Large law firms have in recent years become renowned for their collections of expensive art, their large spacious foyers and exceptional city views.

But such displays of extravagance have generated concern from parts of the profession, and for some, are almost being seen as bad taste in light of the current economic climate.

The "marble palace" was an issue cited by former High Court judge, Michael Kirby, in a recent speech at the NSW Law Society's 125th Anniversary dinner. "[Of concern is] the creation of much more expensive offices for lawyers, especially in the CBD of capital cities," he said. "Things were very modest in my earlier days."

Kirby went on to state that: "Someone pays for the extravagant legal offices with harbour views, precious paintings and generous space. Clients, not lawyers, pick up the tab. The result has been to position many ordinary citizens out of the possibility of securing good legal advice."

The GFC may very well be the catalyst needed to put an end to excessive consumption in the palaces of marble. By 2020, despite further modernity in technology and office design, many commentators believe that we might see the end of extravagant law firm offices and a return to more humble settings. Displays of blatant wealth might very well be significantly reduced as law firms move to more prudent behaviour and a reassurance to clients that their legal spend is justified.