November Insights & 2025 Legal Market Trends and Predictions

Firstly, Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!

We hope you enjoyed quality time with family and friends.

While this season often brings a natural slowdown in recruitment, this year is proving different. As December nears, the legal recruitment market in major hubs remains active, with firms reporting double-digit profit growth reinvesting in talent. Competitive compensation packages and proactive hiring strategies are setting the stage for a strong start to 2025. 

Admist Thanksgiving, this time of year provides time for thought and reflection. In our latest article, 2025 Legal Recruitment Trends, leaders at Sonder share their predictions for the year ahead, and reflect on major trends this year which will continually shape the market.

If you're considering a change in pace, a new challenge or perhaps a move overseas, starting now could give you an edge in the new year.

As always, we're here to provide tailored and honest advice to help guide your next career move. 

Success Stories from November 

At Sonder Consultants, November has been a month of exciting achievements, including multiple top-tier placements and international relocations. 

Read Success Stories

Latest Insights 

Legal Recruitment Trends for 2025

Here’s a closer look at what 2025 holds for key legal markets.

U.S. Firms vs Magic Circle: The Shifting Legal Landscape in London

Here we highlight some key differences between U.S. firms and the leading City firms (Magic Circle), address the pressures facing U.K. firms, and explore where things are heading.

How Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) Impact Salaries Across Asia

This article breaks down what legal professionals can expect from COLA packages, who is eligible, and how these allowances can significantly uplift your take home pay.

BigLaw Bonus Update 💸

Here’s the latest on firms matching the Milbank benchmark ($15,000 for 2024 associates to $115,000 for 2017 associates), alongside special bonuses ranging from $6,000 to $25,000. 

Who’s Matched the Milbank Scale? 

• Paul Hastings 

• McDermott Will & Emery 

• Cravath, Swaine & Moore 

• Fried Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson 

• Sidley Austin 

• Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft 

• Proskauer Rose 

• Baker Botts 

• Willkie Farr & Gallagher 

• White & Case 

• Vinson & Elkins 

• Debevoise & Plimpton 

• Clifford Chance 

• Allen & Overy Shearman 

Firms Offering Nuances in Bonuses: 

• Covington & Burling: Special bonuses tied to billable benchmarks. 

• Katten Muchin Rosenman: Market bonuses at 2,000+ hours, with tiers for higher hours. 

• McDermott Will & Emery: Year-end and special bonuses for meeting thresholds. 

• Fried Frank: Special bonuses at 1,850+ hours; premium rewards for top performers. 

• Skadden Arps: Additional bonuses for experienced associates. 

• Schulte Roth & Zabel: Special bonuses for senior associates. 

• Akin Gump: Exceptional bonuses for high performers. 

Stay tuned for more updates as we close out 2024.  

Hot Jobs

Browse our latest jobs new to market this week. Don't see a role that aligns with your experience? Get in touch to discuss your options.

Browse latest jobs

Reach out to discuss your 2025 career goals.

Have a great December!