NLJ 250

The NLJ 250 is out. 

The National Law Journal’s annual survey of the country’s largest law firms shows (no surprise) that hiring slowed significantly in 2008.  Seven large firms announced layoffs this year and 2 top firms on the list, Heller Ehrman and Thelen, dissolved, affecting about 1200 attorneys.  DLA Piper stayed at the big of the list and K&L Gates climbed into the major 10 firms

Among the findings:

Growth is down.  The big 250 firms increased lawyer ranks by 4.3%, compared to 5.6% in 2007. 

16 firms entered or left the list with several firms from the south and east entering the list and several from the Midwest leaving.

K&L Gates grew significantly, becoming one of the 10 largest firms for the first time through mergers and lateral hires.

The credit crisis led to layoffs at several large law firms.  Seven large firms announced layoffs totaling more than 200 lawyers.  Hundreds more lost positions with the dissolution of Heller Ehrman and Thelen.