In our Ask a Recruiter feature, our specialist recruitment team tackles key topics around attraction, recruitment and retention.
This month, Associate Consultant and family law recruitment specialist Mel Samson responds to a law firm that’s noticed an uptick in movement in the legal talent market. With Realm’s 2025 Annual Talent Report pointing to a “hesitant recovery”, they want to know how they can make the most of the current momentum and get in front of the lawyers they’re looking to hire before the competition does.
“It feels like things are picking up in the market – we’re hearing about more lawyers being open to moving, and there seems to be a bit more confidence out there. Your latest report mentions a “hesitant recovery” in legal talent trends. How can we take advantage of this shift and position ourselves to attract the lawyers we need before our competitors do?”
You’re absolutely right—the market is picking up. While 2024 saw some caution from lawyers and firms alike, our latest Annual Talent Report shows signs of renewed confidence. More lawyers are open to conversations, and we’re seeing an increase in speculative interest, even from those who sat tight last year.
But this recovery is still tentative, and that means firms who move decisively will have the upper hand. If you wait until later this year, or early 2026 to act, you might find the lawyers you’d love to hire are already tied up elsewhere.
Here’s how to take advantage of the shift now:
-
Be Visible in the Right Way
The lawyers we speak to are increasingly selective, and your brand reputation matters more than ever.
Make sure your EVP is clear and visible across your job adverts, careers page, and LinkedIn presence. Why should someone choose your firm over another? What do you offer that others don’t? Lawyers are looking for more than just pay, they want clarity around flexibility, progression, culture, and leadership.
-
Speed Up Your Hiring Process
If someone’s already tentatively exploring a move, a slow or inconsistent interview process can be enough to put them off, or worse, lose them to a faster-moving firm.
Review your hiring stages. Do decision-makers have clear diaries? Are you giving prompt, helpful feedback? Streamlining your process now could be the difference between securing the lawyer you want—or being pipped at the post.
-
Be Proactive, Not Passive
Don’t wait for lawyers to come to you. Many of the best people in the market aren’t actively applying for roles, they’re waiting to be approached with the right opportunity.
Working with a specialist legal recruiter gives you access to this passive talent pool. We’re already speaking to the lawyers who’ve started to dip their toe back into the market, and we can connect you with people who match your brief but might not be on your radar yet.
-
Tailor Your Offer, Not Just the Role
We’re seeing a shift away from one-size-fits-all hiring. If you find the right lawyer, consider shaping the opportunity around their strengths and aspirations. That might mean adjusting the structure of the team, offering part-time or hybrid working, or creating a progression route that reflects where they are in their career.
Firms that can offer this kind of flexibility are winning talent, even when their competitors offer higher salaries.
Want to get ahead while the market’s on the move?
At Realm, we specialise in matching the right lawyers with the right law firms, whether the market’s flying or finding its feet. If you’re looking to make a key hire, now’s the time to act.
Get in touch with our expert team to talk about the roles you need to fill, and how we can help you stand out in a shifting legal talent market.
