Patton Boggs managing partner Edward Newberry told The Am Law Daily on Thursday that his firm’s decision to conduct another round of layoffs and engage in preliminary merger talks with Locke Lord are part of a broader strategy that also includes revamping the firm’s long-standing “eat what you kill” compensation system and a push to expand in California, New York, Texas and abroad.
Newberry, who assumed leadership of Patton Boggs in 2010 from former managing partner Stuart Pape, confirmed previous reports by Reuters that the firm is in the “due diligence” stage of discussions with Locke Lord. Patton Boggs partners were informed of the talks at an October partners meeting.
