BCL’s South of England team discuss the market over the past year and look ahead to the prospects for 2025
Uma Aslam, Associate, provides an overview of the South East market, focusing on the Thames Valley and South Coast
From Uma Aslam
The South East market has remained robust in 2024. The market remains candidate-driven, with a shortage of mid-to-senior-level associates in certain specialisms.
Retention strategies have become a priority as firms compete not only for external hires but also to keep their existing talent.
Oxford and Reading are poised for continued legal sector growth in 2024. Oxford firms such as Mills & Reeve and Penningtons Manches Cooper are capitalising on the city’s reputation as a global centre for life sciences, technology, and education.
Reading is a leading location in the Thames Valley technology corridor, and is driving growth in corporate and commercial law, with an emphasis on serving technology firms, SMEs and multinational companies. Employment law and data protection are also key areas of demand.
Law firms in Southampton are increasingly seeking expertise in growing practice areas such as real estate, employment law and private client services.
Although there were fewer corporate and construction jobs at the start of the year, this has certainly picked up over the last few months with firms such as Clarke Willmott, Foot Anstey and Lester Aldridge.
Overall the real estate sector in the South East is thriving, with the expectation that it will keep growing as we go into 2025.
Soph Memhi, Associate, reviews the South East Market, focusing on the Northern Home Counties and Cambridge
From Soph Memhi
As we close out 2024, the legal market in the South of England, including key areas like Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, has remained resilient, with strong demand across several sectors.
Despite ongoing economic challenges, law firms and businesses in these areas have actively sought talented legal professionals to address evolving needs.
Key trends in 2024
- The corporate charity sector saw notable growth in 2024, especially in Cambridgeshire. With businesses aligning more closely with charitable causes, demand for solicitors with expertise in charity law and corporate social responsibility grew. Firms sought professionals to guide businesses on charity governance, donations, and compliance, creating a new and growing niche in the region.
- The private client sector remained robust, particularly in areas like Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, where increasing wealth drove demand for legal services. Solicitors specialising in estate planning, trusts and tax were in high demand as individuals and families sought expert advice on protecting and managing their assets.
- Corporate law remained a key focus throughout 2024, with significant demand for solicitors skilled in M&A, commercial contracts, and corporate governance. Areas such as Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire saw businesses in tech, life sciences, and clean energy sectors driving much of the legal demand, alongside Cambridge, a growing hotspot for innovation.
- Litigation activity remained strong, particularly in commercial, construction, and regulatory disputes. Firms in these regions sought experienced litigators with expertise in managing cross-border matters and navigating complex regulatory frameworks.
- Technology-related legal services, including data privacy, cybersecurity, and intellectual property, remained in high demand. Businesses across the South of England, including in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, required solicitors who could help them address the evolving challenges of the digital landscape.
NQ Market: The newly qualified market remained particularly tight in 2024, with limited opportunities in some areas. However, thanks to our resilience and strong industry relationships, we successfully helped many newly qualified solicitors secure roles across various sectors.
Looking ahead to 2025
- The corporate charity sector is expected to continue expanding in 2025, particularly in Cambridgeshire and surrounding areas like Hertfordshire. As businesses deepen their partnerships with charities, solicitors specialising in CSR and charity law will remain in high demand to navigate governance, regulatory frameworks and charitable donations.
- As wealth continues to grow in places like Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, private client services will remain a key focus in 2025. Solicitors specialising in estate planning, trusts, and tax strategies will continue to support high-net-worth individuals in managing and securing their assets for future generations.
- Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues are expected to be a major focus in 2025, especially as businesses in Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and across the South of England face increasing pressure to meet sustainability goals. Solicitors with expertise in ESG regulations will be in high demand to help businesses navigate compliance.
- The demand for solicitors with expertise in emerging technologies, such as AI, block chain, and data protection, will continue to rise in 2025. Regions like Buckinghamshire, with its growing tech presence, will see increased opportunities for legal professionals skilled in navigating the complexities of technology law.
- Diversity and inclusion will remain a priority for law firms in 2025, with more initiatives aimed at building diverse teams. Legal professionals from varied backgrounds will find opportunities as law firms in Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and beyond continue to prioritise inclusivity and innovation.
In conclusion, 2024 saw significant opportunities for legal professionals in the South of England, including regions like Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
As we look ahead to 2025, sectors such as corporate charity work, private client services and tech law are set to see further growth.
Solicitors who specialise in these areas will continue to be in high demand, making 2025 another exciting year for the legal market.
