The impact of the continuing economic downturn on law firms was made clear this week, as it was revealed that more than 70 jobs are at risk at three leading firms.
First out of the trap is Farrers. The firm refused to comment on redundancies when approached by RollOnFriday in December, but has finally confirmed them. 12 roles are at risk, with both fee-earners and non fee-earners affected.
A spokeswoman claimed that "there are no plans for further staff reductions". But insiders say that there are "glum faces all round" as the Queen's firm struggles to fill the void left by News International and, if rumours are to be believed, fewer instructions from the Palace. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge used Harbottles for their recent problems with the press...
Meanwhile, CMS Cameron McKenna has confirmed to Legal Week that 40 jobs may go, including 26 lawyers. Clearly dumping or relocating a third of its support staff less than two years ago hasn't saved enough pennies. A spokesman said "we need to manage efficiently in what remains a tough market".
And insiders have told RollOnFriday that up to 20 jobs are at risk at Halsalls in the north west. The five partner firm employs around 100 staff to deal with road traffic accident litigation, so this would be a huge cut. The firm failed to confirm this, with a spokeswoman saying that all the partners "are in meetings all day".
Tip Off ROF
First out of the trap is Farrers. The firm refused to comment on redundancies when approached by RollOnFriday in December, but has finally confirmed them. 12 roles are at risk, with both fee-earners and non fee-earners affected.
A spokeswoman claimed that "there are no plans for further staff reductions". But insiders say that there are "glum faces all round" as the Queen's firm struggles to fill the void left by News International and, if rumours are to be believed, fewer instructions from the Palace. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge used Harbottles for their recent problems with the press...
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Off with his head |
Meanwhile, CMS Cameron McKenna has confirmed to Legal Week that 40 jobs may go, including 26 lawyers. Clearly dumping or relocating a third of its support staff less than two years ago hasn't saved enough pennies. A spokesman said "we need to manage efficiently in what remains a tough market".
And insiders have told RollOnFriday that up to 20 jobs are at risk at Halsalls in the north west. The five partner firm employs around 100 staff to deal with road traffic accident litigation, so this would be a huge cut. The firm failed to confirm this, with a spokeswoman saying that all the partners "are in meetings all day".