Q1 hiring landscape

Our Q1 Legal Market Update brings together real-time insights into how hiring demand, talent expectations, and firm priorities are evolving. It highlights where firms are investing and how roles are shifting toward strategic growth.

Key insights:

• Shift to strategic hiring: Growth roles are replacing backfill hiring
• Mid-level pressure point: Associates with client exposure are in highest demand
• Selective hiring: Firms prioritize immediate impact and cultural fit
• Longer processes: Increased stages are slowing hiring outcomes
• Premiums for top talent: Competition remains strong for high performers