Howrey dissolves partnership

Howrey LLP’s executive committee announced on March 9 that its partners had voted to dissolve the firm’s partnership—effective from March 15—and wind down its affairs.

Access to Howrey’s website is blocked and visitors are directed to a message from the firm. It says: “All Howrey’s offices are scheduled to close. The firm will maintain a small office to house the staff handling the wind-down of operations.”

A committee of partners has been formed to oversee an orderly wind-down of the firm over time, as required by the Howrey partnership agreement.

The firm sent Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification letters to certain employees on March 9, in accordance with federal and applicable state laws that require some employers to give advanced notice of significant lay-offs to their employees.

Bob Ruyak, chairman and chief executive officer of Howrey, said: “The firm had experienced disappointing financial performances over the past two years and subsequently several partners had resigned. This resulted in the conclusion that an orderly wind-down of the firm’s activities over time was the only practical alternative.”

Howrey lawyers have been moving to new firms in the US and Europe over the last few months.