Q1 Legal Hiring Trends: What They Mean for Mid-Sized Law Firms

What Q1 Hiring Trends Mean for Mid-Sized Law Firms

Legal hiring got off to a fast—and revealing—start in 2025. From early momentum in January to a buildup of unfilled roles in March, the first quarter offers a clear view into how law firms are approaching growth, recruitment, and retention.

Below, we’ve highlighted key takeaways from Leopard Solutions’ legal jobs reports for January through March 2025, with insights especially relevant to mid-sized firms navigating today’s competitive talent market.

January Opened the Year with a Hiring Surge

The year began on a high note. January 2025 saw a 47% increase in total open jobs compared to the same time last year, with a significant drop in job closures. Firms were not only adding positions—they were holding on to talent. Read the January report.

Why it matters for mid-sized firms:
January's momentum signals confidence and opportunity. For firms looking to expand or backfill roles, moving early in the year gave them a competitive edge before the market became more saturated.

February Defied Broader Market Uncertainty

Even as other industries showed signs of slowing down, the legal sector powered forward. In February, job openings more than doubled year over year, and the number of open positions jumped by nearly 60%. Read the February report.

Why it matters for mid-sized firms:
The legal industry continues to be a growth sector. With large firms often dominating lateral recruiting, mid-sized firms need a clear strategy and compelling positioning to attract top talent in a hot market.

March Brought a Shift: More Open Roles, Slower Fills

March hiring activity remained steady, but the number of unfilled roles surged, rising 60% over March 2024. Firms may be posting positions, but they aren’t filling them as quickly. Read the March report.

Why it matters for mid-sized firms:
If your firm is struggling to fill roles, you’re not alone. The data suggests firms are becoming more selective, or encountering longer hiring cycles. Tight coordination between leadership, HR, and practice groups can help streamline efforts and keep your firm competitive.

Final Thought: For Mid-Sized Firms, Growth Depends on Alignment

The hiring market is active, but more nuanced than ever. Mid-sized law firms are in a powerful position to lead, but success depends on aligning your hiring strategy with firm-wide goals.

Want more ideas to plan your next phase of growth? Download the just-released Strategic Growth Playbook for Mid-Sized Law Firms.