Articles From the Team

Is the new year a good time to be looking for a new legal job?

Is the new year a good time to be looking for a new legal job?

At the end of 2012 many started slowing down ready for the Christmas break, reflecting on the year gone and looking to 2013 wondering what the market would bring.  As uncertainty still prevails, lawyers and recruiters alike were holding their breath hoping that the December lull would not continue into the new year.  The first quarter of the year at times can be a slow start, as law firms and organisations try to predict the economy ahead and wait until they can see a steady flow of work before making decisions on recruitment.

However, heading into the middle of January we can already see that January 2013 has bucked the trend.  Law firms seem confident – instructions are high across the board, with increased work levels already seeing teams across disciplines scrambling to recruit the best legal talent before their competitors.  In 2012 insurance jobs (including injury, fraud and professional indemnity work) continued to dominate legal recruitment activity, and are clearly leading the way heading into 2013.  However, a steady increase in transactional work is already continuing into the new year.

At BCL Legal we have already received a high level of instructions for corporate, commercial and commercial property lawyers.  We are working with top tier and national firms, mid tier, small and niche practices who have already identified a need for lawyers, ideally at the NQ-four year PQE level, with solid experience in corporate, commercial and commercial property work.  Teams are incredibly busy and squeezing resources internally is no longer enough.

Many lawyers return from the Christmas break with a new years resolution of finding a new job high on the agenda.  Perhaps the quality of work is not what you had hoped for at your current firm, perhaps you are reaching a block in progression, need a step up, or are simply ready for a new challenge after staying at the same firm after qualifying?  If this is you, now is an excellent time to push your career forward.  While recruitment activity is high, whether you specialise in insurance, corporate, commercial, commercial property, litigation, employment or a more niche area, you will have options.  Consultants at BCL Legal have excellent relationships with law firms and recruiting partners across the country, and as many are ex lawyers, are in a unique position to advise you on the best move for your career.  We cannot predict with certainty how the market will emerge over the year ahead, but so far 2013 is exceptionally busy so cease the opportunity while the market is on your side.

Whatever your discipline focus, level or location, we are on hand to provide bespoke advise and find the right new job for you in 2013.  We wish you a very happy, and prosperous, year ahead.