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Learn from legal expert, Harrison Barnes
Don’t just take it from us
By Maria Laus, Author - LawCrossing
The legal job market in 2024 has shown promising trends, with low unemployment and sustained demand across various legal roles. For attorneys and support staff alike, the field offers significant opportunities. This article explores the trends in legal hiring, the roles most in demand, and strategic insights for law firms and corporate legal departments aiming to attract and retain top talent.
The legal job market remains strong, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting an impressively low unemployment rate of 1.1% among non-self-employed lawyers. Paralegals also remain highly sought-after, with unemployment rates as low as 2.0% across various experience levels, ranging from junior to senior roles with over seven years of experience.
As legal employers seek to expand teams and innovate, the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow, particularly for experienced attorneys and legal support roles. Below are some of the most sought-after positions in 2024 and what drives this demand.
In the first half of 2024, the demand for legal professionals continued to grow, particularly for roles requiring specialized skills and experience. Key legal positions in demand include:
Paralegal roles are especially in demand, with unemployment rates as low as 2.0%, highlighting their critical role in supporting legal teams of all sizes.
In 2024, the legal sector is seeing higher levels of in-office presence compared to other industries. A recent Law Firm Trends report by CRESA found that legal firms reported a 78.1% weekly occupancy rate by the end of January 2024, which is about 25% higher than the national average across industries. Despite this, flexibility remains important, with 92% of law firm employees expressing a desire to work remotely at least one day a week.
The push for hybrid work policies is increasingly common, with 83% of law firms implementing structured hybrid schedules. These trends highlight a shift towards work environments that blend in-office work with remote flexibility, which can help retain top talent and accommodate the evolving demands of legal professionals.
Technology is transforming the legal industry at an unprecedented pace. Cloud computing and legal tech tools are becoming indispensable in legal operations:
These innovations not only streamline operations but also reduce the physical footprint required for data storage and face-to-face meetings, influencing law firm layouts and office design.
A well-designed workplace that integrates technology and provides flexible workspaces is becoming a competitive edge for law firms. Major firms have implemented:
With these amenities, firms aim to create an environment where legal professionals can thrive, whether in the office or working remotely.
Legal career opportunities are increasingly available in the Southeast. While states like New York, Massachusetts, and Illinois remain legal industry hubs, states like Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia have shown substantial growth. This trend reflects a broader shift, with more firms establishing offices in these regions to tap into emerging markets and recruit local talent. Florida, for instance, has seen a 23.6% rise in legal professionals over the last decade.
As legal technology advances, there’s a gap in the tech skills of recent law school graduates versus the demands of modern legal practices. In-demand skills in 2024 include:
Some law firms offer on-the-job training to address this gap, while others partner with law schools to advocate for greater tech emphasis in curricula.
For lawyers, mentorship and work-life balance are increasingly important. According to a Bloomberg survey, nearly half of law firm employees have mentors, underscoring the importance of guidance and career development. Work schedules, however, remain challenging, with 86% of lawyers working irregular hours, impacting their personal wellness. Firms are addressing this by providing amenities that support mental health, physical well-being, and social interaction, such as wellness programs, fitness facilities, and flexible schedules.
As the legal industry evolves, law firms and corporate legal departments are focusing on strategic priorities such as technological integration and expanding practice areas. These priorities align with a few significant trends expected for the remainder of 2024:
The high demand for legal talent has encouraged law firms and corporate legal departments to adapt their recruitment strategies. Here are some insights and strategies that hiring managers can use to navigate this competitive market:
Permanent and Project-Based Hiring: While 50% of hiring managers plan to expand their teams, employee turnover is driving new openings in law firms. Corporate legal departments, on the other hand, are often hiring for specific projects or contract-based needs.
Rise in Contract Roles: In 2024, contract positions are on the rise, with 53% of legal hiring managers planning to increase their use of temporary professionals. Key areas include:
Flexible Work and Technological Upskilling: Providing flexibility and opportunities to learn emerging technologies is essential. Law firms offering hybrid or remote options, coupled with AI and legal tech training, are attracting top candidates and reducing turnover.
In a challenging hiring environment, law firms and corporate legal departments can employ several strategies to attract and retain skilled legal professionals:
For law firms and legal departments, partnering with specialized recruiters can provide access to passive candidates and high-potential individuals. Recruiters offer valuable insights and can streamline the hiring process, connecting firms with skilled candidates who might not be actively job hunting but are open to opportunities.
Navigating the legal job market in 2024 requires an understanding of both the evolving workplace preferences and technological advances shaping the industry. By adapting to these trends, law firms can create a competitive advantage, attract top talent, and retain a highly skilled workforce poised to meet future legal challenges.