Will the recession affect lawyers?

Asked by: Elwyn Veum  |  Last update: September 11, 2023
Score: 4.7/5 (35 votes)

On the whole, the legal industry is shielded from the strain of a recession, but individual law firms, practice areas and lawyers can still feel the brunt of it. With that said, changes may be needed in your marketing team, budget or even your strategies.

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 law jobs recession-proof?

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.

Will lawyers still be in demand in 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.

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.

"What's Coming Is WORSE Than a Recession" — Elon Musk's Last WARNING

20 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.

Who is hurt more by a recession?

The jobs that are the “first to go” when a recession hits are the ones that depend on consumer spending and people having copious disposable income, says Kory Kantenga, a senior economist at LinkedIn. Retail, restaurants, hotels and real estate are some of the businesses often hurt during a recession.

What is the future of a lawyer?

In some ways, future lawyers will be 'returning to basics' and performing only those tasks that they are uniquely trained to do. Technology, process, and other paraprofessionals and professionals will liberate them to focus on these core tasks.

Will lawyers be replaced by tech?

There will be more technologies that help a segment of people–but that sea-parting legaltech you're waiting for that will replace all lawyers isn't going to be built. Here's a harsh reality: Twenty years from now, almost all lawyers will practice law the way they did 20 years ago.

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.

Is it smart to quit job during recession?

If you have a real financial problem, then leaving your job during a recession isn't a good idea for anyone. But if you're not there, the best time to take decisive action on anything in your life, including your career, is always now.

What kind of job is recession-proof?

These include the medical industry, the legal industry, and essential services, like grocery stores. If you're looking for greater stability in your career, considering industries and professions that tend to remain in demand across economic conditions can be a good idea.

What gets hit in a recession?

Retail, restaurants, and hotels aren't the only businesses often hurt during a recession. Automotive, oil and gas, sports, real estate, and many others see heavy declines during times like these.

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.

What states do lawyers make the most money?

Best-Paying States for Lawyers

The states and districts that pay Lawyers the highest mean salary are District of Columbia ($198,820), New York ($179,060), California ($176,610), Massachusetts ($167,980), and New Jersey ($153,800).

Is being a lawyer a happy career?

As a whole, lawyers rated their enjoyment of their work environment 3.0/5. Some lawyers are happy with their work environment, but it does not seem to be a meaningful contributer to career satisfaction for most.

What is the highest position in a lawyer?

Within the world of law firms, the highest position is a partner. It is arguably the pinnacle of their career for most lawyers. It is no small feat to achieve this and not many people can do it.

What is the next best thing to a lawyer?

24 alternative careers for lawyers
  • START-UP FOUNDER. We've written extensively about the ups and downs of starting your own business. ...
  • IN-HOUSE AT A START-UP. ...
  • BUY A CONVENTIONAL BUSINESS. ...
  • JOURNALIST. ...
  • PR. ...
  • DIGITAL MARKETING. ...
  • TEACHING AND ACADEMIA. ...
  • ACCOUNT MANAGER.

Is a lawyer job stressful?

Lawyers often work long hours under intense pressure. Many grapple with high volumes of cases, work to extremely strict deadlines, and come into conflict with clients and opposing counsel. This also impacts lawyers' work-life balance, affecting their life outside working hours.

Is the legal market saturated?

It's no secret that the legal industry is an incredibly competitive market. With so many established firms, it can be difficult for new attorneys to break into the field. However, big law firms have managed to remain competitive even when the market is saturated—but how? Let's take a closer look.

Who makes the most money during recession?

The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD), like The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG), Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL), and Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT), is a company that has managed to beat the odds during recessions in the past, making it a safe option for investors as well.

Who will not be affected by recession?

Top 6 best recession-proof jobs
  • Medical professional. There are many jobs and specialties within the medical profession. ...
  • Specialized care, therapy, and counseling. ...
  • Law enforcement officers. ...
  • Public utility services. ...
  • Financial services. ...
  • Education services. ...
  • Construction and supporting industries. ...
  • Home furnishing retail.

What businesses thrive in a recession?

Recession-proof business ideas
  • Health Care and Related Services. ...
  • Grocery and related businesses. ...
  • Tax and accounting services. ...
  • Financial advisory services. ...
  • Supply chain and delivery businesses. ...
  • Daycare and childcare needs. ...
  • Auto maintenance businesses. ...
  • Home hardware stores.

How many years can a recession last?

In general, a recession lasts anywhere from six to 18 months. For example, the Great Recession that started in December 2007 lasted 18 months. But the recession prompted by the pandemic in 2020 only lasted two months.