If the recession's exploded one myth it's that lawyers will always be employed, boom or bust. Today's L.A. Business Journal reports that Gibson Dunn & Crutcher has sacked 36 “support staff workers” in its nine offices due to the downturn — seems individuals and businesses are shying away from litigation and the need for attorneys. American Lawyer even maintains an updated Layoff List. So far this year L.A. has seen a surprising number of blue chip legal firms downsize their downtown offices:
- February 27: Latham & Watkins LLP lays off 190 associates nationwide. The L.A.-founded powerhouse also sacked 250 support staff across the country.
- March 4: O'Melveny & Myers LLP pink-slips 90 lawyers and 110 support staff firmwide.
- March 10: Hastings Janofsky & Walker LLP lays off 44 associates and 87 support staff.
- March 27: Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP, lays off 36 support employees.
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