McDermott Will & Emery Lay of 60 Attorneys, 89 Staff

U.S. Court News

McDermott Will & Emery LLP has laid off 60 attorneys and 89 staff members, becoming the latest Chicago law firm to retrench amid a sharp decline in business.

In an internal memo sent to employees Tuesday, Chairman Harvey Freishtat said the firm performed well last year and remains strong as it moves into 2009.

"However, we are not immune to the continued deterioration in market conditions," Freishtat said. "The business of our clients has slowed, and this has affected our own levels of activity, particularly in the transactional area."

The cut represents about 5 percent of the firm's 1,100 lawyers in 15 offices. It was not known how many lawyers received pink slips in the Chicago office. The firm declined to comment beyond the memo.

The blog "Above the Law" first reported McDermott's layoffs.

Related listings

  • SEC Charges Merrill Lynch with Securities Violations

    SEC Charges Merrill Lynch with Securities Violations

    U.S. Court News 02/02/2009

    The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. and two of its former investment adviser representatives with securities laws violations for misleading pension consulting clients about its money ma...

  • Wyeth Shareholders Reluctant to Pfizer Sale

    Wyeth Shareholders Reluctant to Pfizer Sale

    U.S. Court News 01/28/2009

    Wyeth shareholders say the company is selling itself too cheaply to Pfizer - for $68 billion, or $33 for each Wyeth share, plus 0.985 of a Pfizer share. The federal class action claims that in the deal, announced Monday, Pfizer is taking advantage of...

  • Missing Fla. hedge fund manager turns himself in

    Missing Fla. hedge fund manager turns himself in

    U.S. Court News 01/27/2009

    A Florida hedge fund manager who disappeared this month just as he was due to pay investors $50 million turned himself in to authorities Tuesday to face federal securities and wire fraud charges.Arthur Nadel, accompanied by two attorneys, surrendered...

Lawyer Website Design For Sole Practitioners - Law Promo

Law Promo understands that running a solo law practice can be a difficult undertaking at any stage, especially if you are just starting up your practice.

The most challenging part of running any solo business can be managing each and every aspect, especially those areas in which you have less experience. Marketing is often one of the weakest areas for small businesses and yet is the most important in ensuring business growth.

A solid internet marketing campaign is crucial, as it can level the playing field between you and larger firms and is by far the most cost effective way to attract more clients.

Business News

Cook County IL Trucking Lawyers We are one of Cook County's leading Workers’ Compensation firms. Illinois workers’ compensation, transportation lawyers. >> read
Santa Ana, CA Workers' Compensation Lawyers We are one of Orange County’s leading Workers’ Compensation firms. >> read