The legal industry continues to evolve, shaped by technology advancements and shifts in how people prefer to work. According to the 2025 Salary Guide From Robert Half, the legal field is full of lucrative opportunities, no matter your experience level or area of focus.For those looking to move up in their careers or break into the legal world, here are some key trends shaping the job market:Rising salaries: Compensation is increasing, particularly for hard-to-staff positions like trial attorneys and litigation support personnel. Consult the Salary Guide to learn more about average salaries in your region, industry or area of expertise.Tech skills in demand: Artificial intelligence (AI) is shaking up the legal world. In fact, 59% of legal managers are now recruiting for new skill sets due to advancements in AI and automation. Professionals with expertise in eDiscovery, e-filing and data analytics are particularly sought after.Flexibility matters: Salary shouldn’t be the only consideration for job seekers. A notable 63% of legal professionals rank remote work options as one of their most valued perks. Many employers are responding by offering more flexible work arrangements to attract top talent.Hot practice areas: Compliance, data privacy and litigation support are experiencing significant growth. Corporate legal teams seek professionals in these areas to navigate evolving regulations and manage risks.Continuous learning: With 52% of managers upskilling employees to bridge skills gaps, there's a clear emphasis on ongoing professional development. Staying current with emerging technologies and legal practices is crucial for career advancement.To get a sense of the positions in demand today, here’s our rundown of 10 standout roles for legal professionals featured in the Salary Guide.
With a decade or more of experience, these seasoned professionals are pivotal in advising senior management and overseeing the company’s legal department. In addition to managing legal teams and assigning cases, they are often responsible for hiring within the department and guiding strategic legal decisions. Today, employers are not only looking for expertise in traditional areas like transactions, intellectual property, labor law, real estate and securities regulations but also seeking familiarity in emerging areas such as data privacy, cybersecurity and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance. Experience with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations and Sarbanes-Oxley legislation may be specifically required for those working in public companies.See our open in-house counsel/associate general counsel jobs.
This role extends beyond regulatory compliance, encompassing developing and implementing strategies for ethical and legal conduct across the organization. The director designs and oversees compliance programs, collaborates with regulatory agencies and establishes protocols that foster a culture of integrity and adherence to laws. With the growing focus on data privacy, ESG and cybersecurity, these areas are often part of the role’s expanding scope. A bachelor’s degree is required, but a master’s in finance, risk management, or a Juris Doctor (JD) is increasingly preferred.See our open compliance director jobs.
Lawyers with four to nine years of experience are in a unique position, having gained valuable expertise while still having room to explore new practice areas. They often manage complex cases, oversee emerging legal teams and may specialize in high-demand fields like digital security or intellectual property law. With artificial intelligence transforming the legal landscape, lawyers in this range are increasingly expected to navigate AI-driven tools for tasks like eDiscovery, contract review and legal research.See our open lawyer/attorney jobs.
These professionals are experts in organizing and analyzing electronically stored information for legal cases. They specialize in legal technologies, including data analytics tools and advanced eDiscovery software, often serving as the primary liaison between outside firms and vendors. Their strategic management of digital evidence — often using AI-powered review tools — directly influences case outcomes and helps streamline the litigation process.See our open manager of litigation support/eDiscovery jobs.
Legal operations managers bridge the gap between a law firm’s administrative and legal functions. They are responsible for implementing cost-saving initiatives, improving operational efficiency and ensuring compliance with legal standards. Typically, candidates for this role possess a bachelor’s degree, extensive legal experience and project or operations management certifications.See our open legal operations manager jobs.
A legal administrator is a key player in a law firm’s day-to-day operations. Duties often include staff recruitment, benefits management, annual review processes and contracts for office supplies and software, as well as overseeing budgets and tracking finances. They are also responsible for coordinating the firm’s meetings and off-site events. Experience in human resources and office management, preferably within a legal context, is usually required for this in-demand role.See our open legal administrator jobs.
Paralegal managers oversee workloads and case assignments for paralegal teams while supervising other legal staff like legal secretaries and file clerks. They ensure the quality of work, track continuing education hours, and manage their own caseloads, engaging in legal research, file maintenance, and trial preparation to support attorneys. With technology playing an increasing role, proficiency in legal software and e-filing systems is essential. Typically, qualifications include at least five years of paralegal experience, along with strong analytical, communication and organizational skills.See our open paralegal manager jobs.
With a decade or more in the field, an experienced contract manager plays a pivotal role in drafting, analyzing, negotiating and finalizing contracts. They serve as the single point of contact during negotiations, consolidating guidance from internal experts on pricing, commercial requirements and delivery timelines. The role includes meticulous record-keeping of all contract-related communications and documentation. Contract managers work in various industries, but the role is particularly critical in law firms, where contracts are often a daily business requirement.See our open contract manager jobs.
Responsible for managing both digital and physical files, records managers oversee a firm’s records center while developing and maintaining comprehensive records and case management policies. Candidates are typically expected to bring at least five years of specialized experience in records management, preferably gained within a legal environment. A supervisory background and credentials like a certified records manager (CRM) designation are often highly sought by employers.See our open records manager jobs.
With three to five years of experience as a legal assistant and previous supervisory experience, individuals in senior legal assistant roles manage the legal support team and may engage directly with clients. An associate’s degree in a law-related field is generally preferred. Responsibilities include overseeing day-to-day workflow and scheduling, ensuring staff coverage during evenings and weekends, and hiring and training administrative staff.See our open senior legal assistant jobs.Interested in learning more? Check out the 2025 Salary Guide From Robert Half today. It’s packed with localized insights to help you adjust your salary expectations based on regional cost of living, current demand and other variables.
