Any news besides layoffs?!

Why the F*** would anyone ever even think about going to law school from this day forward?!?!?!

fourTTTh

@2 - come on, this is the first layoff news of the day. We almost got to 4:00 this time.

First to say #3 is a big ole drama queen.

Where is Shinyung Oh when you need her? I wonder what she would have to say about all this?

How many women associates did Paul Hastings push down the stairs this time?

5: not if you count the pilsbury seeking volunteers from around noon. (and i at least DO count it.)

What about Schulte Roth? Didn't it have layoffs?

ATL should make a table of the V100, and indicate which firms have a) tinkered with salaries/bonuses, and b) had layoffs or not

7- she is right here http://shinyungoh.blogspot.com/

7: as of this morning, she was on the Today show. (she's pursuing writing and hung out a shingle for a few matters on a part time basis.)

LA? Maybe I will lay people off by talking during a movie!

14 is AWESOME

15 is 14

3: now is a good time to go to law school. if you started this fall, you would be class of 2012. By that time if the economy turns up there will be a shortage of junior lawyers, cause they all got fired now.

3: now is a good time to go to law school. if you started this fall, you would be class of 2012. By that time if the economy turns up there will be a shortage of junior lawyers, cause they all got fired now.

All BYU grads at PH are safe due toa mormon on the layoff committee....or so I heard

All BYU grads at PH are safe due to a mormon on the layoff committee....or so I heard

What about Latham's plans to layoff dozens of junior associates in New York?

21: i've heard latham layoffs are coming as well, but i really hope you're wrong about the number and rank!

Last year, PH laid off many people in its China offices.

14 = brilliant.
-- Elie

she was on the today show this morning about email etiquette!

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/29365178#29365178

17 (and 18--learn how to post, btw): Oh, now I see your logic. So, I should burn through $150K and three years so I can end up *limiting* my options in the market. (And I'll just ignore the opportunity costs.) Thinking like that explains why *you're* a lawyer and why nobody else should act so stupidly. This is why you now find yourself grabbing your ankles. Enjoy.

I hope Paul Hastings made sure that none of those laid off had had their uterus scraped.

The profits tumble couldn't happen to a nicer firm. (Speaking as someone who never worked for PH or thought about applying to PH, but had many friends who were badly treated by PH)

I don't get it, 26. Is someone holding a gun to your head and forcing you to sign up for law school? Do whatever the hell you want.

29--Of course you don't "get it"--you're another idiot poised to be fired by a law firm. Can you say: "Should I supersize your order?"

PH headcount will shrink by 50 percent within the next six months.

29: Of course you don't "get it"--you're just another lawyer poised to be fired by a law firm. Can you say: "Can I supersize that order, ma'am?"

this is bound to cut short any plans Paul Hastings had to open a philadelphia branch office. This will be devastating news for UPenn State's satellite campus in Philly, whose grads are suffering from horrible job prospects. UPenn State will never crawl out of the fourth tier if things don't pick up soon in Philly!

Philly's burning, baby!

Wow - what a bunch of whiney bastards! Hyperprivileged and immature. Just unbelievable anyone would hire you in the first place.

PH associate reviews are still a few weeks off. To suggest these layoffs are somehow related to the normal review process is BS.

35 = bitter 3L EIC of LR at Cooley w/ no offer?

"Cooley"? Is there really a law school in Cooley? What state is Cooley found in?

30/32: At least 29 "gets" how to post and didn't lok stupid trying to revise his silly two-sentence attempt to mock someone else.

I meant 31/32, and yes I saw my typo, and don't care.

-39

39--At least I (31/32) can get the post numbers straight. You make mocking you far, far too easy. Nice try, pooch.

knowledge. skills. ethics.

http://www.cooley.edu/

Layoffs and secret informants: http://www.blackbooklegal.com/

Also, what affect will bank nationalization have on all of this?

Anyone get hit in San Diego? Heard that office was absolutely dead 4-5 months ago and they still brought on a big first year class. I bet at least some of them will be hitting the pavement. The SD office also just moved into a new building. Great timing suckas.

36- I think you misunderstand us. These layoffs are related to the normal review process...the review by partners of their annual partnership profit statements.

No, 37. Just fed up with big law associates and how ridiculous you can be. PH sucks.

