bears the brunt again…
U SOB
I just got my pink slip and you got your fat bonus! I billed 1900 hours last year like the rest of us while you were on some F%$ cruise.