I want to congratulate my partner Jon Fields for his selection as a Top 100 Super Lawyer in Massachusetts for his work in Family Law.
As BigLaw slashes payroll, small firms weather storm – Attorney Sheryl Dennis Featured in Lawyers Weekly
Though the Boston market has been rocked by reports of BigLaw firms cutting pay and staff in response to the coronavirus emergency, pink slips seem to be few and far between for some smaller firms with niche practices.
The public health emergency has kept Sheryl J. Dennis and five other attorneys at the Wellesley Hills firm of Fields & Dennis plenty busy handling family law and estate planning matters. According to Dennis, her firm had one of its most profitable months in March — despite the coronavirus outbreak.
“We’re busy. We’re getting calls,” she reports.
The intellectual property firm Lando & Anastasi moved its offices from Cambridge to the heart of Boston’s Financial District on March 1 — just as the American public was beginning to grasp the scope of the coronavirus threat.
Founding partner Peter C. Lando says the pandemic hasn’t altered the firm’s plans to hire more attorneys. In fact, Lando anticipates his firm will be the beneficiary of BigLaw rashly letting go of IP talent.
“We’re not thinking of any cuts,” Lando says. “Things look strong, given the circumstances. We’re open to hiring. We’re in discussions with folks at the moment.”
Meanwhile, news of belt-tightening at BigLaw firms with Boston offices is coming at an accelerated pace.
Above the Law reported on April 7 that Brown Rudnick was furloughing a number of associates, cutting associate pay for several months by “7.5 percent on an annualized basis,” and deferring payment of 2019 associate bonuses. The firm reportedly was also cutting equity draws by partners.
“Brown Rudnick has taken expense management steps during these uncertain times,” Chairman and CEO William R. Baldiga said in an emailed statement to Lawyers Weekly. “The firm is dedicated to its lawyers and staff and has implemented a proactive plan to maintain the strong financial standing of the firm that does not involve layoffs.”
On March 30, the ATL website reported that Womble, Bond, Dickinson had implemented a number of cost-cutting measures, including laying off associates and furloughing staff. The steps reportedly included 10 percent pay cuts for anyone making over $100,000, with smaller reductions for employees in lower salary ranges.
In an emailed statement to Lawyers Weekly, the firm confirmed that it had made the “hard decision” to furlough some employees and “let go” others.
“In addition, we are temporarily instituting a 10 percent or less pay reduction (with lower levels of compensation reduced by smaller percentages) for our remaining staff and attorneys, in addition to a more substantial partner compensation reduction,” the Womble statement said. “Decisions like these are never easy, but we believe taking these steps now will curb the negative economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and keep our firm strong and well-positioned to continue serving our clients at the highest level.”
On April 1, the ATL website reported that the March equity partner distributions at Arent Fox had been reduced by 60 percent. Meanwhile, the firm reportedly had reduced by 30 percent the salaries of nonequity partners and counsel, and cut by 25 percent the pay of associates and staff.
In a statement, the firm confirmed it had made “temporary adjustments” to its business operations in responding to the “economic disruption” caused by COVID-19.
“Firm leadership is closely following these significant events and recognizes that the biggest financial risk to a law firm is underreacting,” the Arent Fox statement said. “In response to the economic slowdown, the firm is instituting a temporary pay cut for all attorneys, professionals, and staff.”
Nixon Peabody made the headlines on April 3, reportedly furloughing 25 percent of staff effective April 6. Nixon Peabody did not respond to a request for comment.
Lando attributes his own firm’s strong position to having a diversified practice.
“We have a good, diversified portfolio in our client mix,” Lando says. “That helps in these times.”
Lando says he sometimes finds large firms to be “over-reactive” in responding to the market on issues such as associate pay and raising rates. He questions whether the recent wave of layoffs and pay cuts may also represent an over-reaction in a time of crisis.
“I was surprised by the quick and drastic action that many have taken,” Lando says, noting that BigLaw firms tend to take their cue from what others in the market are doing.
“They follow one another,” Lando says. “It’s as if one firm takes the lead and they all chase. They’re deferring partner pay, cutting expenses, and cutting head count across the board. These are pretty drastic measures.”
What’s often “missing in the picture,” he adds, is the fact the decisions impact individuals with families.
“I trust that they’re not making these decisions cavalierly, but I do get concerned about the wild swings I see,” Lando says.
Dennis admits she has concerns for her practice should the public health emergency last for more than three months. But assuming the coronavirus crisis is of relatively short duration, Dennis is confident that her firm will “weather the storm.”
“And on the other side of it, I think we’re going to be busier than ever,” she says.
What does it mean for parenting plans now that the courts are closed?
