Get a snapshot of legal hiring trends in the first half of 2020, based on research by Robert Half Legal.

1. 54% of lawyers plan to expand their legal teams.
Of those planning to expand, 90% plan to staff at least some open roles on a temporary, project or
consulting basis.
TOP FULL-TIME LEGAL JOBS BEING ADDED:
1. Lawyer (63%)
2. Compliance specialist (45%)
3. Data privacy specialist (39%)
TOP CRITERIA FOR EMPLOYERS WHEN HIRING ATTORNEYS, ASIDE FROM LEGAL KNOWLEDGE:
1. Practice area expertise (40%)
2. Industry/sector knowledge (14%)
3. Technology skills/digital expertise (12%)
Source: Robert Half Legal survey of more than 350 lawyers with law firms and companies in the U.S.
©2019 Robert Half Legal. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.
STATE OF LEGAL HIRING — U.S.
(Multiple responses were permitted. Top responses are shown.)
First Half of 2020

2. STATE OF LEGAL HIRING — U.S.
First Half of 2020
Source: Robert Half Legal survey of more than 350 lawyers with law firms and companies in the U.S.
©2019 Robert Half Legal. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.
PRACTICE AREAS EXPECTED TO OFFER THE
GREATEST NUMBER OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES:
AREAS OF LITIGATION EXPECTED TO OFFER THE
GREATEST NUMBER OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES:
Litigation (27%)
Privacy, data security and information law (16%)
General business or commercial law (14%)
Commercial litigation (39%)
Insurance defense (33%)
Securities and corporate governance (31%)
(Multiple responses were permitted. Top responses are shown.)

3. STATE OF LEGAL HIRING — U.S.
First Half of 2020
Source: Robert Half Legal survey of more than 350 lawyers with law firms and companies in the U.S.
©2019 Robert Half Legal. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.
87% of lawyers said it is
challenging to find skilled
legal professionals today.
GREATEST CHALLENGES WHEN HIRING
SKILLED LEGAL PROFESSIONALS:
1. Shortage of qualified candidates (47%)
2. Offering competitive benefits (17%)
3. Meeting salary expectations (17%)
76% of lawyers are
concerned about losing
top legal performers to
other opportunities.
BEST RETENTION INCENTIVES, ASIDE FROM
COMPENSATION OR BONUS:
1. Flexible work arrangements (33%)
2. Professional development opportunities (25%)
3. Challenging work or variety of assignments (23%)
(Top responses are shown.)