The relative circumspection is
due largely to the massive list of Democrats considering a run: Dozens of pols have asked aides to look into what it would take to mount a real campaign, potentially stretching thin the
staffing pool and leading political
professionals to be extra-careful about signing on with any one possible candidate.
Profit squeeze: Mid-size law firms will continue to be affected by a «profit squeeze» resulting from (a) increased overhead
due to higher associate and staff salaries and benefits; (b) higher automation costs,
professional liability insurance and marketing expenses; (c) partners» unwillingness / inability to increase hourly fee rates for «commodity» type work to off - set higher overhead; (d) enhanced client scrutiny of hourly rates, hours to produce work and lawyer and paralegal
staffing of work assignments; (e) pressure by corporate counsel for law firms to absorb more of the «soft costs;» (f) slower paying clients, that affect cash flow and hence the availability of distributable dollars for partners; and (g) a great many mid-size law firms are burdened with higher debt.