Scottish Legal Recruitment & Market Newsletter: Q2 2025 (July – Sept)
Recruitment Landscape
The Scottish legal sector continues to show resilience, with firms shifting from broad hiring to more strategic, skills-focused recruitment. While economic headwinds persist, law firms across Scotland are actively investing in talent, particularly in high-growth sectors like energy, infrastructure, and technology. Junior and mid-level roles remain in high demand, and hybrid working models are now the norm.
Key Focus Areas
Renewable Energy & Environmental Law
Scotland’s net-zero ambitions are driving sustained demand for lawyers in energy, planning, and environmental regulation. Major infrastructure investments such as ScottishPower’s £5.4bn grid upgrade are generating legal work across land use, compliance, and commercial contracts.
Technology, Data & AI
Legal professionals with AI literacy and data protection expertise are increasingly sought after. Scotland’s growing tech ecosystem, including the new £4bn data campus near Motherwell, is influencing demand for lawyers in tech transactions, IP, and digital regulation.
Construction & Real Estate
Infrastructure and housing projects continue to fuel demand for real estate, planning, and construction lawyers. Public-private partnerships and commercial developments remain key drivers.
In-House Boom
In-house legal roles have grown by over 20% year-on-year in Scotland, with particularly strong demand in technology, financial services, and regulatory compliance. Organisations are building out legal teams to manage risk, support growth, and navigate increasingly complex regulatory landscapes. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements are a major draw for candidates seeking better work-life balance, and many in-house roles now offer greater autonomy, broader commercial exposure, and clearer progression pathways than ever before. This shift is prompting more mid-level and senior solicitors to consider in-house transitions as a long-term career move.
NQ & Junior Talent Market
The newly qualified (NQ) market remains active, though retention uncertainty continues. Many NQs are exploring external opportunities, prompting firms to offer clearer career pathways, mentoring, and competitive packages. Salary inflation, especially from international firms is reshaping expectations and intensifying competition.
Legal Tech & AI Adoption
AI adoption remains cautious but curious. Firms are experimenting with legal tech tools to improve efficiency and client service, though full-scale integration is rare. Demand is rising for lawyers who can interface with tech teams, manage digital transformation projects, or advise on AI-related legal risks.
Branding & Visibility
Candidates are increasingly evaluating firms based on culture, leadership, and values, not just job specs. In response, firms are investing in:
- Authentic employer branding through employee testimonials
- Social media engagement to showcase firm culture
- Thought leadership to build visibility and trust
Market Outlook
Looking ahead, the Scottish legal market is expected to maintain steady growth, with firms prioritising strategic expansion and capability building. While economic uncertainty remains, the focus is shifting from reactive hiring to long-term talent investment especially in sectors aligned with Scotland’s future economy.
Right at the close of Q2 we are delighted to welcome Connie Nimmo who has joined our Legal division as a specialist Legal Recruiter. Connie has built strong relationships across Scotland’s legal market and will be working with firms of all sizes, from independents to global practices. With experience placing candidates from Paralegal through to Partner, she’s already well placed to support both clients and candidates.
Got questions about legal roles or just fancy a chat? Connie’s your go-to – drop her a line at connie.nimmo@iconicresourcing.com.