BarkerGilmore Releases 2025 Market Outlook for In-House Legal and Compliance Professionals
The year 2024 may have begun with a sense of caution due to economic and political uncertainties, but it took a more positive turn as the year progressed. BarkerGilmore LLC, a renowned executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in helping companies enhance their legal and compliance capabilities, is optimistic about what 2025 has in store for the legal and compliance industry. In their recently released 2025 Market Outlook for in-house legal and compliance professions, the firm shares its observations and predictions for the upcoming year.
One major shift in the recruitment landscape for legal and compliance professionals highlighted in BarkerGilmore’s report is the increasing emphasis on “soft skills” when selecting candidates for leadership roles like General Counsel (GC) and Chief Compliance Officer (CCO). In the past, factors such as one’s alma mater, the prestige of the law firm they worked for, and their knowledge of relevant laws and regulations played a significant role in candidate selection. However, modern CEOs and Board members now value attributes like business acumen, emotional intelligence, public speaking prowess, and team compatibility just as highly as legal expertise.
With the growing importance of soft skills, the process of identifying qualified GC and CCO candidates has become more selective. Employers now require a more sophisticated approach and innovative tools to predict which candidates possess the necessary qualities to meet senior management expectations and excel within a specific corporate culture. This shift in priorities necessitates a new approach to talent recruitment and development strategies.
Investing in talent development has become a key focus for companies looking to build a strong pipeline of future leaders. Acknowledging the significance of grooming mid-level professionals for future senior leadership roles, many organizations are increasing their investment in leadership coaching programs. By preparing individuals at various levels for potential advancement, companies are building internal bench strength and ensuring continuity in leadership roles.
Diversity and inclusion initiatives continue to remain a driving force in hiring practices across most organizations, despite certain high-profile companies scaling back their commitments. BarkerGilmore’s experience indicates that diversity remains a crucial aspect of hiring practices among its clients, with a strong emphasis on building inclusive work environments and seeking diverse talent pools. The firm anticipates this trend to persist in 2025, with a positive outlook on enhancing diversity in the candidate pipeline.
Two significant factors expected to influence the legal and compliance talent market in 2025 are the recent election outcomes and the robust economy. Following the uncertainties surrounding the 2024 election, many companies temporarily paused their recruitment efforts. However, with a clearer political and economic landscape post-election, businesses are back in the game, signaling growth and expansion plans across all levels of the organization. Additionally, an impending wave of retirements among experienced GCs and CCOs who have benefited from the favorable economic conditions in recent years is anticipated to drive turnover in senior-level positions and create opportunities for upward mobility among mid-level professionals.
BarkerGilmore, with its rich expertise and commitment to enhancing the legal and compliance capabilities of organizations, continues to play a pivotal role in the executive search and leadership development landscape. Through a team of seasoned consultants and former senior-level legal and compliance executives, the firm offers comprehensive solutions tailored to each client’s specific needs. With a focus on delivering high client satisfaction, diversity, and long-term success, BarkerGilmore remains dedicated to building high-performing and diverse in-house legal and compliance teams that drive business success in the years to come.
