Steptoe & Johnson lays off attorneys

CHARLESTON – One of the state's largest law firms has laid off some staff members at its offices across the country.

Steptoe & Johnson has done some "limited" layoffs of both attorneys and staff, according to fiirm CEO and managing partner Susan Brewer.

“Due to continued low oil prices and the negative impact on domestic oil and gas producers, we have seen a contraction in isolated areas of legal work for some of our major energy clients,” Brewer said in a press statement. “Accordingly, limited layoffs were implemented in both the attorney and non-attorney ranks.”

She declined further comment. But other media reports say the firm has laid off 14 attorneys and 18 non-attorneys.