Law Practice
Jul. 28, 2025
California's selective associate hiring market proves quality trumps quantity
See more on California's selective associate hiring market proves quality trumps quantityThe legal market has grown more selective, with firms prioritizing experienced associates who can contribute immediately and candidates conducting more deliberate job searches, leading to fewer lateral moves.
Over the past year, the California legal market has experienced a notable shift in associate hiring. Law firms are increasingly focused on bringing in "plug and play" experienced associates who can contribute immediately, while associates have become more deliberate in their job searches, carefully evaluating fewer opportunities with greater scrutiny. This has created a tighter lateral market with fewer moves overall, though nothing alarming.
What the numbers show
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