All market niches are not created equally.  They're even more unequal during a recession.  When jobs are scare, the most successful recruiters focus only on the most lucrative markets.  

How do you know if your market is hot (or not)? 

How are your current clients?  Are they giving you more business or more reasons why they aren't doing any hiring right now?  If you're market is hot, you should experience a slight increase in the number of job orders coming from current clients (or at least the same number of job orders).  If your current client job orders are on the decline or have stopped completely, that means your market is probably in a slump. 

What should I do if my market is in a slump? 

Research hiring trends in the legal industry and find out which markets have a high demand for attorneys.  Once you identify hot markets begin refocusing your marketing energy on those markets only.  And while you're at it, increase your marketing efforts by at least 30 percent.  Spend 30 percent more of your time marketing to potential clients. Use cold calling, online social