By: Caryn Tamber

From the American Lawyer by way of Texas Lawyer comes this short piece on how firms decide which associates to lay off. It’s worth a read, though there’s nothing earth-shattering. David Bario and Drew Combs write:

So how are associates marked for extinction? Who lives, who dies, and why?

It’s not simply a matter of hours. There is a calculus involved. Some firms really are “realigning,” or making up for lack of traditional associate attrition. Others are tossing deadweight as fast as possible from a sinking ship. But even though a number of agendas are at work, firms usually start at the same place: billables.

…

Still, firm leaders say it’s rare to simply draw a line and fire every single associate who falls below it.

The writers talk to one law firm chairman who tells them that one lawyer may be producing fewer hours than a colleague but doing better work. The competent attorney with low hours may be spared.

That’s a relief, at least. I know I’m hardly the first person to point this out, but isn’t there something wrong with a culture that rewards junior employees for taking a really long time to complete their work?

HT: ABA Journal.