Shifting a law firm's practice focus might be a necessity in today's legal market, but for small and midsize firms, it could be one of the most difficult processes a firm faces.

According to several legal consultants and observers, fundamental changes over the past 10 to 20 years have led an increasing number of firm leaders to begin looking into whether they should shift from their firm's traditional base to a more profitable line of work.

While major changes to the legal market stemming from regular business cycles, increased transparency of pricing and shifting client demands have affected firms of all sizes, adapting to the new legal market may be particularly difficult for small and midsize firms.