| Although the layoffs announced Wednesday by Reed Smith -- including 115 U.S. staff positions and an anticipated 11 U.K. associates -- represent less than 4 percent of the firm's work force, they look to be the largest one-time staff cut of any firm nationally since the economic downturn began this year. Global managing partner Gregory Jordan said he does not expect any more staff cuts, and that he does not anticipate any attorney layoffs in the United States. |
| Reed Smith Lays Off 115 Staff in United States |
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| What will next year look like at the biggest law firms? For the first time since began surveying firm leaders in 2003, their answer is: We're not sure. More than half the respondents reported feeling uncertain about the year ahead, up from a quarter a year ago. Managing partners are projecting lower profit gains and fairly stagnant deal flow. Still, one aspect of firm management may never change: Ninety-eight percent of respondents said their billing rates will be higher next year. |
| Annual Survey Shows Law Firm Leaders Wary but Confident |
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| In the 30th anniversary year of the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act, the "second generation of pregnancy discrimination" has arrived at the U.S. Supreme Court, say some civil rights and women's rights lawyers. The four women at the center of entered the work force and took maternity leaves before the PDA was enacted. The case, which will be argued on Dec. 10, could affect thousands of female workers, retired or about to retire, as well as company pension plans. |
| Supreme Court to Consider Pensions and Pregnancy Leave |
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| A shift may be coming in the way associate bonuses are structured, as firms use the economic downturn as a reason to overhaul associate compensation packages. Leaders at several firms say that while bonus structures aren't changing this year, models for next year may be more closely examined. Meanwhile, in the short term some firms are predicting reductions. K&L Gates managing partner Peter Kalis said he wouldn't be surprised if, across the country, bonuses were "more subdued" than they have been. |
| Law Firms Consider Overhaul of Associate Bonus Structures |
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