The firm will pay the “laid off” first-years their $5,000 starting bonus. The firm says it rescinded offers to the six 3Ls because it does not have enough work for them.
The firm has transferred associates from its corporate and real estate departments into litigation.
If the economy recovers, Morris Manning says it will offer jobs to the 3Ls whose positions it has rescinded.
The cancellation of the summer associate program affects nine law students, eight 2Ls and a 1L. The firm plans to resume the program if the economy improves, and will make a decision on its 2010 program by this summer.
Morris Manning laid off four associates this year, but does not plan to make any additional reductions.