Potential Layoffs Drive Busiest Quarter in a Decade for Susan Cho Figenshau, P.C.
St. Louis, MO (PRWEB) December 30, 2014 -- Susan Cho Figenshau, P.C. is currently experiencing its busiest fourth quarter, which spans October to December, in over a decade. In December 2014 alone, the firm has seen a 33% increase from last year, and a 20% increase for the quarter overall.
According to attorney Susan Cho Figenshau, the heavy traffic is largely because several of its large client companies are planning reductions in force, or layoffs.
"Although any of us who keep up to date with national news see positive economic headlines, such as the lowered price of gasoline and uptick in seasonal hiring, we are getting guidance very quietly and discreetly that layoffs might be required soon," Cho Figenshau explained.
Some companies have already announced layoffs or voluntary separations publicly. In many instances, there has been no public announcement. In the voluntary separation scenario, companies identify job categories for reductions and offer incentives for employees to leave voluntarily. Employees who decline the voluntary separation agreement are susceptible to subsequent involuntary layoffs, usually including severance packages, which are reduced as compared to the voluntary separation package. According to Cho Figenshau, companies which offer voluntary separations frequently are able to avoid adverse publicity.
"Companies try to be very quiet about it," Cho Figenshau explained. "Unless there’s a huge layoff by one of the multi-national employers, we don't necessarily hear about it as a general public. There is, however, a tremendous amount of suffering the general public just doesn’t realize."
Cho Figenshau called the layoffs and voluntary separations “devastating at any time, but a double kick to the stomach especially during this special season," and explained that her firm "is supporting more clients than ever through the immigration consequences of layoffs projected for 1st quarter 2015.”
The clients currently keeping Susan Cho Figenshau, P.C. so busy are managers, foreign nationals and U.S. workers who are trying to figure out how the impending layoffs intersect with immigration laws and issues.
“Years ago, I would have thought technical skill and legal expertise is of primary importance," Cho Figenshau said, "But what we are seeing this holiday season is typical of the reality that clients look to attorneys to be advisors and counselors: to share best practices the attorney has gleaned from working with other client companies and individuals through difficult times.”
About Susan Cho Figenshau, P.C.
Susan Cho Figenshau, P.C. is an immigration lawyer with 20 years of experience in immigration law. She represents employers and individuals in numerous fields, including technology, telecommunications, healthcare, educational and more. To learn more, visit http://strictlyimmigration.com
James McMinn, Leap Clixx, http://leapclixx.com, +1 (314) 641-1000, [email protected]
Share this article