It is not surprising to hear the same question over and over again; i.e. How can we recession proof the firm. Our response is this. First of all you probably should have been thinking this a couple of years ago and definitely last year. However like all of us, most kept thinking it couldn't get that bad and it did. Law firms are no exception.

Creative thinking has to be taking place in law firms to allow the firm to keep stabilize, maintain its staff, and still provide quality service. The worst thing in the world is to make rash decisions and cut staff or strong supportive overhead needed such as marketing, technology or critical supplies.

Written on our office door are the words IT IS A WANT OR A NEED? What we are doing (both personally and professionally) is assessing when we feel we need something to ask ourselves are we just in our "want stage" (instant gratification) or is it an actual need that will make us more secure, stable or successful.

We looked at our budget both at home and at work and did a line item review. Frankly we cut out things that are not true needs right now. We also held the line on things that we think are crucial to our long term goals.

We are strongly encouraging law firms to immediately do firm assessments and examine ever nook and cranny. Do a line item review of every expenditure for the past year and create a budget based on sound need not wants. If you are a high performance firm you have already figured out that your staff is part of the solution not the problem.

Our test of want v need is simple. Try it.