Big Law Layoffs Look to Correct ‘Over-Hiring’ in Pandemic Boom

Big Law associates just months ago were hot commodities—they had the luxury of choosing between major firms who offered to let them work and live wherever they like and dangled hefty signing bonuses.

Now some are out of jobs.

The hiring frenzy has swiftly turned to an anxious moment for junior lawyers. News of recent layoffs at highly profitable firms is slowly seeping across the industry. There are warning signs that the pressure to cut headcount will only grow in the New Year.

There’s no consensus on how many firms will make layoffs and how deep the cuts will be, ...