Due to concern about the economy, recently there have been layoffs at a number of firms throughout CA. Much of the time, its been the 5-9 year attorneys, who would be unlikely to make partner. This group, of course, has a relatively high billing rate. Also, many firms believe that the 3-5 year associate can do basically the same work as someone more senior. Since there are more pegs than holes (more applicants than positions) out there, the credential bar for open positions has become higher. Nevertheless, CA is a very fluid legal society. There are almost always at least a few openings for well credentialed attorneys of virtually any specialty.

Employment litigation is pretty hot. I’m told by firms representing management that when an employee gets laid off due to the economy, the latter contemplates their situation for a few weeks, and then decides that he or she was the victim of discrimination (or some such wrong). In any event, this leads to firms which defend against this type of action needing more attorneys. I’ve placed three employment attorneys in ’08 already.

Bankruptcy is warm. I assume that firms which do individual bankruptcies are doing well, but most of our clients are involved in reorganization or restructuring work. There has been an uptick in job orders, but no surge.

IP is surprising strong. Patent prosecutors with EE or computer degrees are in high demand. There is also a need (although not quite as strong) for those with a biotech background. Litigators with the foregoing background or experience are also being sought by numerous firms.

There has been a slowdown in job orders for transactional attorneys, both real estate and corporate. This situation presumably reflects concern about the overall economy. Nevertheless, there are always firms (including several in Northern CA) seeking attorneys with superior credentials in these specialties.

Call me anytime for more details and up to the minute updates on our ever changing employment landscape.

Brian