Minneapolis' largest law firm laying off workers

Dorsey & Whitney, the largest law firm based in Minneapolis, succumbed to the economic pressures that so many other law firms have been battling in the last year and cut its staff, the firm confirmed Tuesday.

A firm spokesman said 55 administrative-level jobs have been eliminated, or about 7 percent of total administrative staff. Layoffs occurred in seven of Dorsey's 19 offices but most were in Minneapolis, where 38 jobs were cut.

In addition, salaries for nonpartner lawyers were cut by 10 percent across the board and bonuses were reduced by an undisclosed amount.

This is the first time in years that Dorsey has resorted to layoffs.

Earlier this year, another Minneapolis megafirm, Faegre & Benson, cut 27 lawyers and an undisclosed number of staff members because of economic conditions. Merchant & Gould eliminated 33 jobs, including seven lawyers; Maslon Edelman Borman & Brand shed five staff positions, and Halleland Lewis Nilan & Johnson cut six jobs, including two lawyers.