We’re working on the Orrick layoffs, and what looks clear at first blush — 100 associates, 200 staffers pinkslipped — turns out to be a little murky.
It’s unclear what percentage of Orrick’s associate workforce got sent home today. The firm announced it had cut 100 associates, and says it had 712. That makes a 14 percent reduction. But the firm calls it 12 percent, by adding 95 of counsel to swell its non-partner ranks to 807.
Why count of counsels, we asked — were any of them shown the door? The firm has told us that the “100 associates” number actually included of counsel. Legal Pad has been asking all morning how many of counsel were let go, but the firm continues to hedge.
What’s the big deal over a perception of 2 percent? Twelve percent is the amount by which Latham & Watkins reduced its associate ranks on Friday — at that point the largest reduction by any U.S.-based firm. Orrick’s math gives it a tie rather than setting a new record.
Big firms always want to be seen to be on the cutting edge, but not when they’re cutting jobs.
— Amanda Royal
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