Law360: Legal Job Market Surges With Special Litigation, Gov't Work
A recent Law360 article by Tracey Read reports on continued growth in the US legal job market, with the sector adding 1,200 positions in May following 1,900 in April, according to seasonally adjusted Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Peggy Bennett, Managing Director at Macrae, is quoted in the piece on the drivers behind sustained hiring activity:
"My phone is ringing off the hook from both candidates and law firms. It's a very active market right now. I think it's going to be a really busy summer, and I don't think it's going to slow down."
Bennett points to specialized litigation in AI, healthcare, and complex intellectual property as key areas of demand, alongside broad growth in life sciences work spanning pharmaceutical licensing, drug approvals, and international commerce. She also highlights technology and cybersecurity as significant contributors to the active market.
On the government work side, Bennett notes that federal enforcement activity is now ramping up, with agencies including the DOJ moving forward on prosecutions, investigations, and enforcement initiatives that had been in the planning stages. Antitrust and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act matters are cited as particularly busy areas.
Looking ahead, she flags that the current wave of major law firm mergers — characterised by strategic intent rather than financial necessity — is likely to generate further hiring as newly combined firms look to deepen their capabilities.
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