In the latest round of additional redundancy announcements by major international firms, White & Case will again reduce its workforce, cutting 400 staff, including 200 lawyers, and a number of partners across its global offices.

The recent cuts follow last November's 3% workforce reduction which cut 70 lawyers and 100 staff, largely from the UK and US offices. The firm's statement at the time said the cuts were precautionary steps taken "in advance of what is likely to be a significantly weakened global economy in 2009".

However, the firm has now undergone an additional round which will see an unconfirmed number of partners, 200 associates and 200 administrative staff cut to meet "current and anticipated business needs". The start date of the majority of the firm's new associate intake will be deferred until 2010 and 'operating expenses' will also be reduced. A spokesman said that the extra measures are in response to a "thorough, strategic review of the global business".

"I believe these measures provide the best way forward to meet the challenges we face today and to ensure the firm's long-term success," said the firm's chairman, Hugh Verrier.

A spokesman from the firm told ALB that its Asia practices cannot be ruled out from the review, but did not give any indication as to the number of Asia redundancies which might occur. "From this review, it was clear that the deterioration of the global economy will continue to affect our clients and their demand for our services for the foreseeable future. The Asia economy is not immune to this and we will continue to monitor our resource levels in our Asia practice, so that they are properly aligned to our business in the long term and to enable us to maintain our position as a leading law firm, both globally and in Asia."

The firm has undergone a number of measures in the last few months to cut down on costs, closing two European offices and separating from the Bangkok office. It has also notably forged an alliance with Hong Kong firm Laracy Gall, and broken its alliance with Singapore-based Venture Law.