Today Hogan & Hartson informed 93 US support staffers they don’t have to come back next week.
From the memo:
…we reluctantly have concluded that two steps are required at this time: (1) a layoff of 93 non-legal staff members in our U.S. offices; and (2) temporary implementation of our established 1,800 hour associate compensation track in all U.S. offices for U.S. associates whom we cannot currently project will meet their 2009 billable hours expectation.
In addition, we are undertaking a comprehensive review of associate and support staff levels in offices outside of the United States…
The individuals being laid off are being personally contacted today, and each is being offered an above-market separation package of from 4 to 6 months of compensation, depending upon their tenure with the Firm…
Apparently, February’s voluntary buyout plan didn’t go over so well.
… We had hoped that the voluntary separation program we announced in February would largely address our staffing overcapacity. We made that offer to about 250 staff, but only 28 accepted it. …
Founded in 1904, Hogan & Hartson is the oldest major law firm headquartered in Washington, DC. It is a global firm with more than 1,100 lawyers in 27 offices worldwide, including offices in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.