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Reed Smith Lays Off 115 Support Staff in U.S. Offices

published December 04, 2008

By Author - LawCrossing
Published By
( 29 votes, average: 4.8 out of 5)
What do you think about this article? Rate it using the stars above and let us know what you think in the comments below.
12/04/08

The firm released a memo to all firm employees about the personnel actions they are initiating today (the full memo follows after the article). The memo stated that although their business model help up fairly well considering the dire current economy, the firm made it clear that they found the decision difficult (they mentioned it numerous times in their memo) but imperative. With the economy continuing to slow and the projected demand for the firm's services, the layoffs were necessary.

In addition to layoffs in Reed Smith's U.S. offices, the firm is also beginning what they called a ''redundancy consultation exercise'' in London today. These procedures are unique to the U.K. The redundancy consultation exercise could bring the axe down on seven support staff there. They are also beginning a second redundancy consultation exercise in the firm's U.K. business and finance department where up to 11 associate positions could be cut because of ''overcapacity''.
According to the firm's experience and business projections, the findings essentially mandated the layoffs in order to maintain and improve in the 2009 climate. The firm said the layoffs affect less than 4% of their total workforce and all will be informed today.

Recently, several former employees of recently shuttered Thelen filed suit against the firm for lost wages and failing to be in accordance with the federal WARN Act. IT doesn't seem like that will be the case with Reed Smith as the memo states ''all of those who leave us will receive appropriate pay and severance packages.''

Reed Smith recently took on a handful of displaced Thelen attorneys, 14 to be exact, including Thelen energy partner and firm rainmaker Ellen Bastier.

REED SMITH — MEMO — LAYOFFS

I am writing to let you know about some personnel actions that we are initiating today at Reed Smith, affecting both staff and lawyers. Although our diversified business model has held up relatively well through a very challenging year, these decisions were difficult but necessary in light of the continuing slowdown in the economy and the projected demand for our services in 2009.

Today we are laying off approximately 115 support staff personnel across our US offices. These layoffs include people in all of our support areas, including IT, finance, marketing, practice administration, knowledge management, human resources and office services. In addition, in London we are today commencing what is known as a redundancy consultation exercise, under procedures unique to the UK, that could result in the elimination of up to 7 support staff positions there. Lastly, we are also commencing a UK redundancy consultation exercise that could result in the elimination of up to 11 associate positions in the Business & Finance department in London due to overcapacity.

The decision to take these actions was difficult, but we believe it is the prudent thing to do for our business over the longer term.

Our recent experience and our projections dictate that we must plan for reduced demand for our services in 2009 and align our capacity accordingly. Many leading international law firms and other businesses are engaged in similar actions during the downturn, and these steps are fundamental to being a financially sound business that is intent on remaining strong for the future. It is hard to do, but necessary for all businesses in these difficult times.

Taken together, these personnel actions will impact less than 4% of our total workforce, and those involved are being informed of these actions today.

Our colleagues involved in these actions have all made meaningful contributions to our firm. We regret having to take these steps, and all of those who leave us will receive appropriate pay and severance packages. We will do whatever we can to help them, and would appreciate any support you can provide as well.

This is a hard day at Reed Smith, and one we all would have liked to avoid. We will need to work together to adjust to this change and keep our focus on doing great work for our clients. Thank you for your help and understanding.

published December 04, 2008

By Author - LawCrossing
( 29 votes, average: 4.8 out of 5)
What do you think about this article? Rate it using the stars above and let us know what you think in the comments below.

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