New research from talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half Robert Half reveals that most legal professionals are satisfied in their current roles, leading to fewer workers planning to make a career move in 2025.

The latest Job Optimism report of more than 2,000 U.S. professionals across various industries found that 29% of respondents plan to look for a new role in the next six months.

Among legal professionals, that number drops to 25%, a significant decline from 40% one year ago. 

Below are key findings from legal professionals at law firms and in-house roles: 

Job satisfaction remains high: 74% of legal professionals report being happy in their current roles, citing competitive pay (73%), a strong workplace culture (70%), and fair workloads and job expectations (65%) as top factors. 

Younger legal professionals are still open to change: Gen Z and Millennial legal workers are the most likely to explore new roles—driven primarily by the pursuit of higher salaries.

Lawyers are actively upskilling: 92% of legal professionals feel confident in their skill set and marketability, and 69% have learned a new skill in the past year. 

Hiring transparency matters: Among those considering a move, 36% won’t apply for jobs without a listed salary, and 35% are deterred by vague or unrealistic job descriptions. 

What does this mean for law firms and corporations?

With fewer legal professionals actively job hunting, hiring managers must be more strategic in attracting and retaining top talent. Meanwhile, legal professionals seeking career growth should focus on upskilling to position themselves for high-value roles.