Baker Botts associates are learning this week about potential changes to their pay and bonus packages that become effective Jan. 1, 2011, says Maria Boyce, partner-in-charge of the firm’s Houston office. The firm is moving associates from lockstep promotions and pay to a merit-based system, she says

The application of a multi-tier approach to associates is a recent trend that is quickly gaining favor at Big Law and smaller regional firms, according to consultant Justin T. Miller.

Jamaican authorities were calling for calm after fugitive drug baron Christopher “Dudus” Coke was taken into custody late Tuesday, shortly before he tried to turn himself in to officials at the U.S. Embassy in Kingston.

Baker & McKenzie has confirmed that it has rescinded offers to 11 deferred associates in its New York office. The firm in January had put on hold its group of incoming first-year associates from the graduating class of 2009. Baker & McKenzie said its New York office “has been unable to accommodate” these 11 lawyers.

Mike Shannon says that efficiency has been a priority since he started his tenure as Dechert’s CIO. That priority motivated the firm to use videoconferencing more than most firms and outsource its first-level help desk services to Chicago-based Keno Kozie, a legal technology services provider.