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Archive for the ‘Layoffs’ Category

Today, we conclude our three-part mini-series on the mechanics of the stealth layoff.  We have now discussed the first two parts of the stealth layoff: establishing the record and informing the associate.  The final piece is negotiating for voluntary leave and is, in many ways, the most interesting aspect to the stealth layoff: it explains [...]

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Today, we continue our discussion of the mechanics of the stealth layoff.  After the partnership has established a firm, iron-clad written record of the associate’s poor performance, it is prepared to move forward in informing the associate of the impending layoff. Depending on the situation, a firm will sometimes attempt to “wean” the associate from [...]

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I have received numerous requests to write about the stealth layoff, a topic that is by its nature a secret.  The question is, if a stealth layoff is by definition disguised and “stealthy,” how does one go about writing about this topic? I set out to interview associates who have left their firms to determine [...]

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I’d like to go back to an issue that I touched upon in an earlier post but didn’t address fully: the relationship between competency and firings. It’s a well-known fact that there are more associates fired from their jobs (asked to leave, asked to resign, forced out the door — whatever you want to call [...]

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Stealth layoffs are like sudden disappearances: one minute, your colleague in the adjoining office is there, like every other day, and the next minute, POOF!, he’s gone. Vanished.  Disappeared. Firms use stealth layoffs for a variety of reasons.  First, they are used to counter associate morale problems.  Job security is important, and firms know that [...]

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“It’s the economy, stupid!”

Associates huddle behind closed doors, in someone’s office, or at a secret lunch location that partners don’t frequent.  The air is heavy with worry and fear.  They’ve noticed that there have been a large number of departures lately, e-mails from other associates with subject headers such as “Farewell!” and “my contact info” and “Thanks for [...]

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