Sonnenschein Announces Layoffs of Up to 36 Lawyers

Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal has announced a round of layoffs that will affect up to 36 lawyers.

In a written statement provided to the Kansas City Business Journal, the firm says that up to 24 associates could be affected. The Chicago-based international firm doesn't break down the layoffs by office.

The statement says the layoffs were needed to accord its legal staffing to the workload in some of Sonnenschein's practice areas, according to the business publication, and describes the move as a prudent business decision will adversely affect "some very good people.” It goes on to say that Sonnenschein is "optimistic that these necessary actions will continue to place us on sound footing as we move forward aggressively into 2010.”

Additional and related earlier coverage:

Above the Law: "Nationwide Layoff Watch: Sonnenschein Continues the September Push"

ABAJournal.com: "Sweeping Sonnenschein Pay Plan Eliminates Lockstep, Offers ‘Flexibility’"

ABAJournal.com: "Sonnenschein Closes 11-Lawyer Office in Charlotte, N.C."

ABAJournal.com: "Sonnenschein Offers Bonuses of Up to $70K, but Freezes Pay"