In the late 1990s, shrewd law firm managers deepened their litigation, bankruptcy and white-collar crime practices in hopes of capturing business during an anticipated economic downturn.
Now they're quietly calculating which practices will ripen next.
Many of D.C.'s biggest firms are preparing for a transactional comeback, hanging on to corporate lawyers despite low billables and even starting to hunt for laterals. Others are honing in on European regulatory work or arbitration. Still others say that, while evergreen, health care is a solid bet for growth.
Good news for those laid off over the past few years. Legal Times has the story here.