Recent news that the recession is not quite over indicates that there is still some way to go before things get back to ‘normal’. However, there are pockets of the legal industry that bring good news.
Private practice employers are still being quite specific in their requests, asking for candidates from reputable firms with good, solid experience that can demonstrate longevity and staying power throughout their career.
The private sector has recently seen an uplift in demand
Whilst there are signs that the property market is picking up, demand remains comparatively low. Firms that are hiring are increasingly asking that currently redundant candidates demonstrate how they are differentiating themselves by, for example, having volunteered at their local CAB or a local firm as a way of maintaining their CPD. Candidates that are able to do so will significantly increase their employability.
Conference season in the public sector might change some of the areas of focus for local authorities – for example Gordon Brown’s speech at this years’ Labour Party conference alluded to increased attention on public disorder offences which may lead to an increase in demand for locums with ASBO and prosecutions experience. In their need to adhere to public sector procurement guidelines, local authorities are increasingly calling on their legal teams to advise on matters that would ordinarily be covered by their procurement department. Candidates with legal procurement expertise are sure to be snapped up as a result.
Many government regulators are busy as a result several high profile instances of anti-competitive and corrupt behaviour. We have also seen an increase in work levels in regulators of the professions, with increased use of social media leading to a growth in the number of complaints being brought.
The private sector has recently seen an uplift in demand, specifically for candidates with company secretary and banking experience and for commercial lawyers across many locations. Particularly interesting sectors include oil & gas and construction/engineering.
Links in blue go to current vacancies on the Badenoch & Clark website and are live and up to date as of 6 November 2009
