The downturn in the tech sector is showing few signs of abating halfway through 2023, prompting some tech-oriented law firms to delay incoming classes. And some industry consultants believe more deferrals are coming as firms assess their capacity and demand levels.

Most recently, Cooley offered some of its first-year corporate associates the option to defer another year, to begin with its class of 2024. Meanwhile, some associates were given the option to pivot to practices with more steady demand. Two sources said some of those alternative practices included litigation, employment and finance.