BigLaw layoffs lower in 2010 than previous year, says law blog

BigLaw layoffs have slowed considerably in 2010 compared to the previous year, according to a blog that tracks layoffs at major law firms.

According to Law Shucks, a blog that tracks layoffs, lateral hires and bonuses in BigLaw, major U.S. law firms either laid off or lost 234 lawyers and 511 para-legals in 2010, compared to a whopping 12,259 in 2009.

With all due respect to the 745 individuals affected, 2010 was a modest year for layoffs in our little slice of heaven, the blog said.

The blog, which tracked 26 rounds of layoffs by 22 major law firms, however cautioned that most layoffs either are underreported or go unreported.

The law firms, which witnessed biggest job losses, were Howrey (159 people), Eversheds (112 people), Mayer Brown (75 people), Lovells (69 people) and Morrison & Foerster (60 people).

Question to readers Why do you think Howrey has topped the layoff list? Leave your comments below.