Law firm shedding 90 jobs
NINETY jobs are being shed at the region’s largest law firm Dickinson Dees, which has an office in Stockton.
Fifteen of its fee-earning solicitors will be among 90 out of a total staff of 775 to be made redundant. Every office except London will be affected, with property divisions taking the brunt of the cuts.
Senior partner Robin Bloom said he expected turnover for the current financial year to be maintained at around last year’s £50m.
“We had been budgeting for continued growth but this has not materialised, therefore we have had to trim the number of our people to support the level of business.
“We expect the next 12 months to be hard and the steps we are taking will ensure we are placed to function effectively in this environment.
“We very much hope this will be all the cuts necessary, although no one can see what the future holds.”
The firm has already sold its d3 Legal division, which mainly handled property, to Bradford-based Optima Legal following redundancies there last year, but this is the first time cuts have affected its core business.
A Dickinson Dees statement added: “The initial proposal will aim to reduce headcount by 90 people across the fee-earning and support staff functions, but particularly in the property department.
“Where possible we will explore alternatives, short of redundancy, aimed at retaining staff and, where redundancies are necessary, we will seek volunteers where possible.
“The reduction will be sought across all of our offices except London and we will not be closing any of our offices.
“This action is a measured response to the current economic conditions and underlying levels of business are doing well but these steps are necessary to ensure that the long-term strength and stability of the firm is maintained.”
