Review of the Legal Jobs Market

With the run up to Christmas, the legal division is as buoyant as ever.  The majority of law firms that I regularly work with across the SW region are ramping up their hiring plans in an effort to find key talent before the 2020 new year is upon us.   

My current vacancy list is long with firms crying out for legal secretaries, paralegals, legal assistants, conveyancing assistants, solicitors and in-house solicitors in Plymouth, Newton Abbot, Torquay, Exeter, Taunton, Honiton, Launceston and Bristol, just to name a few locations.

Law firms are very interested in hearing from both qualified and non-qualified legal professionals across a multitude of legal disciplines, including; family law, residential conveyancing, commercial property, corporate, commercial, litigation and private client.

Companies are working hard to attract new talent and offering competitive benefits in order to stand out from their competitors.

A HR Manager at a well known Exeter law firm has said: “We are continuing with our growth plans and we are in dire need of experienced Solicitors who are looking to progress their careers. We are particularly looking on the Family and the Property side and would ideally like to make offers of employment before the break for Christmas.”

A Partner at one of the national law firms in the South West has said: “I can appreciate that most legal professionals will want to wait until the New Year to kick start their career searches, but what they will then come up against is competition from all of the other professionals who have the exact same idea. A lot of these candidates would be in a much better position before January when applications are fewer and there is a much higher probability of them landing their ideal role”.

I know the party season is rapidly approaching but now is the perfect time to spruce up your CV and dip your toe into the jobs market rather than wait until the new year.  If you would like any advice or guidance about your job search, please get in touch.