1 in 4 Lawyers Plan to Hire in 4th Quarter, Especially Litigators

It's that time again! Legal hiring projections for the fourth quarter are out, and they're looking semi-good.

Overall, 24% percent of legal employers plan to hire in the next three months, according to the Robert Half Legal Hiring Index.

That's six points lower than last quarter's projections, but still well above a number of other similarly situated professions.

Eighty-two percent of lawyers also expressed confidence in their companies' growth prospects for next quarter. Alternatively, they failed to express confidence in your skills.

Nearly half of all respondents found it "challenging to find skilled legal professionals."

Offended? They probably wouldn't hire you anyway.

The survey further states that most employers are seeking senior-level associates in high-demand specialties. This includes litigation (20%), labor and employment (14%), and bankruptcy and foreclosure (18%).

The classes of 2008 through 2011 are still out of luck. Especially the long-term un- and underemployed.

However, there are still a wide range of available employment options for those of you seeking law-related experience.

You may want to consider widening your job search to include corporate legal departments. General counsel are apparently hiring attorneys on a full-time and project basis.

They don't want to pay those evil law firms that won't hire you.

Also don't forget about paralegal and legal secretary openings. Employers are also looking to fill these positions at a growing rate.

It's still the law, right?

Okay, so maybe fourth quarter legal hiring isn't looking too good from your end. Sorry to break the news.

Related Resources:

• Law firms turn to lateral hiring for growth with mixed success (Pittsburgh Business Times)
• Why Weren't You Hired as a 2011 Supreme Court Law Clerk? (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)
• Which Are the Best Law Firms for Women? (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)