Perkins Coie has confirmed it recently laid off approximately 5% of its business professional staff, following what it described as a strategic realignment of its operational structure. The layoffs, according to multiple reports, primarily affected non-legal personnel and were executed last week. Internal morale has reportedly declined, with some employees allegedly learning of their status through unofficial channels before formal notifications were issued.

The announcement follows an extended period of legal and political tension stemming from the firm’s involvement in litigation adverse to former President Donald Trump. In 2020, Perkins Coie became one of the first firms targeted by a Trump executive order that sought to penalize law firms representing Democratic interests. The firm responded with legal action, arguing that the order threatened its business operations and raised constitutional concerns. The executive order was later ruled unconstitutional, but not before what the firm described as “direct and imminent” harm to its business viability.

Perkins Coie ranked No. 47 in the 2024 Am Law 100, posting gross revenues of over $1.25 billion. Despite this strong top-line performance, the firm cited industry benchmarking and a yearlong internal review as the rationale for the workforce reduction. In a statement, a spokesperson said the decision was designed to “align with the firm’s long-term strategic goals” and ensure continued excellence in client service.

The timing of the layoffs has prompted speculation about broader industry trends. While the firm has not explicitly linked the cuts to political backlash or Trump-era disruptions, internal commentary on platforms like Fishbowl suggests staff believe recent history played a role in shaping the environment for such decisions.