As we progress through 2025, the UK’s legal and professional services sector is thriving, offering a wealth of opportunity for both employers and job seekers. At Winner Recruitment, we’re seeing a significant uptick in demand for permanent roles across this field – and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.
A Sector on the Up
Recent market data shows a 17% rise in advertised legal roles since early 2024. This increase is being driven by a growing need for in-house legal support, heightened regulatory demands, and ongoing post-Brexit legislative changes. The result? More permanent roles, better career prospects, and strong salary growth across the board.
What’s Behind the Growth?
Several factors are contributing to the expansion of this sector:
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Increased Regulatory Pressure: From data protection laws to ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) obligations, businesses are under more scrutiny than ever – and they need legal professionals to navigate it.
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In-House Legal Growth: Many companies are bringing legal expertise in-house to reduce reliance on external law firms and retain control over compliance.
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Legal Tech Integration: The sector is rapidly adopting technology such as AI-driven contract tools and e-discovery platforms, creating demand for professionals with both legal knowledge and digital skills.
High-Demand Roles
Whether you’re a law graduate or an experienced practitioner, the following permanent roles are in particularly high demand:
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Solicitors (especially in corporate, employment, and intellectual property law)
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Legal Executives
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Compliance Officers
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Paralegals and Legal Assistants
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Risk and Governance Specialists
These roles are increasingly strategic, offering not only job security but also a chance to play a key role in shaping business decisions.
Attractive Salaries and Career Progression
The legal and professional services sector continues to offer some of the highest average salaries in the UK, with professionals earning around £53,000 per year, and considerably more for senior positions. Structured career pathways, professional development opportunities, and hybrid working models also make the industry highly attractive to today’s workforce.
What Employers Should Know
To remain competitive in this talent-driven market, employers should:
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Highlight Flexibility: Hybrid working is now the norm. Employers offering flexible arrangements are more likely to attract and retain top talent.
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Invest in Development: Legal professionals value clear progression opportunities and continued learning.
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Speed Up Recruitment: With so many roles available, the best candidates don’t stay on the market for long. A streamlined recruitment process is crucial.
Advice for Job Seekers
Now is a brilliant time to enter or advance in the legal and professional services sector. Whether you’re newly qualified or looking to retrain, consider:
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Gaining certifications or additional qualifications in specialist areas like compliance or legal tech
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Building digital skills that complement traditional legal expertise
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Staying up to date with industry developments and regulatory changes
At Winner Recruitment, we specialise in connecting the best legal and professional talent with top employers across the UK. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career – or find the perfect candidate for your team – we’re here to help.
📞 Contact us today 0121 353 1661
