When Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe announced in June that it would lay off about 40 associates and 50 staff members, the firm cited reduced client demand in certain areas and the impact of technology, data and the workplace as factors in its decision.

In an interview following the layoffs, Orrick CEO Mitch Zuklie unpacked those factors, maintaining that the decision did not stem from overhiring, though it was influenced by a slowdown in its tech companies group and looming uncertainty for the balance of 2023.