Over the past year, Inventum Legal has carefully tracked hiring trends across a wealth of different industries we cover, identifying shifts in demand and priorities that we expect will shape the market into 2025. As we look ahead, several trends are likely to continue, including an increased need for specialised, adaptable legal professionals and a greater emphasis on flexible work arrangements. With companies navigating evolving regulatory landscapes and technological advancements, we anticipate continued growth in in-house roles and the demand for industry-specific expertise, setting the tone for the remainder of this year and beyond.
Here's our verdict:
Media & Entertainment
In the past, Inventum Legal has hired extensively across E-Gaming, Music, TV and Streaming Services, Broadcast Media, and Academic Publishing, focusing largely on 1-10 PQE growth roles. This year, we’ve observed a continued demand for in-house IP and Tech lawyers, particularly those interested in breaking away from the traditional private practice track. However, unlike previous years, there's a marked increase in hires for more specialised legal roles as tech innovation accelerates across the industry. Interestingly, GC or Head of Legal positions remain relatively stagnant, with minimal movement, aligning with past trends. Permanent roles continue to dominate, but the demand for flexible, interim contracts is slightly higher as companies tackle diverse tech-related challenges.
Financial Services
Previously, financial services organisations, including Fintech, insurance, and alternative investment firms, were keen to onboard highly skilled lawyers with regulatory experience and industry insights. This year, the trend has remained, but with a stronger focus on digital assets, AI-driven investment solutions, and regulatory adaptation, especially given rapid changes in financial regulation and technology. There’s a continued shift away from large finance institutions towards nimble Fintech companies, which offer agility and growth opportunities. However, this year has seen slightly more volatility in senior hiring, with an increase in interim roles due to economic uncertainties. Lawyers with a combination of in-house experience and regulatory expertise remain highly valued.
Real Estate
At the beginning of the previous hiring period, real estate roles surged, with a demand from developers, financiers, and asset managers. This year, the market is still relatively active, but with a stronger emphasis on sustainable development and compliance roles, reflecting broader industry shifts towards environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. Senior lawyers are still keen on progressing to 'Head of' or GC roles, although economic pressures have tempered hiring in recent months, leading many to delay moves in favour of finishing projects or securing year-end bonuses. Unlike previous years, we’re seeing a growing interest in flexible work arrangements within real estate legal roles, especially for high-value contract work.
Commercial Lawyers
2022 was notably active for in-house commercial lawyers with drafting and negotiating skills. This year, that demand remains high across sectors like pharmaceuticals, automotive, shipping, and emerging tech, but with a new emphasis on remote work and flexible arrangements. Cross-border hires are still prominent, but organisations are increasingly selective, focusing on candidates with specialised experience in high-demand areas, such as digital assets or SaaS contracts. Hiring has become more selective, with businesses looking to onboard commercial lawyers with specific, industry-relevant skills and an aptitude for hybrid work environments, reflecting the evolution of contract needs in today’s digital-first landscape.
International Hiring
As well as hiring internationally for organisations in the Middle East, USA and Europe, we have also seen an increase in requests for legal talent in to help organisations set up offices here in the UK. They have required broad skills encompassing corporate governance, employment law and setting up employment entities, as well as experience of working across a range of jurisdictions.
International hiring has been focused more so within the fields of financial services and tech. Financial Services organisations have wanted to see lawyers with strong regulatory experience, across a range of industries from Asset Management to Quantitative Trading as well as general banking. Technology companies have wanted to hire exceptional commercial lawyers, with really honed negotiation skills, as well as an additional language.