The pandemic continues to dampen demand for laterals. Many law firms have slowed down lateral partner and associate hiring, all the while instituting pay cuts for employees, a new survey shows.

According to the newly released National Association of Law Placement survey, nearly 70% of firms have reduced lateral associate hiring in the period from March through May, while 40% have reduced their lateral partner hiring. The survey, which also shows that many are delaying new associate start dates, was conducted on June 18-30 and based on the responses of 356 law offices and 167 law schools.