There's mostly bad news about the current economy, more job losses, hiring freezes and cutbacks in recruiting budgets; but there are still legal jobs available for the taking.  The trick is that recruiters need to know which candidates are the most marketable and the most marketable candidates have the skills required for some of the hottest practice areas in the legal industry.  Here are just a few of the hottest legal practice areas for 2009:

Mediation - Including other types of alternative dispute resolution.
Foreclosures. With the housing market going bust some companies are hiring attorneys with a specialty in handling foreclosures.
Bankruptcy. Both corporate and personal bankruptcy are hot as companies and individuals attempt to discharge debt and restructure financially.
Post-arbitration Litigation. Many analysts predict this practice area will increase in 2009.
Intellectual Property. New and proposed legislation is making this area hot again as businesses attempt to protect their profits from knockoffs domestically and internationally.
Immigration. Immigration specialists are in demand as many law firms see increased demand for this service.
Labor and Employment. This practice area has become more complex because of new EEOC rulings and union drives.
Corporate Investigations. As seen with the recent Wall Street scandals this is the fastest growing area of white-collar crime.
Estate Planning and Administration. As more baby boomers retire, this practice area is in high demand.

(source: American Bar Association)