16 Jun Law has become a stable sector of choice for candidates

16 June 2021

While there was some level of change across all industries during COVID-19, law remained relatively stable and has, over time, become the sector of choice. Previously, candidates were eager to leave law for financial services, accounting, consulting, education and other B2B firms, usually on a lower salary and to under-resourced teams. This has shifted considerably. We are now seeing people eager to stay in legal, increased boomerang hires and more professionals looking to move into law firms.

Drivers

  • Roles are becoming more strategic across BD, marketing and communications.
  • Partners who have grown up with BD recognise the value it brings in a competitive market. They seek strategic guidance and challenge teams to be better.
  • Healthy salaries and performance recognition through bonuses.
  • Increased hiring of junior resources, utilising assistants and (for some firms) having access to global support teams allows teams to be more strategic and client facing.
  • Law firms continue to invest in technology, systems, processes, tools and resources resulting in efficiencies and better working practices. For example, innovation hubs, ‘new law’ businesses, project management teams and transformation projects.

Julie Barber, Chief Marketing Officer at Allens, comments:

“At Allens, our BD and Marketing strategy has evolved significantly over recent years, as has the way we engage with the firm. We are driving client discussions, creating and pursuing growth opportunities, and are seen as trusted advisors who have our fingers on the pulse of client needs. We’re motivated by delivering clients with
a great experience – and that’s an objective to which the whole firm is committed. It means that the mix of skills and expertise we need in the team continue to shift – we’re always on the lookout for people who are curious, collaborative and motivated to deliver for clients.”

Next steps

Looking to pursue or grow your career in the legal sector? Contact a member of the Dalton Handley team for a confidential discussion and expert advice. Email: australia@daltonhandley.com Phone: +61 2 8042 7970.