Legal is an area that has transformed over the past number of years, with the past 12 months proving particularly challenging. In the past 10 years, so many UK and US-based law firms have established a footprint in Northern Ireland. This is mainly down to the lower cost of living combined with a strong talent pool supplied through local Universities that have created exciting opportunities. 

As an agency, we recruit for roles at all levels. This ranges from Commercial Litigation Solicitors with some of the world's largest firms to Conveyancing Solicitors and Paralegals with smaller local practices across Northern Ireland. We also specialise in in-house legal opportunities at all levels, with roles mainly focused on drafting commercial contracts, ranging from Contract Analysts to Head of Legal positions. The Northern Irish market is also a hub for Legal graduates looking to utilise their degree but not practise as solicitors. A large number of Legal Analysts and Legal professionals discover opportunities with larger firms.

Some of the busiest practice areas include conveyancing, corporate and litigation, with a strong demand for talent at the 2-5 PQE level. Here, firm's are competing to attract and retain top talent in a highly competitive market. One trend has been firm's adopting flexible working options to attract talent. For example, some firm's incorporate a 3 and 2 hybrid model, with employees only physically in the office 3 days per week.

On the in-house side, organisations have focused on commercial contract-based positions. Several global organisations opt to expand their local legal offering in Northern Ireland, mainly due to cost. This is a positive trend, something I foresee increasing moving forward, opening up more opportunities for solicitors to move in-house. 

With an influx of global firms establishing a footprint in Northern Ireland, Legal graduates seek an alternative route to practising as a Solicitor, such as a contract management position. In addition, the size and scale of these firms offer job seekers future career opportunities, a trend we see continuing.