K&L Gates has changed its notice period poloicy, making all non-equity partners have the same 90 days notice. For some, this move has shortened the period from 180 days and for others it has lengthened it from one month to three. Some say that this move is fortelling non-equity partner lay-offs to come.

Source:  www.thelawyer.com

Gardere Wynne Sewell has reduced first salaries from $140,000 to $120,000 (before a $5,000 starting bonus). The plan goes into effect at the start of the new year. The salary is not the only number the firm is reducing; new associates will be required to bill 1,700 hours as opposed to the current 2,000.

Source:  www.law.com

Akerman Senterfitt has expanded its Tallahassee, Florida office with the addition of Braulio L. Baez. Baez joins the energy and utlities practice with more than 15 years of experience. He was the chairman of the Florida Public Service Commission.

Source:  www.renewgridmag.com

The partners at Lovells and Hogan & Hartson have begun to vote on the merger between the two firms. Lovells needs 75% of the partnership to vote for the merger in order for it pass. It appears likely to happen since each firm would benefit from such a merger. Lovells would see the retirement age of 65 removed, mirroring Hogan’s US system. Hogan partners would gain the 30-day holiday entitlement from the Lovells partners. The voting will end on December 15^th. The combined firm’s new name will be Hogan Lovells.

Source:  www.nylj.com

A group consisting of four biotech patent lawyers and two patent agents has joined Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice. The team was previously with Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman. The start-dates have been varied as to make for a better transition. Thomas Cawley Jr. was to first to join on November 2^nd as partner. The other members of the team are: Linda Hutchinson, Counsel; Julie Meigs and Russell Timm, Associates; Bernard Brown II, biotech patent agent; and Nidhi Chotani, software patent agent.

Source:  www.legaltimes.typad.com

Chadbourne & Parke has announced plans to reimburse associates the amount that the firm cut from paychecks back in April. That amount was undisclosed. Chadbourne told employees that when things picked up, the firm would pay part or all of the wage reduction. Now that the market is picking up, the firm believes it is time to make good on its word.

Source:  www.nylj.com

The number of associate promotions to partner has declined significantly in 2009. In the month of November, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton has promoted half as many associates as last year, from eight to four. Latham & Watkins has decreased its numbers by 25 percent to 23. Ropes & Gray has graduated eight associates to partner, a third of the number from last year. The ecomonic downturn is partially to blame, but it would appear that in recent years promotions were becoming increasingly more difficult to come by.

Source:  www.nylj.com