By: jackie.sauter

Boy, it seems as if every day brings fresh chatter about the downward spiral of the legal industry.

For instance, today the NLJ had an article on whether law firms will conduct pre-Christmas layoffs. It contains this ulcer-maker from Altman Weil consultant Ward Bower:

I’ve been working with some firms that will be laying some people off, but the announcements probably won’t be made until early January,” Bower said. “The decisions have already been made, but I think that’s in consideration of the holidays.”

Now, go try and enjoy your eggnog with that on your mind.

You know, as I read these kinds of stories, I can’t shake a nagging feeling of déjà vu. Big layoffs, dire predictions, general malaise — where have we seen that before? (Thanks to Romenesko for the links.)

Oh, yeah. Right.

CARYN TAMBER, Legal Affairs Writer