London Partner Market Records Slowest Q1 in Three Years
A recent Non-Billable article by Rachel Scepanovic examines findings from Macrae's latest London lateral partner hiring report, which tracked 122 partner moves in Q1 2026 - the slowest opening quarter in three years.
The piece explores the dynamics behind the headline slowdown, with data pointing to a market shaped less by reduced demand than by a deepening shortage of top-tier talent in the areas where competition is most intense.
Siobhán Lewington, Partner at Macrae London, comments in the article:
"The market is extremely competitive. There's intense competition for the best talent, and lawyers who are moving often have competing offers or counteroffers from their current firms. At the top end of the market, there simply is not enough top-tier talent to go around."
The report also highlights meaningful divergence across practice areas, with some reaching new Q1 highs while others saw sharp declines in share of activity. The full Macrae+ London Partner Hiring Report contains detailed data on practice area trends, firm activity, and market outlook.