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Why law firms are tightening their belts, shrinking attorney ranks: ‘The work has fallen off a cliff’

The decline in demand for legal work last year followed years of growth driven by a boom in mergers and acquisitions work

Goodwin Procter's leadership team said in recent months "macroeconomic headwinds" and a slowdown in demand has led to a 5% reduction in its professional staff
Goodwin Procter's leadership team said in recent months "macroeconomic headwinds" and a slowdown in demand has led to a 5% reduction in its professional staff Photo: Andrew Kelly/Alamy

Some large law firms, citing economic headwinds and slowing demand, are tightening their belts by shrinking their attorney ranks and eliminating professional staff.

The law firms that have cut associate attorneys in recent months include Shearman & Sterling, Goodwin Procter and Stroock & Stroock & Lavan. Davis Wright Tremaine said it would eliminate professional staff, but not attorneys.

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