Are law jobs recession-proof?

Asked by: Scottie Spinka MD  |  Last update: October 13, 2023
Score: 4.8/5 (5 votes)

You may have heard that the legal industry (or at least some major sectors of it) are recession-proof, however that doesn't mean that legal jobs are protected from the same macroeconomic factors that are causing layoffs in tech and other industries.

Is recession good for lawyers?

Some experts believe the legal profession is recession-proof; in good times and bad, there is always a need for lawyers. But others say the demand for legal services is already declining and could drop even lower in a recession.

What areas of law do well in recession?

Cases in state and federal courts are increasing in high-demand areas such as personal injury, commercial litigation, insurance defense, class actions, employment law, and regulatory actions. Positioning your firm to emphasize these practice areas can bring in more clients and increase your income.

Are any jobs recession proof?

Healthcare. With the exception of the COVID-19 recession, Pollak said the healthcare sector does not typically lose jobs, including positions such as nurses, home health and personal care aides, and medical assistants. “So, those kinds of roles, they're very resilient,” she said.

What type of law is recession proof?

Other practice areas seen as fairly recession-proof include labor and employment law, which are in fact hotter during economic downturns. Counter-cyclical practices like bankruptcy and restructuring also tend to pick up momentum in times of recession.

Top 6 Recession Proof Careers (Most Stable Jobs)

42 related questions found

Do law firms survive recessions?

The Legal Industry And Recessions

Some areas of law, like family and criminal law, are unlikely to be affected by an economic downturn. In fact, many practice areas see growth during a recession. Why? Legal issues involving family relationships don't go away when the economy crashes.

Why is law enforcement recession-proof?

Law enforcement is among the most secure professions and gets even more critical during harsh times like economic recession due to high crime rates. Some stable jobs in the field of law enforcement include police officers, detectives, paralegals, criminal defense, healthcare law, legal assistants, and bankruptcy.

What jobs go first in a recession?

Let's take a closer look at the jobs most affected by a recession.
  • Tourism jobs. Tourism and hospitality roles are vulnerable during a recession because consumers change spending habits as the economy shrinks. ...
  • 2. Entertainment. ...
  • Human resources. ...
  • Real estate. ...
  • Construction.

Who gets laid off in a recession?

The other top sectors for layoffs included construction, professional and business service—which includes jobs in accounting, engineering and computer services—and the information industry. That sector covers those working in publishing, media, and telecommunications, as well as data processing.

Can I lose my job due to recession?

No job is recession-proof. Despite your best efforts, you might fall victim to job cuts and find yourself in an unfavorable situation. Re-joining the labor market during an economic slowdown is difficult, but it's possible to find your footing after losing your job.

Who suffer most during recession?

Industries affected most include retail, restaurants, travel/tourism, leisure/hospitality, service purveyors, real estate, & manufacturing/warehouse. Despite the severity of any past downturn, markets have always recovered, and in many cases, they have seen a monster rebound.

Do lawsuits increase during a recession?

A recession means more insolvencies, which means more litigation. Surviving companies will look to monetise their disputes as they seek ways to raise revenue.

How do you make the most money in a recession?

5 Things to Invest in When a Recession Hits
  1. Seek Out Core Sector Stocks. During a recession, you might be inclined to give up on stocks, but experts say it's best not to flee equities completely. ...
  2. Focus on Reliable Dividend Stocks. ...
  3. Consider Buying Real Estate. ...
  4. Purchase Precious Metal Investments. ...
  5. “Invest” in Yourself.

Is a lawyer a good job for the future?

Job Outlook

Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. About 48,700 openings for lawyers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

How many lawyers are unhappy with their jobs?

And you're not alone. Studies show that 56% of lawyers are frustrated with their careers.

Do recessions hurt firms?

Businesses large and small face declines in sales and profits in a recession. Their efforts to cut costs may include layoffs and cuts in capital spending, marketing, and research. Recessions may curb credit access, slow collections, and spur business bankruptcies.

Are layoffs coming 2023?

In 2023, layoffs have yet again cost tens of thousands of tech workers their jobs; this time, the workforce reductions have been driven by the biggest names in tech like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Yahoo, Meta and Zoom. Startups, too, have announced cuts across all sectors, from crypto to enterprise SaaS.

Who lost jobs in 2008 recession?

In 2008 as a whole, nearly 800,000 manufacturing jobs were lost, and 630,000 construction jobs disappeared as home-building slowed. Jobs also dried up in the financial sector, in publishing houses and trucking companies, department stores and hotels.

Do people get hired during a recession?

Recessions offer organizations a chance to find top talent at a lower cost. With more people out of work, companies have a larger pool of potential employees to choose from. Hiring during a recession can also help companies keep up with their competition.

How long do recessions last?

According to the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), the average length of recessions since World War II has been approximately 11 months. But the exact length of a recession is difficult to predict. In general, a recession lasts anywhere from six to 18 months.

Are government jobs safe in a recession?

During economic downturns, many people lose their jobs or face pay cuts and other financial challenges. While no job is completely immune to the effects of recession, government jobs are often considered to be more "recession-proof" than other types of jobs.

What is the safest industry to work in?

Professions within healthcare, information technology, education, government, and financial services are among the top choices for careers that offer excellent job security. Regardless of economic conditions, these industries are expected to continue to grow and provide stable employment for years to come.

Are doctors recession proof?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in healthcare occupations is expected to grow 13 percent by 2031. While it's safe to say that healthcare careers are generally “recession-proof,” here are some things to keep in mind about the industry as the economy is expected to take a downturn.

What companies strive in a recession?

Top 10 Industries That Can Thrive During a Recession
  • Health Care. ...
  • Utilities. ...
  • Groceries. ...
  • Cleaning products and sanitation services. ...
  • Discount Retailers. ...
  • Freight and Logistics. ...
  • Baby Products And Services. ...
  • DIY and Repairs.

Do some companies do better in recessions?

Many of the businesses that do well during recessions either provide goods and services that increase in demand directly due to recession conditions or offer cheaper alternatives to luxuries or big-ticket purchases, or for which demand is relatively inflexible to changes in incomes.