Edwards Wildman spokesman John Tuerck confirmed on Tuesday that the law firm was laying off 52 employees across 10 of its 16 offices worldwide. The employees include 42 administrative staff and 10 attorneys. The law firm says the downsizing is a consequence of restructuring necessitated by changes in technology.
A statement from the law firm mentioned, “Advances in technology have resulted in a need for fewer support staff and related services in law firms. In addition, we are positioning our firm to reflect the industries and markets we serve.”
Edwards Wildman grew out of Edwards & Angell which was founded in 1894. The firm became Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge in 2005 following a merger, and then again in 2011 it merged with another firm to become Edwards Wildman. However, the merger in 2011 between Edwards Angell and Wildman Harrold led to a large number of partner defections. So, much so, that according to Above the Law, the law firm ranked third in the list of those which witnessed the greatest numbers of partner defections.
However, it’s not all heartless, but a business decision, as the statement pointed out: “While it is always difficult to say farewell to long-time colleagues, we are confident that this realignment and the creation of an in-house administrative resource center will enable us to serve clients more efficiently and strengthen the firm in the long term.”
According to reports, the biggest number of jobs were lost at the Boston office of the firm, and both the secretarial and IT departments were hurt. Many who had worked for the firm for more than twenty years, lost their jobs due to technological progress.
The law firm statement assured, “Those affected will receive severance packages commensurate with their tenure and position levels, and we thank them for their many contributions to the firm.”
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