42--How about: waste. TTT. unemployed.

knowledge. skills. ethics.

http://www.cooley.edu/

New York had a bloodbath 2 weeks ago. No idea how PPP stayed where it is - impossible. Entire real estate group has been billing 100 hours per month per attorney (other than partners ) for 12 months.

31/32/41/who f'ing cares: Wow, you really outwitted me there. This is obviously a big moment for you, so I'll let you have it.

While talking the train from DC back to NY today, I overheard a PH lawyer talking to a partner at Pillsbury about a merger of the two firms to prevent a dissolution.

50: Thanks, but, let's be clear here--you aren't "letting" me have anything. I took it.

31/32/41

Pillsbury is unwinding?!

I'll remain skeptical until we hear from some PH associates in these comments.

MARKET LEADER IN UNDERHANDED TREATMENT OF ITS ASSOCIATES.

One of the most deceptive firms on the planet when in comes to accurately reporting their associate numbers.

There has to be someone out there that can provide some more details on this. Anyone????????????

oh, I didn't know lay offs were still newsworthy. I thought they were common place and expected.

Like, oh, today the sun rose. and let's write a blog about it and guess what?? the sun will rise tomorrow (yay to all those who got the David Hume reference. everybody else, go read a book that actually makes you use your brain in a logical way instead of vegetating in BigLaw b.s.).

http://stuffbiglawassociateslike.wordpress.com/2009/02/24/the-man/

friends don't let friends join paul hastings

59: it's sort of like the theme of our blog. It's the blog for people who let co-workers drive drunk to eliminate the competition.

Nothing sums up BigLaw more than that statement right there.

oh, I didn't know lay offs were still newsworthy. I thought they were common place and expected.

Like, oh, today the sun rose. and let's write a blog about it and guess what?? the sun will rise tomorrow (yay to all those who got the David Hume reference. everybody else, go read a book that actually makes you use your brain in a logical way instead of vegetating in BigLaw b.s.).

http://stuffbiglawassociateslike.wordpress.com

Law students lucky enough to get offers should steer far, far clear of PH. I pity anyone with equity tied into PH's future. Just a hunch....

This firm treated me like absolute s***. I really hope things get bad for them.

62--Lucky you. Trust me, things suddenly just got even worse for PH.

61: I don't think they have made any partners in about 10 years, so I say let the old ass equity partners sink with the piece of shit firm.

I guess Shinyung Oh is getting some satisfaction seeing her old firm hit the skids like this. Good for her.

Great place to ruin to your career.

Had the misfortune of working on the opposite side of a securities partner from their Paris office.

One of the worst people I have ever encountered in my time practicing.

63: How so? 62

52: Yes, your ability to belatedly call out other commenters for misidentifying the number attached to previous posts referenced in their comments is truly impressive. You must really dazzle 'em at your middling, dead-end job. Godd for you.

And as for your little line about "taking" whatever it is you are so proud of, I suppose it's the same protocol you're used to following with the ladies. Hi-ohhhhh!

-Su Madre

If anyone in LA can substantiate this (on or off the record) I'd love to talk to you: amanda_becker@dailyjournal.com or 213-229-5303.

I hear they're only laying off c-suckers. No need to worry. Unless you suck c.

No laid off associates will comment - remember the Confidentiality Agreements. No one wants to lose the severance, particularly after the disaster last spring with Shinyung Oh.

52--Funny (and deeply ironic) that you assume that I'm male. You should reflect on this--as well as your spelling: "Godd" (sic). Such an illiterate tool that you are...

59: Not only is your blog derivative, but it generally sucks. The only thing less funny than Hope Wintersesque bitterness is poorly-executed fake Hope Wintersesque bitterness.

Please killself.

Paul Hastings is a TTTT. Yes, the yget the extra T for being such a freaking shithole.

Paul Hastings is a TTTT. Yes, they get the extra T for being such a freaking shithole.

Amanda you don't need additional sources the facts are all right in front of you.

Take a look at Seth Zachary's comments in the National Law Journal (claiming that the firm only increased the total number of employees by 1%) then reconcile that number against the number of incoming first year associates and the fact that the firm added at least 25 attorneys to their london office from Cadwalader (Partners/Associates).