Reminder We Offer Online Divorce Mediation
Working Through Divorce with Online Divorce Mediation
Fields and Dennis LLP is offering confidential online consultations through video conference. We also are offering online mediations. Call us at 781-489-6776 to schedule your consultation or online mediation.
Online divorce mediation is an easy and safe way to keep your divorce negotiations on track during the Coronavirus lockdown period and while social distancing protocols are in place. Divorce can be difficult but even if you are not a regular user of technology, we are making online divorce and mediation convenient and accessible for all our clients. Most online mediation can be easily done by simply clicking on a link that takes you to an online mediation room where you can chat in complete discretion with the other party and the mediator. Everything done online is completely private. We take your privacy very seriously and have put in place all the necessary protocols to ensure your information is completely secure online. Please read more about our online divorce mediation services.
Attorney Jonathan Fields presents Boston Bar Association panel “The Impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on Family Law, Divorce and Estate Planning,”
Jonathan Fields presented on a panel at the Boston Bar Association on March 5, “The Impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on Family Law, Divorce and Estate Planning,” explaining to lawyers the new law regarding the deductibility and includability of alimony, the elimination of the dependency exemption and other changes that will affect divorcing couples.
https://www.bostonbar.org/membership/events/event-details?ID=26544
Vicki L. Shemin mentioned in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly
Vicki L. Shemin was recently mentioned in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly on becoming a member of The Massachusetts Family and Probate American Inn of Court
Jonathan E. Fields quoted in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly Article on ‘reimagined’ court
Jonathan E. Fields Recently Spoke at The 27th Annual Family Law Conference
Friday, October 13 – Saturday, October 14, 2017
The Massachusetts Bar Association’s Family Law Section Council recently held its 27th Annual Family Law Conference at the Sea Crest Beach Hotel on October 13-14, 2017.
Probate and Family Court Chief Justice Angela M. Ordoñez delivered her annual State of the Court address.
Jonathan E. Fields was invited to speak about the recent update to Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines. Jonathan Fields was one of four private attorneys appointed by Chief Justice Paula Carey to the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines Taskforce.
The conference agenda follows below:
Conference Agenda
Friday, October 13, 2017
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12:00 – 12:50 A Roundtable Discussion: Along the Path of the Alimony Reform Act
Join our esteemed roundtable as panelists discuss and debate the progression of the case law under the Alimony Reform Act of 2011 and upcoming appellate cases regarding alimony.
Moderator:
Jennifer M. Clark, Esq., Casner & Edwards
Panelists:
David E. Cherny, Esq., Atwood & Cherny, P.C.
Elaine M. Epstein, Esq., Todd & Weld LLP
Fern L. Frolin, Esq., Mirick O’Connell
David H. Lee, Esq., Lee & Rivers LLP
Paul M. Kane, Esq., McGrath & Kane
Richard M. Novitch, Esq., Todd & Weld LLP -
1:00 – 1:05 Welcome Remarks
Lloyd D. Godson, Chair MBA Family Law Section Council -
1:05 – 1:35 State of the Court Address
Chief Justice Angela M. Ordoñez -
1:45 – 2:30 Child Support Guidelines 2017 – The Update
Moderator:
Michael G. Xavier, Esq., Prince Lobel Tye LLP
Panelists:
Denise Fitzgerald, Esq. Manager of Legal Research Services, Probate & Family Court Administrative Office
Jonathan E. Fields, Esq., Fields and Dennis LLP
James J. Richards, Esq., Lee & Rivers LLP -
2:35 – 3:45 Judicial Forum
Current judges give their take on various hypothetical situations and provide practical advice on practicing in the Probate and Family Court.
Moderators:
Elizabeth A. Roberts, Esq. and Nan M. Sauer, Esq., Roberts & Sauer LLP
Panelists:
Hon. Joan Armstrong, Suffolk Probate & Family Court
Hon. Kathryn M. Bailey, Worcester Probate & Family Court
Hon. Theresa A. Bisenius, Middlesex Probate & Family Court
Hon. Melanie J. Gargas, Middlesex Probate & Family Court -
4:00-5:15 Illicit Surveillance of Electronic Systems in Family Law Cases
Your client’s spouse seems to have an uncanny sense of where you client is, whom your client is talking to, and what your client is saying. Coincidence? Perhaps not. When you hear the implausible, don’t dismiss it: follow the facts where they lead you. Join our experts as they discuss their collective experience with illicit surveillance in domestic matters, how to expose it, and how to overcome it.
