Big Law Layoffs Mean Buyer’s Market for Firms Raided During Boom

Law firms whose rosters were thinned by larger rivals in last year’s recruiting war are seeing a chance to strike back.

“There is opportunity for smaller firms, non-AmLaw 50 firms, [and] firms that don’t pay market to grab some really, really talented lawyers right now, both from law firm layoffs but also from tech company layoffs,” said Kate Reder Sheikh, a Northern California-based legal recruiter Major, Lindsey & Africa.

Big Law firms scrambling for talent as demand surged over the last two years often poached from smaller and regional competitors. They lured associates away with higher pay and the option ...