Philadelphia DA’s Office Revokes Offers to All 12 Incoming Attorneys

In an unprecedented move, the 300-lawyer Philadelphia district attorney's office has revoked its earlier offers to all 12 of the new attorneys who were scheduled to start work there this fall.

Hiring committee chair Kathleen McDonnell said reduced attrition--only two lawyers left last year, compared to the usual 30 or so--is one reason why the "heartbreaking" decision had to be made, reports the Legal Intelligencer. The city also is struggling financially, and the DA's office budget was cut by 5 percent during the current fiscal year.

Last year, the DA's office brought in a 35-attorney starting class.

Hat tip: Above the Law.