A combination of a hard-hit economy and some belt-tightening at the firm spelled a relatively good year for labor firm Fisher & Phillips, according to managing partner Roger K. Quillen.

With the economic downturn, employees are more prone to fight for their jobs, he said, and the election of President Barack Obama has spurred activity among union organizers. Management, the mainstay of the firm’s client base, is gearing up for expected pro-labor legislation.