Sought-after legal skills for 2025
Law firms and in-house legal teams alike crave specialization. So, what specific skills and experiences should be topping your hiring wish list?
Here are the top strategic initiatives for which law firms and legal departments are hiring for the rest of 2025, according to research from Robert Half, and related competencies and experience to look for in attorney candidates to help achieve their goals:
Law firms
Expanding to new practice areas: This remains a leading strategy through 2025 as firms adapt to client demands for compliance, cybersecurity, privacy and regulatory defense expertise.
Data security and privacy compliance: Firms are prioritizing hiring attorneys with strength in data protection regulations like GDPR and CCPA to bolster risk mitigation and client confidence.
AI and legal technology integration: AI integration and other legal technologies are key strategic drivers for law firms. Candidates skilled in AI-powered research, analytics and e-discovery tools can elevate effectiveness and client service.
Legal departments
Technology implementation and automation: Legal departments emphasize implementing and automating systems—from contract management to workflow orchestration—to boost efficiency.
Compliance and regulatory affairs: In-house teams are also doubling down on hiring attorneys versed in compliance, governance and risk management to navigate evolving regulations.
AI innovation and governance: With AI reshaping the legal landscape, legal departments are seeking talent capable of ethically integrating and governing AI tools to support innovation while creating policies and managing risk.