There is unique paranoia in the legal marketplace that does not exist in other sectors. It stems from the fact that conflict rules and direct ownership structures keep the legal industry fragmented. Unlike, say, accountancy, where a few large institutions have essentially taken control of the market, a large number of law firms are credible candidates to win market share.
This is good for proponents of capitalism and competition but problematic for law firm leaders because it means they have to constantly watch each other to stay abreast of developments or risk being left behind.
