Fresh data reveals more lawyers are open to new roles in 2025, but they’re increasingly choosy about the firms they’ll consider.
Our Legal Talent Report 2025: The Return of the Selective Jobseeker is here, and it shows that, while the legal talent market is beginning to move again, lawyers are more selective than ever about the firms they’ll join.
Now in its seventh year, the report brings together survey responses from hundreds of lawyers with the day-to-day insight of our specialist recruiters. Together, it paints one of the most detailed pictures yet of what really drives lawyers to stay, move and thrive at work in 2025.
Highlights from the 2025 report
- Signs of a hesitant recovery: 13% of lawyers are actively looking and 36% are passively open to change — the highest mobility since before the pandemic.
- Why lawyers stay: Flexibility (64%), pay (59%) and progression (55%) top the list, but culture and engagement underpin long-term loyalty.
- Why lawyers leave: 77% would move for a better financial package, 53% for a healthier work-life balance, and 40% for greater flexibility.
- Pay is now a baseline expectation: Lawyers expect fair salaries — firms that don’t benchmark risk losing people.
- Engagement is the hidden driver: Only 36% named it directly, but survey comments showed support, respect and culture are often decisive.
Duane Cormell, Managing Director at Realm, said:
“The market is beginning to move again, but cautiously. More lawyers are considering new opportunities, but they’re also more selective about where they’ll go.
Pay and flexibility remain critical, but they’re no longer enough. Firms that invest in engagement, progression and culture will be the ones that win in 2025 and beyond.”
Download the full report
Inside you’ll find:
- The latest salary data across regions, PQE levels and practice areas
- Practical actions law firms can take to attract and retain talent
- Expert commentary from Realm’s consultants
