The personal injury legal market – and within the specialism of Employer Liability (EL) and Public Liability (PL), in particular – is experiencing significant change, characterised by market consolidations, strategic office relocations and evolving work patterns.
For solicitors, legal executives and other fee earners specialising in this sector, understanding these shifts will be key to navigating your career path and staying ahead in a competitive landscape.
What is happening and who are the key players?
The personal injury law market continues to thrive, but employment opportunities for lawyers in this field have decreased due to a rise in mergers and acquisitions. This trend is driven by concerns about profitability, mainly due to high overhead expenses and the introduction of fixed costs reforms for EL/PL cases. Smaller firms, which typically rely on buying client leads instead of generating them internally, are finding it challenging to sustain their business in this environment, making acquisition a more attractive option.
Some notable consolidations include the acquisition of Jefferies Solicitors and Amelans Solicitors by Express Solicitors in 2023, as well as Fletchers Solicitors’ growth through acquisitions and organic expansion. Despite this, larger firms like JMW maintain a robust market presence, while others like Scott Rees & Co offer more personalised options within the specialist personal injury law sector, indicating a growing market segmentation.
Fletchers Solicitors has recently expanded by opening a new office in Liverpool, resulting in significant intra-firm migrations and attracting talent from other establishments. Similarly, Express Solicitors’ new office in South Manchester has become a regional hub for legal professionals.
Career implications for personal injury lawyers
In today’s market, personal injury lawyers need to be more competitive than ever. This means acquiring knowledge in niche areas, developing specialist skills, and staying aware of the market dynamics. Due to the market consolidation, there has been a relative pay stagnation. This has led to a greater need for clear career progression paths and lateral moves that could offer better financial rewards. Additionally, smaller firms are commercially unstable, which calls for a prudent evaluation of long-term job security.
Flexible and remote working has become a crucial factor in job selection, with Scott Rees & Fletchers standing out by offering up to four days of home working per week. On average, firms are adopting more flexible working policies, allowing two or three days of remote work. These trends indicate a shift towards prioritizing work-life balance, reflecting broader societal changes accelerated by recent global events.
What should personal injury lawyers do now?
Despite market changes, personal injury law remains lucrative for adaptable legal professionals.
The changing work culture, which increasingly values flexibility, combined with the ongoing need for specialised expertise, presents a vast array of opportunities for ambitious professionals.
In today’s highly dynamic job market, personal injury professionals may find it challenging to make strategic career choices and confidently navigate their career paths. This is where partnering with a specialised career advisor can prove invaluable, as they can provide guidance and support in making informed career decisions. It is important for personal injury professionals to embrace these developments and redefine their aspirations, seeking career opportunities that offer growth, stability, and fulfilment in equal measure.
If you’d like to find out about the current opportunities within EL PL or how Realm can support you in your career even if you’re not looking to move, our specialist in personal injury recruitment Joseph Shenton is ready to help you. Give him a call on 03300 245 606 or drop him a message here.
