Nine for 09: Job market predictions for 2009

Our first prediction is possibly the biggest one of all: There will still be a job market in 2009. Tough call to make right now, we know, but even a crisis spells opportunity of one kind or another. And in a shrinking job market, knowing where to look is more important than ever. Here are our top picks for 09 (plus a couple of areas we think are less-than-likely to be open to new hires):

1) The government – According to some estimates, President-Elect Obama has more than 7,000 jobs to fill in his new administration, not to mention all the positions created in other industries if he keeps his infrastructure-building promises

2) Legal issues – Boon times for bankruptcy lawyers is one to file under "sad but true," as the full extent of the downturn begins to bite at both corporate and personal levels. Litigators, meanwhile, are going to be in demand as shareholders and financial institutions slug it out over who is to blame and who should pay for the consequences of the financial meltdown. The jury remains out, however, for matrimonial lawyers: questions remain over whether financial strife—one of the most commonly cited reasons for divorce -- will lead to an increase in incidences of divorce, or to more couples staying together to avoid a costly separation.