Big Law firms are starting to cancel summer associate classes entirely as they scramble to cut costs. Here's what we know so far.

• Troutman Sanders and Pepper Hamilton - two large law firms set to merge with each other July 1 - are cancelling their summer associate programs because of the disruption caused by COVID-19.
• Spokespeople for the firms said that they are ensuring future employment for those affected, even with the cancellation.
• Business Insider has reported on how law firms have already been taking steps including pay cuts, staff layoffs, and pushing summer associate start dates back as billings dry up.
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The large law firms of Troutman Sanders and Pepper Hamilton have canceled their summer associate programs for 2020 because of the disruption caused by the novel coronavirus, the firms confirmed to Business Insider.

The moves mark the latest example of how COVID-19, which has taken more than 85,000 lives worldwide and kept people indoors as government officials issue stay-at-home orders, is affecting law students who aspire to become associates at top law firms.

The spokespeople said that the firms are ensuring future employment for those affected, even with the cancellation.

Business Insider has reported on how law firms have already been taking steps including pay cuts, staff layoffs, and pushing summer associate start dates back in order to preserve cash as billings dry up.

Rising 3Ls at law schools are receiving offers to join as full-time associates in the fall of 2021, while rising 2Ls have been given offers to join in the summer of 2021, the spokespeople said.

"We are providing each of our summer associates financial assistance," the Pepper Hamilton spokesman said.

It could not be immediately determined how many students were affected.

The Troutman spokeswoman said that the firm, like many others, is "taking a variety of steps to reduce expenses."

"At this time, none of those measures involve lay-offs, involuntary leaves or reduced compensation," she said.

"We will continue to monitor the economic impact of the COVID-19 virus and, if necessary, implement any future actions after careful consideration and with a measured approach."

Because the firm's focus remains on the health and welfare of its people and their families and on serving clients, she said, "we do not believe we can provide a meaningful summer associate experience for the students."

The cancellations also mark just the latest road bump for Troutman and Pepper due to the coronavirus.

The firms had announced in January that they would merge with each other to create a 1,100 lawyer firm in 23 locations. That merger, which was supposed to take effect April 1, was pushed back to July 1, because of the coronavirus, the firm told The American Lawyer.