According to Ru Bhatt, a recruiter for Major, Lindsey & Africa in New York, there was a slight uptick in litigation; however, it failed to compensate for the substantial corporate needs that typically keep recruiters occupied.
Partner Hiring Resilient Amidst Turmoil
Unlike associates, partner hiring weathered the storm relatively well, with only a modest decline noted. Stephanie Biderman, another recruiter from Major, Lindsey & Africa, attributes this resilience to the fact that the majority of partners moving possess portable books of business, while associates serve as leverage for that business.
Law Firm Hiring Plummets 35% Amid Layoffs : Uncertain with Hints of Recovery
Despite the gloomy outlook, there are signs of a potential recovery on the horizon. Recent months have witnessed heightened activity, particularly in finance-related roles, signaling a tentative resurgence in demand for corporate attorneys.
According to Bhatt, while the pace may not match that of 2021, firms appear to be gearing up for increased lateral hiring. However, caution remains the watchword as firms cautiously navigate the uncertain terrain of post-pandemic legal landscapes.
Looming Layoffs and Trimmed Summer Classes
In addition to scaling back lateral hiring, firms have also downsized their summer classes, according to a separate NALP report released earlier this month. This data paints a bleak picture, suggesting that firms anticipate the demand slump to persist for the next year or two.