Cuts at Chapman and Cutler Hit More Lawyers in Lower-Paying Tier

Chapman and Cutler announced a program 18 months ago that gave third-year associates a choice: They could work more hours for more pay, or fewer hours for less pay.

Now some associates in the lower-paid tier likely regret their choice. The Chicago-based firm has been pruning underperforming lawyers, and more of them are in the lower-paid group, the National Law Journal reports.

Rick Cosgrove, the firm's chief executive partner, told the NLJ that the firm considers its two-tier program a success. But, he acknowledged, "Many of the really high performers tend to be in that higher level" and they are more likely to keep their jobs.

The lower-tier associates aren't the only lawyers likely to be affected by cost-cutting, though. Cosgrove said the law firm may cut top pay for starting associates from $160,000 a year to $145,000.

The firm is also cutting costs by shortening its summer associate program by two weeks, eliminating its public relations budget, and canceling its May partner retreat.