That's a 2.5% increase right there with no summer associates and I can assure you the firm had a massive incoming class with an even bigger incoming class next year.

The firm is sending the message that it is either:

(a) a terrible place to work and as a result has remarkably high attrition; or

(b) it attracts less than stellar candidates and needs to fire a disproportionate number every year for "performance-based" reasons; or

(c) is laying off a bunch of people and then blaming them for their lack of business.

What a disgusting act done by by truly despicable people.

71: No one said anything about assuming that you are male. But based on the nauseating banality of your posts, we can assume what it is you do for a living: copy editor.

71 please say UNcle, you are getting pwned

Weird, recruiters keep on calling me about some lit or bankruptcy position at PH. Are they still hiring?

Weird, recruiters keep on calling me about some lit or bankruptcy position at PH. Are they still hiring?

Weird, recruiters keep on calling me about some lit or bankruptcy position at PH. Are they still hiring?

LAYOFFS?!? Don't blog about -- LAYOFFS?! You kiddin' me??? LAYOFFS!?!

79 - it's possible. They have a very large RE practice which probably will take the brunt of the layoffs.

52 you should probably shut your mouth when grown ups are speaking you insipid little twit. If you want to post something relevant that you have knowledge about then do so, although, this would limit you to posting about -- beer, being in the closet, and being orally violated by your father.

19: That is bull. A BYU grad at San Diego was canned.

75: Totally. Compare the dates, and headcounts, in these articles, which show the world just how many we cut.
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS144173+20-Oct-2008+GNW20081020

http://amlawdaily.typepad.com/amlawdaily/2009/02/paul-hastings.html

78-80: We say we are hiring, and you could get hired under the right partner, but the blade is still swinging, be warned.

And since someone asked, yes these layoffs are real, yes they are canning in all offices, yes Shanghai went from 80 to 30 headcount, and those of us who are still here are miserable at how the culture of our firm has been "Skaddenized" by the PPP-focused greed of the leadership.

Apparently big lay-offs in Tokyo as well as across China offices. The presence in Asia will probably drop by over 50%.

What's wrong with lumber? I own two lumberyards.

Paul Hastings' lay-offs tend to be miscarriages of justice.

You know, you should play with Dr. Beeper and myself. I mean, he's been club champion for three years running and I'm no slouch myself.

PH had a 1% revenue increase it is doing better than most V100. It is a small gain but it is NOT a loss in revenue.

Latham layoffs started today in Silicon Valley - 6 down, dozens to go.

PHJW has been playing with their numbers for several years and now it is catching up to them. Just like many other firms, some good attorneys will be the fallguys (or gals) for the greedy leadership of PHJW. What will really be telling is whether PHJW owns up to "layoffs" or goes with its usual "performance based", etc. lines.

wow... the lack of vision of some firms shocks me... the negative publicity they get from doing things like these will hurt them BAD in the long run.

Good luck recruiting, Paul Hastings! One more firm I'm never considering.

Firms should remember: the legal community NEVER forgets....

We will never forget!

(associate at V10)

90 - any word on Latham Orange County? I know they had laid off some during the January "performance reviews", but am now worried that it will pick up again. Fantastic.

LA number one?

93 - no idea, but I guess we'll find out

92 - you're a "v10 associate" (I'm guessing you're more likely a T14 1L, but whatevs), and you were considering PHJW before this news? Really?

--Actual PHJW associate (But who knows for how long. Showing up to the office is Russian roulette. Good luck, fellow associates - it's not our fault.)

Leaving PH was the best decision I have ever made in my life. Only after leaving did I realize what a bunch of idiotic, horrible business people, god awfull managers, empty souls, alcoholics, liars, and all around miserable people I had been busting my ass for. Did I mention that they lie? Any potential client should do some research on the track records the partners are touting. I couldn't support the lies so I had to leave. Crash and burn you greedy motherfuckers.

Leaving PH was the best decision I have ever made in my life. Only after leaving did I realize what a bunch of idiotic, horrible business people, god awfull managers, empty souls, alcoholics, liars, and all around miserable people I had been busting my ass for. Did I mention that they lie? Any potential client should do some research on the track records the partners are touting. I couldn't support the lies so I had to leave. Crash and burn you greedy motherfuckers.

