As 2025 draws to a close, you might be wondering whether next year will be the right time to consider a move. After all, the legal market has been through a turbulent few years, from COVID-era surges and salary spikes to cautious hiring freezes and a return to candidate hesitancy.
But according to Realm’s 2025/26 Legal Talent Report, the dial is starting to shift again – and that’s good news if you’re thinking about your next step. So what’s really happening in the legal jobs market, and what does it mean for your career in 2026?
It’s not a boom, but it’s not a bust either
Our research paints a picture of what we call a “hesitant recovery.” After a period of relative stillness, more lawyers are back on the move: 14% are now active jobseekers (the highest figure since before the pandemic), while 39% describe themselves as open to the right opportunity, even if they’re not actively looking.
While nearly half of the profession say they’re settled, the data suggests that movement is gradually returning to the market, and with it, more options for those ready to take a step forward.
More roles, but still a shortage of talent
There’s currently a surplus of legal opportunities in most practice areas, particularly in private client, family, and litigation. However, there’s still a shortage of lawyers with the right level of experience.
This puts you in a strong position as a jobseeker, especially if you’re clear on what you want and open to exploring the market before everyone else jumps in. It also means that firms are ready to act quickly when the right person comes along, often skipping CVs or formal applications in favour of direct conversations with recruiters.
What’s driving lawyers to move?
While salary remains important, it’s not the only motivator. Lawyers who moved in 2025 did so for a range of reasons, including:
- A healthier work-life balance
- Better flexibility or location
- More meaningful work
- A workplace culture that aligns with their values
Interestingly, a desire for clear progression ranked lowest, suggesting that lawyers are currently more focused on their day-to-day experience than long-term promotion pathways.
The risk of waiting
If you’ve been telling yourself you’ll “see what’s around in the spring,” you’re not alone, but be cautious. Firms that hired heavily between 2020-2022 are beginning to see turnover as those lawyers start to reevaluate their careers after three to five years.
That means movement is coming, and if you wait until the market is obviously busy, you could find you’re behind the curve or competing with more lawyers for the roles you want.
So, is 2026 the right time to explore?
Only you can answer that, but if you’re starting to question whether you’re still happy in your current role, or you’re curious about what else is out there, now’s the time to explore your options.
With firms actively hiring, the return of a more fluid market, and plenty of support available from specialist legal recruiters like Realm, 2026 could be the perfect year to make a move that better aligns with your goals.
Want tailored insight into your practice area or local market?
Our team of specialist legal recruiters can talk you through the latest opportunities and help you understand what the market could offer you. Get in touch for a confidential chat, or download our salary guide for your practice area to see how your current package compares.
