Legal Hiring Trends

If you are an attorney, paralegal, legal assistant, legal secretary or other legal professional looking for a legal job, you may take some comfort in knowing that although the overall legal job market remains flat, there are few bright spots out there.

Despite a challenging economic climate, a recent Robert Half Legal survey among attorneys revealed that about one third of law firms intend to add staff in the third quarter of 2011

“While the job market remains competitive, 51 percent of lawyers report difficulty recruiting skilled legal professionals. When asked what type of positions will be added in the third quarter, respondents indicated they most likely will hire lawyers (93 percent), followed by legal secretaries/assistants (32 percent), paralegals (20 percent), law clerks (19 percent) and legal administrators (12 percent). “Law firms are rebuilding their support teams, and they are hiring experienced legal assistants and paralegals who are able to add immediate value and perform multiple job functions,” Volkert said. The most marketable support professionals have backgrounds in litigation and e-discovery, as well as experience in document management, he noted.” –“More Than One-Third of Lawyers Plan to Hire in Third Quarter” By Robert Half Legal. Robert Half Legal Index, roberthalflegal.com.

Let’s take a brief look at where the legal openings are:

Lateral partners

As always, lateral partners with a book of substantial portable business will travel. Despite the constant demand, these partners were reluctant to jump ship in light of the economic turmoil. However, it appears that lateral partner movement is on the uptick as partners are more willing to explore a move to a smaller boutique practices. They also, of course, continue to dance with other AMLAW 250 firms.

Intellectual Property/Patent

Corporations are continually seeking to value and defend their intellectual property assets and patent prosecution is on the rise. Thus, intellectual property litigation and patent prosecution is an area where demand for top legal talent is in demand. Associates with three or more years experience and support staff with on pint experience can expect to fare well.

Commercial Litigation:

When times are good, litigation is strong; and when times are bad people still sue each other. Recent surveys suggest that law suit filings are on the uptick which will create a steady need for experienced commercial litigation personnel.

Bankruptcy/Foreclosure Defense:

Judging by the lagging economy, there appears to be no imminent end in sight for this hot practice area. A second wave of foreclosure filings is forecasted to begin during the latter part of 2011 and stretching into 2012. As unemployment rates remain high, businesses struggle, and savings are depleted, rest assured that bankruptcy will continue to be a busy practice area for quite some time.

Environmental/Regulatory Law:

a heightened awareness towards environmental concerns is leading to increased regulations concerning environmental initiatives. Attorneys – – especially those with environmental/science backgrounds – – will be in demand to properly advise clients how to ”go green” in a compliant manner. There has been and will continue to be a move among large firms to set up specific green practice departments.

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