Legal Hiring Surge: Job Openings Climb, Closures Drop, and Market Strengthens in 2025

Legal Jobs Report – January 2025 vs. January 2024

An analysis of job activity across a controlled set of law firms reveals significant growth in legal hiring and job availability in January 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

Key Findings (All Firms):

• Job Openings Increased: January 2025 saw 52 new job openings, an 18% increase from 44 openings in January 2024.
• Fewer Job Closures: Only 18 jobs were closed in January 2025, a 51% decrease from 37 closures in January 2024—indicating greater job stability.
• Total Open Jobs Surged: The total number of open jobs in January 2025 rose to 208, a 47% increase from 141 open jobs in January 2024.

US-Based Legal Jobs Analysis:

• US Job Openings Grew: January 2025 recorded 47 new job openings, a 12% increase from 42 openings in January 2024.
• Significant Drop in Closures: Job closures fell sharply from 37 in January 2024 to 18 in January 2025—a 51% decrease, suggesting improved retention and slower attrition.
• Total Open US Jobs Surged: The number of total open positions in the US climbed to 200, a 49% increase from 134 open jobs in January 2024.

Analysis & Implications:

The legal hiring market in 2025 shows a clear upward trend, with more job openings, fewer closures, and a significant rise in total open positions. The US market follows the same positive trajectory, reinforcing the idea that demand for legal professionals is expanding nationwide.

With both total open jobs and new openings rising substantially, the outlook for legal hiring in 2025 appears highly positive, pointing to a booming demand for legal talent.