I've heard ppl talking about individual layoffs at STB and DPW. Can somebody confirm? Is it just the beginning of larger waves of layoffs to come at those two firms?

Every big firm is hurting, and it is not only out of greed or mismanagement - the reality of the situation is that firms exist to be profit-creating organizations, not to supply associates with jobs for as long as the associate would like. If layoffs have to be done, it is a fact of life. Do we really think that all the blue-collar workers who have been laid off get on a blog and whine about "never considering GM again." Most associates are pretty lucky to have made the cash they have, and we should all take a breath and stop acting like self-important dilettantes. If you are lucky enough to make more than 99% of the american populace, be happy, but be self-aware as well.

79:

PH Associate here- we are hiring. I know because I have been interviewing people. All this blather about mass layoffs across the board, Asia office headcount dropping by 50%, etc. is just that- blather. Grow up kids.
If you'll excuse me now, I am really busy and need to get back to work.

Some years ago when I was at PH, they had layoffs because the economy sucked. I always say, to the firm's credit, they were totally honest and said it was completely economic and had nothing to do with the quality of the people beng let go (in fact these folks included HLS grads - overall I would say the quality of the attorneys in terms of pure pedigrees was better in those days than in present times). In any event, those people were treaed as fairly as possible, got at least 3 months severance, use of office/computers/phones so they could appear to outside world that they had jobs, etc - which technically they still did though they really didn't have to do much work. Of course these folks were upset since their career path was now changed. But, they all found new jobs (some found great jobs as a matter of fact - this pushed them into a different legal path but ultimately terrific paths). But this was a different PH. One built with people with longstanding ties to the firm and a love for the institution, for mentoring, guiding, and not just PPP. When you bring in lateral for hire, that person doesn't care about others just PPP. It is a different mentality now; and I think many of us wish they would just be honest about layoffs like they were many years ago - people appreciate and respect the firm more when they are straight up. I have to say I agree with Shinyung on this one.

Some years ago when I was at PH, they had layoffs because the economy sucked. I always say, to the firm's credit, they were totally honest and said it was completely economic and had nothing to do with the quality of the people beng let go (in fact these folks included HLS grads - overall I would say the quality of the attorneys in terms of pure pedigrees was better in those days than in present times). In any event, those people were treaed as fairly as possible, got at least 3 months severance, use of office/computers/phones so they could appear to outside world that they had jobs, etc - which technically they still did though they really didn't have to do much work. Of course these folks were upset since their career path was now changed. But, they all found new jobs (some found great jobs as a matter of fact - this pushed them into a different legal path but ultimately terrific paths). But this was a different PH. One built with people with longstanding ties to the firm and a love for the institution, for mentoring, guiding, and not just PPP. When you bring in lateral for hire, that person doesn't care about others just PPP. It is a different mentality now; and I think many of us wish they would just be honest about layoffs like they were many years ago - people appreciate and respect the firm more when they are straight up. I have to say I agree with Shinyung on this one.

100: must be a PH partner

true, we all know it's just bottom-line business economics, all big firms are hurting, and layoffs are a fact of life these days. no one is really whining about that. it's just that some firms handle it with a lot more tact and respectfulness than you've demonstrated thus far (remember your atrocious treatment of Shinyung Oh???). if you truly had any business sense, you would be more forward-looking when conducting layoffs so as to minimize the negative impact on your long-term future with your remaining and future assets (e.g., your lawyers). and don't forget current and future clients. where do you think some of these people are going to land?

take a look at 84's post. based on the links cited, in one year, you went from "over 1300" lawyers down to around 1,060??? that's a cut of around 20%. and more than 60% in shanghai?! how the heck does that happen when china and the middle east are still growth areas for other firms? what kind of shop are you running out there? and these statistics probably don't include the lawyers who are still officially "employed" but their departures are imminent (based upon whatever annoying severange agreement you made them sign).

like you said, every big firm is hurting. why don't you take it on the chin and seriously plan for real long-term growth based on quality and reputation rather than freaking out about managing your Amlaw ranking each year? better yet, why don't you replace your top management with real leaders? seth and greg were great managers during boom times. they're headless chickens during down times.

you may get to your magical "15-10" soon. but we all know the Amlaw rankings for the next year or two are going to be meaningless anyway based upon the financial numbers reported already. clients care about a combination of quality, cost and reputation. do you seriously believe you can operate in the same league as wachtell, cravath, S&C, etc. merely by increasing your PPP and billing rates? you may get lucky and attract some real talent in the next few years, but it's only a matter of time before they realize they're on a ship of fools and take their skills and clients elsewhere.

