The way DLA Piper global co-chairman Roger Meltzer sees it, the last couple of years in the legal industry have been good, but law firms leaders all over are wondering "when the next shoe will drop".

"There's going to be a pullback at some point," Meltzer said.

As a hedge against a recession and to meet other goals, DLA has poured significant resources into technology and innovation initiatives, overseen by newly hired senior level and c-suite staff. Those initiatives include using data analytics to get client payments in faster, using artificial intelligence to help build legal briefs, and using blockchain-related technology in real estate transactions.