Manatt Phelps & Phillips said Monday that it had laid off 17 lawyers and 8 staff because of the economic slowdown. The L.A.-based firm listed 405 attorneys on its Web site on Monday, with about 75 percent working out of its five California offices.
The news first appeared on Above the Law. A firm statement said it provided those who were laid off with “financial and other assistance to help with their transitions.”
“The broad economic slowdown continues to present challenges to businesses in every industry. The quality and breadth our national practice, as well as initiatives to improve resource utilization and reduce expenses, have positioned us to meet these challenges. Responsible stewardship, however, requires ongoing evaluation and appropriate alignment of staffing levels with client needs,” the statement continued.
A storm of layoffs that swept the industry in February and early March seems to have subsided, but layoff news keeps occasionally trickling in. Manatt confirmed earlier this month that it had laid off nearly fifty people since October, ahead of Monday’s latest batch. Since it appears Manatt’s layoffs have not come in discreet waves, it’s arguable whether Monday’s announcement represents a second wave or just the continuation of a long tide.
— Amanda Royal
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