Who’s in demand – August 2009

Over the course of the recession there have been relatively few areas of recruitment that have remained busy; conspicuous by its continued activity, the public sector has been one of the exceptions. The good news is that both in-house and private practice hiring is now starting to pick up to give a healthier overall picture for legal opportunities.

In the north of the UK we’re starting to experience more activity within credit hire and fraud for personal injury firms with major insurance clients. Criminal firms in Manchester are becoming the subject of a best value pilot scheme where they will have to pitch for local crime business. It’s anticipated that those who are successful will pick up the lion’s share of the market. In Leeds we’ve seen a rise in general claimant and industrial disease work within personal injury in parallel with an upturn in civil and commercial litigation.

Nationally local authorities are looking to recruit solicitors with exposure to public sector work from practice

Across the south west and Wales locum roles for the summer seem to be on the rise as increasing numbers of clients enquire into availability and prices. Most of the activity has been within private client, civil litigation, personal injury and even property.

Nationally local authorities are looking to recruit solicitors with exposure to public sector work from practice as they respond to the rising demand for experts in childcare law.

Volumes of commercial contracts work remain steady and there is a demand for people with exposure to procurement transactions. We’re seeing a rise in the number of employment cases. Some firms have more confidence in the market and are looking into the permanent recruitment of litigation, insolvency, employment and personal injury lawyers. Most notable however, is the continuing trend of recruiting childcare specialists for family departments. In contrast, property and planning are still quiet.

In addition to the diversity of disciplines that are picking up, we are also seeing all levels of seniority being recruited. This is a change from earlier in the year when only the most important senior roles were on the market. We anticipate the improved market will continue into the autumn.