Moderator:
Marc Moccia, Esq., Kazarosian Costello LLP
Panelists:
Regina M. Hurley, Esq., Verrill Dana, LLP
Mark Spencer, Arsenal Consulting
Pamela Hay, Broad Range Investigations -
6:00 Reception
Saturday, October 14, 2017
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8:45-10:00 Social Media Evidence: Getting It In, and Keeping It Out
Moderator:
Kathleen O’Malley, Esq., Raipher, P.C.
Panelists:
Hon. Barbara Hyland, First Justice, Hampden Probate & Family Court
Hon. Robert A. Scandurra, Barnstable Probate & Family Court -
10:10-12:00 Trial Skills at Work: Evidence Clinics
Boost your knowledge, skills and confidence with these two intensive and instructive evidence clinics that will take your trial abilities to a whole new level. Using intricate hypotheticals and oral argument, attorney panelists will present and adjust their arguments regarding specific evidentiary issues, with judges then commenting on and ultimately rendering a “ruling” as to each issue. -
Workshops
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10:10-11:00 Say What? Hearsay as Evidence
Moderator:
Paul G. Farrell, Esq., Farrell Menard Law
Panelists:
Max D. Stern, Esq., Todd & Weld LLP
Martin F. Kane II, Esq., McGrath & Kane -
11:00-12:00 Experts on Trial: Evidentiary Rules Regarding Experts
Moderator: Jared Wood, Esq., Egloff & Wood, LLP
Panelists:
Demetra Pontisakos, Esq.,
Jeffrey A. Soilson, Esq., Fitch Law Partners LLP
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12:00 Luncheon
Save the Date: Jon Fields Brings You Up to Date with 2017 Child Support Guidelines
Join Jonathan E. Fields on August 22, 2017 from 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM at MWI for a workshop on the new 2017 Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines. Mr. Fields was appointed to the Massachusetts Trial Court Child Support Guidelines Task Force in 2016 to help review the guidelines. The guidelines are updated every 4 years, and the new guidelines have important implications for the calculation of child support, including unreported income and college contributions. Mr. Fields has extensive experience as a family lawyer, mediator, arbitrator and expert in the area of family law. He is past president of the MCFM and is currently on the board of the Massachusetts chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC). He is the author of numerous publications on family law and regularly presents and speaks on family law matters. Read more about Mr. Fields’ extensive family law experience in his bio.
Event Details
Where: 10 Liberty Square, 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02109
When: Tuesday, August 22, 2017 from 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
All attendees of the MWI workshop should familiarize themselves with the documents listed on the event webpage. Please visit the event webpage to register and find out more about the event and how to earn extra credits.
Save a Marriage through Mediation
This is an edited excerpt by Vicki Shemin in the MCFM quarterly.
It is the true story of a couple that considered divorce, but decided to stay together after drafting a postmarital agreement regarding the parenting of their young son.
Jill and Don wanted to explore alternative dispute divorce options as they believed that their 7- year marriage was irretrievably broken. Arriving at this painful decision was all the more poignant for this young couple since they had a one-year old son.
The manner of a couple’s interpersonal physical proximity speaks volumes about their psychological state of mind. Not only did Jill and Don elect to sit on the same side of the conference room table, they sat so close to one another that their elbows were practically touching. They spoke in hushed and mutually respectful tones and gave the other partner ample time to articulate his and her feelings. Instead of looking at me, they most often spoke directly to one another. As to their communication, the theme most central to both their parallel and collective conversations was their deep love for their son, Alex.
I sensed a distinctive sea change in the couple: perhaps overwhelmed by what actually getting divorced entails, perhaps striking at the heart of any ambivalence they may have felt coming into the process, by the end of the meeting, Jill and Don looked one another squarely in the eye and contemporaneously asked each other – “Is this what we really want to be doing?”
Jill and Don left our office that day very different individuals from the two who had walked in just an hour and a half before. They wanted me to draft a document which would lay out the details of their co-parenting plan for their son if and when the marriage did end in separation or divorce one day. If divorce became a reality; if that day ever came, they did not want to be making decisions concerning Alex borne of spite, anger or vengeance.
Over the months, Jill and Don worked hard on hammering out the details of a Custody and Parenting Agreement which addressed matters such as legal custody and a very detailed coparenting schedule (including summer and holiday schedules), as well as a provision anticipating the use of a Parenting Coordinator as a mediator/arbitrator to facilitate the couple with parenting decisions.
In mid-March, I heard from Jill. The email said: “Don and I are in a good place in our relationship right now, and I feel we will be in an even stronger now that this Parenting Agreement is behind us. We sincerely thank you in advance for your patience and understanding and for showing us there was another way to move forward in our lives.”
In a period of six months, this family had beaten the odds and stayed together.
Article originally published in maritalmediation.com, and republished in Mediate.com. Full article published in MCFM Quarterly.
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