Law firm eliminates free coffee

First the Chicago law firm of McDermott Will & Emery laid off 60 associates and 89 staff members. Now the firm will no longer provide free coffee to its lawyers.

McDermott's Chicago office head Quentin Heisler recently informed colleagues not only will the firm no longer provide free coffee, it also will suspend evening food services.

Heisler said the firm will keep single-serve coffee machines and make beverages available for client meetings.

Heisler says the cutbacks are not signs the firm is in financial trouble. He said the changes are symbolic moves made in conjunction with other budget cuts.

Heisler said the firm also canceled a black-tie, 75th anniversary event at the Field Museum. The money saved will supplement severance benefits to staff employees who lost their jobs.