Mikal Watts, the co-founder of high-profile firm Watts Guerra, who has long been considered the face of many large tort cases, recently announced his sudden resignation from the firm for health reasons. His departure will not go unnoticed within the ranks of the firm, as the Puerto Rico office of Watts Guerra is set to close, leading to a large number of layoffs.
Staff members in the Puerto Rico office were informed on January 19 that the firm would be initiating ‘mass layoffs’ which would affect at least 50 employees and at least 33% of its workforce, according to Bloomberg Law. The Puerto Rico office, which employs around 110 people and manages much of the case management for Watts Guerra’s numerous clients, will be completely closed by the end of 2024. The layoffs are expected to begin on March 20 and may be implemented in phases.
Severance packages for those affected will be determined on an individual basis. In the wake of these layoffs, Watts has stated that he will assist these employees in securing new positions in other law firms in Puerto Rico. He has also expressed a hope to include some of them in his new practice, but the exact number remains uncertain.
In the distribution of ongoing cases within the firm, Watts plans to retain the majority of the firm’s mass tort cases, subject to client approval. Frank Guerra IV, Watts’s former partner, will take over the firm’s personal injury cases.
As the firm braces for the closure of its office and the many layoffs it will entail, wishes of good luck are extended to all those who will be affected by these changes at the Watts Guerra firm.