What does 2024 mean for legal talent in the UK regions?

Author James Brewster
februari 10, 2024

In 2023 we saw a fairly flat legal jobs market in the regions; candidate appetite to move jobs was low, client confidence in hiring was also low and focussed mainly on replacement hires, rather than expansion.  The firms who did grow their teams were mainly those that specialise in the public sector.

There are a number of signs to say there will be more stability in 2024 as we move away from the pandemic and global political volatility which have stifled legal job numbers in the last few years. Currently we have over 50 live roles in Birmingham, 50% more, than we did this time last year. We predict more lawyers will look to move and average job numbers set to increase to give them the confidence to make a move.

In terms of practice areas in 2023, we saw most firms looking for legal talent within the areas of commercial contracts IT/IP, data protection, commercial disputes, construction and employment.  While banking, real estate and corporate. were stifled.

In 2024, we predict quarter one to be busier in terms of new law firm opportunities than they would be in other business quarters. March is consistently the busiest month in terms of new vacancies, and we predict this will apply in 2024. (September will be a quieter month with August seeing a surge in vacancies).

We should see an increase in corporate private equity and M&A jobs given encouraging signs from the top firms by volume and total value in corporate transactions, that things are due to pick up in the first half of 2024.  Consequently, real estate jobs should pick up too.  We shall also see a continued healthy flow of commercial contract, disputes and employment jobs. 

For more information on the current market in Birmingham and across the Midlands please contact James Brewster.

Jobs

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This leading real estate practice is seeking an Associate to join its established team in Birmingham. This role offers a unique opportunity to work on high-value transactions and collaborate with leading professionals in the industry. Key Responsibilities: Acquiring and disposing of commercial real estate assets. Assembling sites for development and collaborating with property litigation and […]
  • Posted 2 weken geleden geplaatst
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We are working with a leading law firm seeking the hire of a Risk & Compliance Officer within their Risk & Compliance Team, based in Chester. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with the Compliance Manager/MLRO regarding daily AML and compliance queries. Further key responsibilities: Communicating with the SRA and Law Society to […]
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Role Purpose: We are looking to recruit a Senior Associate to join our client’s leading Litigation & International Arbitration team in Birmingham. The role will be heavily involved in high-value and complex litigation and arbitration, both domestically and on a cross-border basis. We are seeking a highly motivated individual who will be able to manage […]
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Our client is a business-to-business electricity supplier, operating in the Industrial & Commercial (I&C) segment of the retail energy sector. Supplying only zero carbon, 100% renewable electricity, sourced solely from solar, wind and hydro power, they are the largest renewable only supplier in the I&C retail energy sector. They are now seeking a bright, motivated […]
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