Legal job numbers increase but applications decline

The firm’s data shows a 13% increase in the number of new roles posted between July and August, however applications fell 24% during the same period, indicating a lack of available talent in the legal market. When reviewed on an annual basis, the number of new roles has fallen by 3% while applications have declined by 24%, suggesting that the legal skills crisis is worsening.

Alex Fourlis, Managing Director of Broadbean Technology, commented on the data: “While it’s encouraging to see legal firms still recruiting, signalling optimism in the sector, the data paints a fairly concerning picture and suggests that the legal industry – like many others – is tackling skills shortages and a lack of available talent. This is highlighted even further in the annual data which shows a major decline in the number of applications when compared to 2022. Legal firms are clearly keen to take on new recruits, which is positive news, but are struggling to source the skills needed to enable them to grow. These employers will need to up their efforts and the resourcing strategies to find the professionals they need, but will be facing increased competition from rival firms.”