There’s nothing quite like the fireworks accompanying a divided election year, as the parties and candidates duke it out in the final weeks preceding election day.

While most are pondering how the economy will affect election results, we’re turning that question on its head, examining the flip side. What toll is the looming election taking on the state of the economy, and the legal industry specifically?

The answer? A big one. With so much at stake, the election and key issues on the political horizon have the ability to abruptly and dramatically (think fiscal cliff) shape the U.S. economy, and as a result the legal industry.

The economy seems to be responding as if in an economic holding pattern. Consistent with historic trends, sub-par economic growth tends to occur in presidential cycles featuring divided government. So far the 2012 presidential election cycle is no exception.

Need convincing? Read on…