Baker & McKenzie are the latest in a long list of international firms to announce redundancies. The firm has confirmed lay-offs in 20 legal positions in London, including both associates and paralegals. According to published reports, these cuts have affected a number of practice areas, including corporate.
"Over the last six months we have seen a deterioration in our business that has caused us to review our legal and support services and make this difficult decision," says managing partner Gary Senior.
The cuts mean that Baker & McKenzie has become one of a growing number of US firms to formally reduce staff numbers in London. White & Case, Reed Smith, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, Dechert and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe have all announced lay-offs, with Chadbourne & Parke last week also confirming that up to six support positions there could go.