Welcome to budget-conscious holiday fun at Big Law! Gone are the days of extravagant black-tie galas with sushi artists, fire dancers, designer desserts and open bars with five varieties each of single malt scotch, vodka and hand-crafted bourbon. No more client gift baskets with artisanal goat cheese, caviar and champagne. The only holiday luncheon you will see is a self-organized potluck — if the people you work with like you enough to include you.
A few Mega Firms started implementing budget-conscious changes to the usual holiday festivities last year. Others tried to put up a good show by continuing to spend as usual on gifts, parties and bonuses. But by now, most firms are exercising some budgetary constraint on holiday fun.
