Dechert is laying off about 5% of its workforce, the global law firm confirmed Tuesday.
The firm is trimming 55 lawyers and 43 professional staff members from its payroll. Dechert, which has more than 1,000 lawyers across its 21 offices, is also beginning a “redundancy process in London,” it said in a statement.
“We anticipate that, subject to the ongoing consultation process in London, 5% of our total global workforce will be impacted,” the firm said. “While this was a difficult decision, we continue to execute on the firm’s strategic plan by providing world-class legal service, focusing on areas of growth, bringing high-profile clients and matters to the firm, and advancing innovation in the legal industry.”
Several Big Law firms have trimmed their junior ranks as work across transactional practices has slowed. Cooley laid off 150 associates and staff late last year. Kirkland & Ellis Goodwin Procter, Gunderson Dettmer, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan and Shearman & Sterling are also among the firms that have made cuts.
Dechert is among the 50 largest law firms in the US, reporting more than $1.2 billion in gross revenue and $3.6 million in profits per equity partner in 2022, according to American Lawyer data.
The London office has more than 170 lawyers, according to its website.
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