Q. I am a partner who now has more time on my hands than I would like. My hours have been down during the past six months, and I expect that will continue to be the case until the economy rebounds. I am doing as much as I can internally to find more work, help others and generally contribute to the firm. What suggestions do you have for things I can do with clients and to help me prepare for the future?
A. It may provide little solace, but you are not alone. Although some practice areas remain strong (bankruptcy, white-collar, labor and employment and health care are four examples that come to mind), the economic downturn is affecting law firms. This is understandable, as the fortunes of private practice lawyers are inextricably tied to those of their clients, most of which are hurting.
