The legal sector enters 2026 with lower overall turnover but continued competition for experienced professionals. Hiring is being driven by business expansion and replacement needs, with organisational change also contributing.
Demand remains strongest across insurance, general and commercial litigation, property and strata law, reflecting sustained dispute and transaction workloads. Firms are investing in capability while protecting service delivery in a market shaped by ongoing, rather than seasonal, demand.
72%
of law firms plan to grow their teams in 2026, up from 70% in 2025.
19 weeks
is the average amount of parental leave offered by law firms.
55%
of law firms have a hybrid working policy in place in 2026.
Legal support and fee earners
• Legal Executive Assistant
• Legal Assistant Senior
• Legal Assistant Intermediate
• Legal Assistant Junior
• Legal Administration Assistant
• Corporate Receptionist
• Office Services Clerk
• Licensed Conveyancer
• Secretarial Coordinator
• Career Paralegal
Corporate service
• Practice Manager
• Operations Manager
• Human Resources Manager
• Human Resources Business Partner
• Human Resources Advisor
• IT Team Leader/Manager
• Systems Engineer
• IT Support Officer
• Finance Manager
• Billings Manager
Our process begins with a detailed consultation. We meet with you to understand the role, required skills, experience level, and cultural fit. This ensures the search is tailored to your business needs.
Once the brief is clear, we promote your vacancy across job boards, LinkedIn, our AI tools, and internal database. Our recruiters also headhunt passive candidates, ensuring you reach both active job seekers and hidden talent.
We review applications, conduct phone or video interviews, verify qualifications, and check references. Only the top candidates are shortlisted, saving you time and ensuring you meet the most suitable professionals.
Shortlisted candidates are presented to you for interview. We manage scheduling, prepare candidates, and provide you with market insights to help evaluate and compare applicants effectively.
After you choose your preferred candidate, we assist with salary negotiations, and manage counter-offers. We also follow up after placement to ensure long-term success.
"Over the past year, the Australian legal industry has started to undergo significant transformation, with AI integration, regulatory developments, and evolving workplace dynamics reshaping how we work.
To remain competitive, attract and retain top talent, firms must adopt a holistic approach to talent management. This includes offering competitive remuneration packages, embracing flexible work arrangements, providing clear career progression pathways, and prioritising well-being initiatives. Investing in continuous learning, particularly in AI and legal technology, will be essential. For our junior lawyers, developing proficiency in AI tools, honing commercial acumen, and enhancing client engagement skills will be vital. Senior professionals should focus on strategic business development, managing client expectations and effective leadership."
Take a closer look at what’s driving hiring in your industry, from shifting employer priorities to the roles most in demand. This comprehensive report reveals the key trends shaping recruitment and workforce strategy this year, providing your business with a competitive edge in today’s uncertain labour market.
Copyright 2026, people2people Recruitment

