If it’s tough to be tiny, it’s even tougher to be small and specializing in insolvency.

San Francisco bankruptcy boutique McNutt & Litteneker began shedding attorneys in the summer of 2005 in tandem with a drop in business. The firm several years ago had 10 full-time lawyers — eight of whom were associates. Last month’s departure of its three remaining associates have name partners Scott McNutt and Rebecca Litteneker not just running the show — they are the show.