The practice of law is not a petroleum dependent business but high gas prices have a major impact on attorneys and staff. The primary effects seem to retention, commuting practices and work/life balance. A new survey done by Manpower, Inc. found that 31 percent of employees are considering finding a job closer to home. Considering is, of course, different than doing and our telephone survey of large law firm indicates no significant increased attrition caused by commuting costs.   However, our conversations with law firms did reveal a much increased interest among staff and associates about telecommuting, firm organized car pool programs and discounted bus and rail passes.

 

The biggest impact, however, seems to be work/life balance. The Manpower survey found that 76 percent of respondents say gas prices are impacting their time away from work:

            65% Reduced spending on entertainment and hobbies

            64% Dining out less

            55% Reducing summer travel

            29% Canceling summer travel plans

            29% Fewer extracurricular activities for children