As the world stares down the barrel of a potential economic downturn, we asked lawyers how they think law firms will respond recruitment-wise.

According to Lawyers Weekly's online poll, most lawyers think an economic slowdown would have an impact on hiring, with 40 per cent of respondents believing firms across the board will pull the reigns on their recruitment drive as the global economy slows.

Another 30 per cent believe that recruitment will only be affected in some areas, while a further 13 per cent believe that it would affect recruitment elsewhere, but not in Australia. Only 17 per cent of lawyers surveyed thought that an economic downturn would have no impact law firm recruitment at all. To see what the firms themselves are saying, see our story.