In-House Market Update- September

In-House Legal Recruitment Market Update: Key Trends and Insights with Sam Thompson

We sat down with Sam Thompson, Head of In-House Legal Recruitment at JMC Legal, to discuss the current trends and state of the in-house legal market. With a surge in activity across various sectors, Sam shared his thoughts on what’s driving demand and what legal counsel professionals can expect in the coming months.

Q: How has the in-house legal market been shaping up recently?

Sam: "Historically, August tends to be a bit quieter due to holidays, but not this year. It’s actually been one of the busiest months we’ve seen, particularly in sectors like real estate and renewable energy and now, into September, there doesn’t seem to be any signs of it slowing down. In-house counsel roles with private equity houses and real estate investment companies have been particularly active. We’re also seeing a rise in AI and legal tech-focused roles, which are increasingly blending traditional legal duties with tech-related responsibilities."

Q: What are some of the key sectors driving demand for in-house legal counsel?

Sam: "There’s a lot happening in real estate right now, especially with investment firms seeking strong legal support. Renewable energy is another big player, and I think we’ll see continued growth in this sector over the next 5 to 10 years. There are certainly challenges for start-ups in this space, such as navigating government approvals and competing against the oil and gas titans, but the trend is clear – renewable energy is on the rise. AI and tech-related roles are also expanding, especially as companies adopt new legal technologies and grapple with regulatory changes."

Q: How do you see AI and tech impacting the in-house legal landscape?

Sam: "AI and legal tech are definitely evolving quickly, and we’re seeing more hybrid roles that mix traditional commercial legal counsel tasks with legal tech implementation and compliance management. It’s something legal professionals will need to be well-versed in moving forward. The demand for legal professionals who understand AI and how to integrate it into the business framework will only grow."

Q: What are your predictions for the next few months?

Sam: "Looking ahead, renewable energy and AI will continue to be hot sectors for in-house legal counsel. The recent government shift, particularly with Ed Miliband’s focus on renewable energy, suggests more opportunities will emerge as companies aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The property market is also starting to pick up after a slow period, with interest rates stabilising and an increase in inquiries, which is good news for legal professionals in that space."

Q: Is now a good time for legal professionals to explore in-house roles?

Sam: "Absolutely. There’s a shortage of candidates, which is great news for those looking to make a move. The imbalance between supply and demand means it’s a candidate-driven market, so in-house legal professionals can negotiate better terms and take advantage of the growing number of roles available. Whether you’re a general counsel, legal counsel, or someone with a more junior background, it’s a fantastic time to explore new opportunities."

Q: Any final thoughts or advice for those considering a move into in-house roles?

Sam: "It’s an exciting time in the in-house market. The landscape is evolving quickly, and with the increasing importance of sectors like renewables and AI, there are plenty of opportunities for legal professionals to position themselves as key players. My advice would be to keep an eye on these growing sectors and consider roles that offer a blend of traditional legal work with a focus on emerging industries like tech and renewable energy."

For more insights or to explore in-house legal opportunities, get in touch with us at info@jmc-legal.com. It’s a great time to be part of this dynamic and rapidly growing market!