Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld laid off 47 associates and 57 paralegals and staff today, a source within the firm has confirmed.
The number of people who were affected in the firm's Washington office was not immediately available, but D.C. was not spared from the cuts.
Akin Gump will be offering "comprehensive severance packages," including outplacement services.
In January, Akin Gump announced that the firm would be laying off 65 staff members in its U.S. offices.
UPDATE (6:33 p.m.) Here is the e-mail sent out by firm chairman R. Bruce McLean:
I regret to inform you that today the firm laid off 47 lawyers and 57 paralegals and staff in the United States and has entered into redundancy consultations in the United Kingdom. These layoffs are driven by the weakened economy and the subsequent decreased demand for legal services. Those lawyers and staff who were laid off will receive a comprehensive severance package.
Over the last several months, we have taken numerous measures to mitigate the effects of this decreased demand, including redeploying lawyers to different practices as well as streamlining and reducing our expenses.
We regret the impact these actions will have on our talented lawyers and staff and deeply appreciate the many valuable contributions and committed service of those affected by this decision.
Good luck to everyone who got let go today.. It was a tough day at akin
Posted by: Misc.. | March 06, 2009 at 06:49 PM