Hiring in Legal: Guide and Trends in 2025

More job opportunities ahead for Legal talent with ESG, digital expertise

The hiring market for legal professionals had to contend with considerable headwinds in 2024.

Over the past year, rising living costs significantly impacted the market. Professionals demanded higher salaries to offset soaring expenses, while businesses responded by cutting costs and adjusting pricing models to manage increasing operating expenses.

The legal industry also deepened its adoption of digital technologies, driven by consumers' growing preference for digital platforms and self-service legal options. To meet these demands, law firms increasingly invested in tech-enabled solutions such as online legal advice platforms and document automation tools. They also leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for automating repetitive tasks, conducting contract analysis, and streamlining legal research. Collectively, these advancements boosted efficiency, enabling legal professionals to dedicate more time to complex, strategic matters.

Geopolitical shifts, including regulatory changes and evolving trade policies, significantly influenced the hiring market. Notably, demand surged for professionals with expertise in international business law and compliance, driven by adjustments to existing international trade agreements.

“All of these trends are likely to persist going into 2025, presenting new challenges and opportunities for the legal sector,” says Albertus Pratama, Senior Consultant at Robert Walters Indonesia.

Read on to find out more about Albertus’s expectations for Indonesia’s labour market and hiring trends for Legal professionals in 2025.

Increased focus on skills, ESG and keeping top talent

More companies will adopt a skills-based approach in hiring, where candidates are recruited based on whether they have skills and competencies that match business needs. With companies stressing specific expertise, legal professionals will need to adapt by upskilling and acquiring knowledge in new areas of law.

The legal industry is also more involved with the growth of environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations across global markets. Now that legal departments need to implement responsible business practices and ensure compliance with ESG standards, hiring will centre on candidates with experience in ESG, including sustainability, corporate social responsibility and ethical practices.

Companies will also invest more in attracting, retaining and developing top legal talent in the coming year. “They will take a holistic approach to create an inclusive, supportive work culture. We can expect to see more competitive compensation, career development pathways and initiatives that promote work-life balance,” says Albertus.

Companies value technical prowess and soft skills

According to Albertus, the market deeply values candidates with the right pairing of technical expertise and soft skills.

Communication and interpersonal skills are one example of such soft skills. The nature of the profession requires strong verbal and written communication skills, but companies also seek employees who can listen actively to clients, resolve disputes and build relationships. “Client service oriented” lawyers who are responsive, attentive and committed to building trust with clients, and who can deliver tailored solutions, will also stand out.

The legal profession often entails team-based work, so lawyers who can collaborate well and contribute to a positive team dynamic will also be in demand. Problem solving and critical thinking skills are also extremely valuable, as companies appreciate lawyers who can consider multiple perspectives, think analytically and exercise sound judgment. Lastly, adaptability and resilience is also key, especially as the industry undergoes rapid change.

Roles that will see high demand include mergers and acquisitions (M&A) lawyers, ESG capabilities lawyers, and project lawyers.

A well-rounded approach to talent attraction and retention

“Indonesia’s legal professionals are more proactive and open to new job opportunities, but they assess each potential role with great scrutiny, evaluating stability, the employer’s reputation and growth prospects to see if it aligns with what they are looking for. They generally care about salary, career growth, see work-life balance, flexible work arrangements like hybrid or remote work, and a supportive work environment, though each candidate has their own preference,” reveals Albertus.

These areas are also the key levers for companies looking to successfully attract and retain talent in 2025. Besides offering a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, companies should stay updated on salary trends and adjust compensation to market standards. Remote or hybrid work models also appeal greatly to candidates who value healthy work-life integration and flexibility in managing their work schedules.

To attend to ambitious professionals looking to advance their careers, Albertus recommends providing clear progression pathways and platforms for growth – such as training programs, courses to obtain professional certifications, challenging assignments, mentorship programs, networking support and promotions.

A strong network will also help employers find promising talent. Some platforms to do so include engaging in networking events, industry conferences and alumni networks. Businesses can also engage with law schools to offer internship and mentorship programs to find and nurture young talent.

Salary growth sluggish for most

In 2025, salaries are expected to go up, but only candidates with specialised skills or professionals who can deliver higher value work and strategic advice are likely to see significant increments.

“Although there is growing demand for skilled and experienced legal professionals, the market has a larger pool of talent, especially as more graduates are entering the market. Furthermore, advancements in legal technology may also reduce demand for certain positions that involve repetitive tasks. If Indonesia’s economic growth remains moderate, then this will also limit how much salaries can go up,” explains Albertus.

Find out more

Request access to our 2025 Salary Survey to benchmark salaries and to find out more about key hiring trends in Indonesia.