Happy Holidays and Here’s to a Better 2009

It seems that everywhere I turn these days, I run into someone who has an impressive story of struggle, despair, stress and overall disgust for the year that is (and soon to be was) 2008.  Not only has the economy taken a drastic turn for the worse and caused a spike in unemployment (and fear in those still employed), but it seems as if 2008 was filled with an unusual amount of sad stories of loss and despair.  Even I have to admit that 2008 was not my favorite year.

But here is the good news: 2008 is almost over!  And with that comes a brand new year filled with brand new opportunities.  It’s time to put the past behind us and move forward with a new sense of energy and optimism.   January and February bring the busiest months for lateral hiring, so we expect to see more firms looking to bring on attorneys of all levels.  Moreover, with the new Obama administration coming in late January, there should be a sharp increase in regulatory work for law firms, including financial services, anti-trust, health care, environment and energy/biofuel regulation.  This will undoubtedly result in an increase demand for attorneys in these areas.

And even though the economy may not fully recover in 2009, we are already seeing a significant increase in bankruptcy filings (which is usually followed by an increase in other areas of litigation) that should continue throughout the year.  Demand for bankruptcy and litigation attorneys should rise as a result.

So, for all of you who can classify 2008 as a “crappy” year, let it go.  There are only a few more days before we can officially wipe our hands clean and move into what I hope will be a better year for all of us.  Here’s to 2009!

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Bye Bye Bell Boyd, Hello K&L Gates!

I just learned that K&L Gates distributed an internal memo announcing that the firm has entered into discussions with the Bell, Boyd & Lloyd LLP in Chicago “with a view to combining the two firms in the first quarter of 2009.” (Bell Boyd distributed a similar memo today). I must admit that my first reaction was one of sadness. After all, as a native of Chicago who practiced at two mid-sized law firms in the city, I have many friends and former colleagues who work or have worked there (okay, I also have a close family member who spent 40 years there as well). Bell Boyd has been a significant part of the Chicago legal market for countless years, and to see it dissolve into K&L Gates made my stomach queasy. Just a few short years ago, it was known as “the” place to work. Associates who secured jobs at the firm were considered some of the luckiest people around.
Thankfully, my first reaction only lasted a moment. My second reaction to this announcement was one of excitement. After all, there is always more than one way to view a major change, and I am making a conscious effort to see this as a good thing for the attorneys at Bell Boyd and the Chicago legal market. Sure, it’s sad to see a highly regarded player in the Chicago market disappear, but it is also exciting to see the entrance of another one. K&L Gates is a global firm with over 1600 attorneys and 25+ offices. In fact, it is one of the largest firms in the world. The addition of such a major player to the city of Chicago is exciting and will surely provide legal opportunities for many Chicago attorneys in the future. So, while I am sad to see one of my favorite Chicago firms say goodbye, I am watching with great excitement and anticipation to see how K&L Gates fits into the Chicago market.

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