Biglaw Firm Lays Off 10% Of Its Workforce, May Defer Incoming Associates

Hot on the heels of stealth layoffs at Kirkland, earlier this afternoon, we wondered when the next round of layoffs would occur. As it turns out, it's happening today.

Silicon Valley powerhouse Gunderson Dettmer is conducting a reduction in force that will affect about 10% of its workforce, including attorneys, paralegals, and other staff members across its U.S. offices. The firm has also notified its incoming associates that their start dates may be deferred. We've also heard that the firm has reportedly cut some of its first-year associates (outside of those who failed the bar exam or had visa issues).

This is Gunderson's second round of layoffs in six months. The firm also deferred its last round of incoming associates back in the fall of 2022.

According to a memo (available on the next page) sent by David T. Young, the firm's managing partner, those affected by the layoffs will receive severance payments as well as out-placement support.

We have reached out to the firm for comment, and will provide an update here if and when we hear back.

Best of luck to those being let go from Gunderson.

If your firm or organization is reducing the ranks of its lawyers or staff, whether through open layoffs, stealth layoffs, or voluntary buyouts, please don't hesitate to let us know. Our vast network of tipsters is part of what makes Above the Law thrive. You can email us or text us (646-820-8477).

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Kirkland & Ellis Lays Off Associates Across US Offices [Bloomberg Law]

Staci Zaretsky is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she's worked since 2011. She'd love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.

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