A defining challenge of the 2025 legal sector is talent scarcity. While hiring demand continues to rise across key roles, many vacancies remain unfilled for weeks or months due to a lack of available and suitably experienced candidates.
This is especially evident in New South Wales, where legal employers continue to compete for talent across high-demand areas such as property, banking & finance, and commercial law. Despite healthy pools of qualified professionals in the market, vacancy rates remain high, suggesting that the challenge isn't just a lack of talent, but a disconnect between opportunity and access. In some practice areas, up to 30% of professionals are actively open to new roles, yet many firms are still struggling to engage them.
In such a competitive and fast-moving market, timing is everything. Lengthy hiring processes and rigid job criteria are often the reason firms miss out on strong candidates. The most successful legal employers in 2025 are those who are clear about what they’re offering, agile in their processes, and flexible where it counts, whether that’s working arrangements, progression pathways, or role structure.
Sam Jacks, who partners with firms nationally, says: “Speed is a differentiator now. The best candidates won’t wait around, employers who streamline their process and stay engaged through every stage are winning the race.”
Legal professionals, too, are recognising the value of making timely moves. Those who are ready to pivot are in high demand and they know it. Now more than ever, understanding your market position and acting decisively is key.
At Randstad, we see these shifts happening in real time. Through ongoing conversations with clients and candidates alike, consultants like Clio and Sam help bridge the gap between market opportunity and meaningful placement ensuring the right fit, faster.
Download the full report now to uncover demand trends, market pressures, and vacancy data that can guide your hiring strategy or next career step.
