Another Big Law Firm Requiring Four Days in Office

Vinson & Elkins Cuts Remote Work to Monday or Friday

Vinson & Elkins is requiring lawyers and staff to work in the office four days a week, joining some Big Law peers who have made the move.

The “four-day model” will start Sept. 11, according to an internal email from the executive committee viewed by Bloomberg Law. Employees must use Monday or Friday as their remote day.?

“In recent months, the legal and professional services market has shifted with a growing number of firms—as well as clients—moving to a four-day model,” the firm said in the email.

Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, Weil Gotshal & Manges, Davis Polk & Wardwell and Ropes & Gray have previously announced they will require lawyers to be in the office four times per week.

Stroock Secures Vote to Buy Out Pension, Clearing Way for Merger

Stroock & Stroock & Lavan has the votes to discharge its pension obligation, clearing the way for a possible merger for the New York-founded firm.

The firm, which has struggled to stem partner departures, said that it has the votes it needs from retired partners to buy out its pension, which had been seen as a major hurdle in Stroock’s quest to complete a merger.

“We have secured the votes needed to end our pension obligation and are optimistic about achieving a desired merger,” said Stroock co-managing partner Alan Klinger in a statement.

With their pension obligation gone, the firm now faces an easier road in attempting a combination. Stroock, which recently ended merger talks with Nixon Peabody, has reportedly been in talks with Steptoe & Johnson, Squire Patton Boggs and McGuireWoods.

Dechert Is Giving Summer Associates Option to Delay 2024 Start

Dechert is giving up to 20 summer associates the option to delay their 2024 start, with the incentive of a $75,000 stipend for those who choose to work with a nonprofit entity through the firm.

The associates who accept a deferment would start at the firm in fall 2025, a Dechert spokesperson confirmed. Those that choose to work for a pro bono or nonprofit organization through Dechert will receive a $75,000 stipend and benefits, the spokesperson said.

“While there is a spot for all should they chose to start in the fall of 2024, we created the opportunity for up to 20 Summer Associates to defer for a year and come back in the fall of 2025,” a firm spokesperson said in an email to Bloomberg Law. “They are welcome to explore, study, travel or experience another opportunity.”

Dechert’s move is similar to an option Silicon-Valley based Cooley gave to first-year associates. Cooley?has?given some corporate associates set to start in January the chance to push back their start date by a year in exchange for $100,000.?

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