Times are so tough, even swanky law firms are cutting back. Albeit, it's on coffee, but it is cutting back just the same.
Lawyers at the the Chicago law firm of McDermott Will & Emery are going to have to pony up for their own coffee.
Quentin Heisler, who heads up McDermott's Chicago office, has told colleagues not only will the firm no longer provide free coffee, it also will suspend evening food services. (NOTE: If you are a restaurant that delivers in the area, you may want to give McDermott's a call).
Heisler said the firm will keep single-serve coffee machines and offer drinks for client meetings.
These are tough choices for a firm with offices in cities like Rome, Brussels, New York and Milan. Heisler says the cutbacks are not signs the firm is in financial trouble. He said the changes are symbolic moves made in conjunction with other budget cuts.
All you have to do is read the firm's message on their website to see that they are more in touch with the economic climate than, let's say Northern Trust, the Chicago bank that splurged on big parties after receiving a federal bailout.
"We understand how economic, social and political issues affect operations because our lawyers have navigated the complex business and regulatory environment themselves," the site proclaims.
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There have been more substantial cuts at the premier international law firm.
The firm has laid off 60 associates and 89 staff members. McDermott even canceled a fancy black-tie, 75th anniversary event at the Field Museum. That money will help pay severance benefits for people who lost their jobs.
