Sheppard Mullin eliminates pandemic pay cuts altogether, but cuts 22 of 44 furloughed staff positions
Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, one of the big law firms in the US, has announced that it will be eliminating attorney and staff pay cuts made in response to the coronavirus crisis. The firm had previously announced that it would halve the 5% to 10% pay reductions it implemented back in May for staff in response to the crisis. The firm had also said that it would reduce the spring’s associate, staff attorney and special counsel pay cuts from 12% to 6%.
However, in an email to the firm on Tuesday, Sheppard Mullin Chairman Guy Halgren said that the firm will eliminate pandemic pay cuts altogether. The firm will also make whole those who received a percentage compensation adjustment in their Oct. 16 paychecks.
However, as has been the case at other big law firms, some previously furloughed staff at Sheppard Mullin will lose their jobs. Halgren said that “due to the pandemic and limited expected office usage for a continued period into the future, we have now determined we will not have jobs for 22 of the 44 furloughed people.” He said those positions will be eliminated as a reduction-in-force and given severance packages and medical insurance paid through the end of the year. Those remaining 22 staff will be offered the opportunity to opt into the same severance package, which will provide one week of salary per year of service, capped at 26 weeks and with a minimum of four weeks.
In recent weeks, many law firms have been walking back or eliminating compensation reductions for attorneys and staff. The cuts, which initially reached nearly half of the AmLaw 100, were implemented as firms feared the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Despite initial projections earlier this year that the coronavirus crisis would severely impact law firm profitability and revenue, many firms have only seen slight dips over the last few months. Some, like Davis Polk & Wardwell and Debevoise & Plimpton, have handed out large pandemic-related bonuses to associates.
Perkins Coie announced last week that it would eliminate salary cuts for lawyers and staff. K&L Gates and Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe announced they would be eliminating salary cuts for attorneys and staff and restoring salaries to pre-pandemic levels. But as firms roll back their salary cuts, law firm staff members have faced layoffs. Last month, Davis Wright Tremaine said it would lay off 39 staff members. Baker McKenzie, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, Nixon Peabody, Seyfarth Shaw, Venable, and Winston & Strawn have also announced layoffs.
The elimination of pandemic pay cuts by Sheppard Mullin is a positive step for the firm, but the layoffs of 22 of 44 furloughed staff members is a reminder that the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic is still ongoing and affecting businesses of all sizes. As the pandemic continues to impact the economy, it is important for businesses to be transparent with their employees and provide them with the support they need during these difficult times.
About Harrison Barnes
Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.
With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.
Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.
Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.
One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.
One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.
Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.
In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.
Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.
In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.
About BCG Attorney Search
BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.
Harrison Barnes does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for attorneys and law students each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can attend anonymously and ask questions about your career, this article, or any other legal career-related topics. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
Harrison also does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for law firms, companies, and others who hire attorneys each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
You can browse a list of past webinars here: Webinar Replays
You can also listen to Harrison Barnes Podcasts here: Attorney Career Advice Podcasts
You can also read Harrison Barnes' articles and books here: Harrison's Perspectives
Harrison Barnes is the legal profession's mentor and may be the only person in your legal career who will tell you why you are not reaching your full potential and what you really need to do to grow as an attorney--regardless of how much it hurts. If you prefer truth to stagnation, growth to comfort, and actionable ideas instead of fluffy concepts, you and Harrison will get along just fine. If, however, you want to stay where you are, talk about your past successes, and feel comfortable, Harrison is not for you.
Truly great mentors are like parents, doctors, therapists, spiritual figures, and others because in order to help you they need to expose you to pain and expose your weaknesses. But suppose you act on the advice and pain created by a mentor. In that case, you will become better: a better attorney, better employees, a better boss, know where you are going, and appreciate where you have been--you will hopefully also become a happier and better person. As you learn from Harrison, he hopes he will become your mentor.
To read more career and life advice articles visit Harrison's personal blog.
