Are in-house paralegals some of the first to go when it comes to layoffs?

I recall hearing this before, but I can’t remember where. But it made sense to me - the legal department costs money, it doesn’t generate it. Does anyone have any insight or opinions?

A couple years ago I made it to the final interview round for an in-house gig with Eddie Bauer. It was between me and one other person and they ultimately got the job. Something like 6 months later the company filed for bankruptcy, closing their HQ and laying literally everyone there off. It really shook me up because if I had been offered the job I would’ve taken it without hesitation, but then I would have been left unemployed almost immediately after.

I know this is an extreme example, but I guess with the current state of the economy and with the apparent frequency of layoffs in big companies, I get nervous at the thought of trying to interview for in-house roles again. I’m in biglaw now and, barring unusual circumstances, as long as I hit my billables I won’t get fired. In-house feels more vulnerable.