The recession knocked the wind out of San Diego’s high-technology market, forcing several firms to announce layoffs for the first time in decades. Graduates from the area’s law schools, including the University of San Diego School of Law, California Western School of Law and Thomas Jefferson School of Law, were left wondering whether their diplomas would also be their ticket out of town in a recessionary job market.

San Diego attorneys report that the market is catching its second wind, but not without significant changes in the way firms operate and charge for their services.