Here is our summary of the current state of the legal job market:
Permanent Recruitment
Bordering on non-existent, although a number of firms are reporting
being very busy. Candidates not yet willing to apply for roles as too
much uncertainty and firms therefore not getting many applications for
vacancies cropping up.
Locum Recruitment
Not busy but a steady trickle. Conveyancing locum work is virtually
non-existent. Firms are looking at options for using ad hoc support as
and when needed when lockdown has ended and work starts to pick up.
Redundancies
We anticipate redundancies across the board in July/August when the
furlough payments start to wind up and cash flow is an issue. We have
had reports of redundancies at all levels but we have also had a number
of enquiries from lawyers looking for work whilst under furlough. The
anticipated wave of redundancies later this year may be coupled with a
large increase in ad hoc consultancy work as law firms of all shapes and
sizes seek to survive.
Law Firms for Sale
Quite a busy area of work at the moment – seem to be a number of
potential buyers out there taking the opportunity during the lockdown to
take a look at options to purchase. We have 34 law firms for sale at
the moment for details of current law firms for sale please click here to view our list.
Permanent Jobs – Candidate Advice
Our advice to candidates looking for new permanent roles is to register
and apply for jobs wherever you see them as you would normally, but
don’t expect a response from law firms or agencies for some time to
come. However you never know who may be in need of staff and when the
market reactivates itself so it is still worth going through the
motions.
Locum Jobs – Candidate Advice
Be prepared to compete for work. Instead of getting 1-2 locums
expressing an interest in covering each assignment we are getting 10-15.
Statistics
General Statistics for April 2020 (comparison is with April 2019)
New permanent vacancies added: 6 (25)
New locum vacancies added: 9 (32)
New candidates registering: 21 (100)
