30 further jobs under threat at Blake Lapthorn

The consultation, which was kicked off earlier this week (January 27), will affect the firm's offices in London and the southeast.

The firm's corporate and real estate divisions are the areas most likely to be affected, with secretarial and business support staff also under consultation.

Blake Lapthorn launched its first redundancy consultation in September with 43 positions under review. Some 33 jobs were lost in total, with some positions saved via job-sharing, redeployment and client secondments.

Managing partner Walter Cha (pictured) said: "I know this further round of redundancies will be unsettling and we have not taken this course of action lightly."

He added: "There has been a marked deterioration in the economy and the steps we are taking will safeguard the longer term interests of the business and our remaining staff. Speaking with and supporting those of our staff involved is our top priority."

News of the potential job losses follows Ashurst's decision to launch a redundancy consultation earlier this month. The firm is currently reviewing 15 secretarial posts in its London office.