101: If you are busy at PH, then get ready to move to a new firm because the partner you are working for is likely shopping around for a more stable firm. Unlike you, most PH associates are not billing that much. Not much work to do for the rest, maybe you can share?

This post is much ado about nothing. Can anyone confirm that more than 2 or 3 people were laid off from the LA office yesterday (out of 300 or whatever)? No? I didn't think so.

Meanwhile Mofo laid off 13 in one day from their much smaller LA office. And yet the relative magnitude appears totally lost on you idiots.

I would like nothing more than to see Seth Zachary get ousted by a no-confidence vote of the PHJW partnership. 5 years ago, his mantra was that Asia is the future. Now, they have eviscerated those offices.

As things get tight, expect to see a battle royale among the lateral partners recruited to the firm with lofty promises of major $$, fighting over the diminishing pie. There are no cultural ties to bind people to that place. It is an agglomeration of partners who joined for money reasons.

106 here -- oh, and I forgot to mention, PH did NOT freeze salaries. Funny they wouldn't, given how "greedy" the partners are.

-PH Associate (and NOT a partner)

Employment continues to be extremely busy at PH across all offices. Have you considered that the change in the numbers of attorneys also include voluntary departures? For example a large group of immigration lawyers recently left PH to form an all immigration boutique. Doesn't seem to be related to layoffs, likely going to continue a relationship with PH, so these numbers that reveal "the truth" don't even seem to tell the fully story.

you only have a few more months before you are shit canned. Buckle up bitches.

http://endofesq.com/?p=1005

104:

China and the Middle East are not growth areas at this point in time for anyone. Get a clue and then go back to reading for Crim. Law.

105:

The partners I work for have been here a long time and aren't going anywhere and neither am I. If you need work, then ask around. I have been handing out assignments left and right.

105:

The partners I work for have been here a long time and aren't going anywhere and neither am I. If you need work, then ask around. I have been handing out assignments left and right.

113: Which practice group are you in? You are certainly the exception if you are drowning in work. And if you have really been at PH a long time, you should be the first to know that you never know what might happen next. Might want to watch your ass this time.

28:

What profits tumble?

109: you're right, but not just employment. some other areas are busy as well.

as for the "truth" regarding changes in the numbers, that's the whole point. PH is just not forthcoming with even the tiniest bit of info. that's why we're left with nothing to do but speculate about which departures are truly "voluntary".

#36, how do you know when PH performance reviews are? clearly, you don't work there, so how can you comment?

#36, how do you know when PH performance reviews are? do you work there?

paul hastings shanghai office alreay finished layoff professional staff last year. from february this year, the firm shanghai office now are lay off supporting staff. as I know, 1 night secretary, 2 legal secretaries and 1 receptionist were laid off

paul hastings shanghai office alreay finished layoff professional staff last year. from february this year, the firm shanghai office now are lay off supporting staff. as I know, 1 night secretary, 2 legal secretaries and 1 receptionist were laid off

paul hastings shanghai office alreay finished layoff professional staff last year. from february this year, the firm shanghai office now are lay off supporting staff. as I know, 1 night secretary, 2 legal secretaries and 1 receptionist were laid off

Paul Hastings Shanghai office finished layoff professional staff last year. most of professional staff joined the firm in 2008.
The firm now lay off the support staff from Feb. 2009.
1 night secretary + 2 legal secretary +1 receptionist were laid off

Paul Hastings Shanghai office finished layoff professional staff last year. most of professional staff joined the firm in 2008.
The firm now lay off the support staff from Feb. 2009.
1 night secretary + 2 legal secretary +1 receptionist were laid off

Paul Hastings Shanghai office finished layoff professional staff last year. most of professional staff joined the firm in 2008.
The firm now lay off the support staff from Feb. 2009.
1 night secretary + 2 legal secretary +1 receptionist were laid off