Singapore's legal sector is experiencing measured growth in 2025, with organisations taking a prudent approach to hiring and compensation amid ongoing economic headwinds. Companies are prioritising operational efficiency and cost optimisation, leading to strategic workforce planning initiatives across the industry.
Despite these market conditions, we’re observing encouraging signs of recovery with a gradual uptick in recruitment activity. Singapore continues to strengthen its position as Asia's premier legal hub, attracting top-tier talent with its robust infrastructure and strategic location as a gateway to regional markets.
The legal sector's resilience and Singapore's established reputation as a leading international legal services centre continue to create opportunities for legal professionals, particularly those with cross-border expertise and regional experience.
Gain valuable insights into Singapore's dynamic job market with Randstad's comprehensive 2025 Job Market Outlook and Salary Guide. This report offers an in-depth analysis of labour trends, salary benchmarks, bonus expectations, and hiring patterns across key industries. Download the full report to enhance your talent acquisition strategies and optimise your workforce planning for the year ahead.
top legal recruitment trends in SEA
The legal sector across Southeast Asia is poised for growth in 2025, driven by increasing business complexity, regional expansion initiatives, and evolving regulatory requirements. In Singapore, we are observing a shift towards more strategic and streamlined in-house legal teams that function as key business partners.
We’re seeing strong demand for versatile legal professionals with comprehensive knowledge across multiple practice areas and experience in managing cross-border projects. Candidates with international exposure or regional experience are particularly valued, as well as those with strong language capabilities to support projects across Southeast Asia.
In 2025, mid-level professionals with three to eight years of post-qualification experience remain highly sought after. Employers are prioritising candidates who demonstrate strong technical foundations, adaptability and enthusiasm for continuous learning. At the senior level, hiring is more selective, with emphasis on industry expertise, leadership capabilities, cultural alignment and proven business partnering experience.
top hiring priorities for law firms in 2025
Singapore's legal sector continues to demonstrate resilience, with sustained hiring momentum driven by new market entrants and regional expansion initiatives of established firms. A key trend emerging in 2025 is the increasing specialisation of law firms in specific sectors such as energy and technology, coupled with the strategic integration of complementary practice areas.
We are observing firms adopting innovative approaches to service delivery, including the merger of traditionally distinct practices such as M&A with capital markets, and technology with IP law. This evolution reflects the changing needs of clients and the increasingly complex nature of legal services.
Associate-level recruitment remains robust, with firms prioritising candidates who demonstrate strong academic credentials and technical capabilities, combined with business development potential. Cultural alignment and team fit continue to be critical considerations in the hiring process.
Firms are placing greater emphasis on sustainable team structures to optimise productivity while maintaining employee wellbeing. We note that candidates are primarily motivated by opportunities to handle complex regional matters, improved work-life balance, and positive workplace culture.
At the partner level, the strategic hiring momentum witnessed in 2024 is expected to continue throughout 2025, as firms strengthen their practice offerings and expand their market presence.
download singapore’s 2025 legal job market outlook and salary guide report
From in-house counsel to private practice; litigation to corporate law, learn more about employers' hiring expectations and salary ranges for legal roles and other key industries in Singapore in our 2025 Job Market Outlook and Salary Guide Report.
Randstad’s 2025 Job Market Outlook and Salary Guide examines key talent expectations as well as current industry trends and salary benchmarks in the following industries:
- Accounting and finance
- Banking and financial services
- Human resources
- Insurance
- Manufacturing
- Sales and marketing
- Supply chain
- Technology
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