Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman laid off 55 lawyers, 10 legal professionals (i.e. paralegals and docket specialists), and 90 staffers across all of its U.S. offices today, according to a firm spokesperson.
The cuts come about two weeks after news of the layoffs were inadvertently disclosed by partner Robert Robbins, head of the firm's corporate and securities practice.
Here is the firm’s statement:
As previously announced, Pillsbury, like many of its fellow law firms, has found it necessary to implement a workforce reduction in order to bring our resources in line with client demand. Overall, approximately 55 lawyers, 10 paraprofessionals and 90 staff will be affected by this workforce reduction, which includes those who are participating in the Firm’s voluntary departure programs announced last week. These departures affect personnel throughout our offices, departments and sections.
We will be providing all lawyers, paraprofessionals and staff with severance pay, health benefits and career transition services.
We have identified a number of non-profit legal services organizations that are willing to enter into an arrangement whereby Pillsbury will fund the salary and benefits of a lawyer affected by the workforce reduction for a one-year legal position. Lawyers who are interested in this option may interview with the service organizations, and if selected by them would forgo their severance pay as part of the arrangement. These organizations are in need of strong, qualified lawyers to serve their community, but lack the necessary resources to do so. We believe that associates can strongly benefit from this opportunity to enhance their legal skills and obtain additional professional experience while helping to meet the needs of their respective communities in this very difficult time.
We greatly value the contributions our associates and staff have made to Pillsbury in the time they have been with us and know them to be talented, diligent professionals. We wish them much fortune and success in their future endeavors.
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