The Los Angeles Superior Court system laid off 177 employees on Friday due to a budget shortfall, officials said.
This and other cuts have led to confusion and delays as remaining staff members struggle to adapt to the changes and increased burden, attorneys and courthouse visitors said.
Employees with the least seniority received pink slips, including court reporters and clerical staff.
Six courthouses have had their doors closed, including Malibu, West LA, San Pedro, Huntington Park, Whittier and Pomona (North).
In the end, about 540 court employees will be out of jobs.
"All of the government employees, we're stretched thin," said Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Lisa Tanner. "It's especially frustrating for victims who just want their day in court."
