1. The Current Talent Landscape

Demand for skilled legal support staff such as paralegals, legal secretaries, fee earners’ assistants, and compliance support is strong across the region. North West law firms, particularly in Manchester, Liverpool, and surrounding areas, are competing not just with local peers but increasingly with national and remote-friendly firms.

Key trends

1. Paralegals and specialists are in short supply. Firms often struggle to fill niche roles, particularly in corporate, IP, and real estate law.
2. High turnover in junior legal secretaries and administrative staff reflects the need for competitive packages and flexible working arrangements.
3. Remote and hybrid working expectations are now standard; firms not offering flexibility risk losing talent to competitors.

2. Contingent Hiring as a Strategic Advantage

With permanent recruitment timelines stretching longer than ever, contingent hiring offers law firms a nimble solution. Benefits include:

1. Rapid access to skilled candidates for temporary spikes in workload.
2. Ability to “try before you hire” for critical support roles.
3. Flexibility to scale teams up or down without long-term commitments.

Case in point: For litigation-heavy practices, a contingent paralegal can be deployed to manage discovery or document review peaks, allowing permanent staff to focus on client-facing work.

3. Role-Specific Hiring Insights

1. Paralegals: Strong candidates often hold niche experience (e.g., corporate or litigation). Firms offering structured development pathways and remote/hybrid options are more attractive.
2. Legal Secretaries: Candidates now value tech proficiency (document management systems, e-billing software) as highly as traditional typing and formatting skills.
3. Compliance & Risk Support: Increasingly critical, with regulatory changes driving demand. Flexible contracting can help firms manage fluctuating workloads efficiently.
4. Junior & Trainee Roles: While turnover is high, offering mentorship, career progression, and competitive benefits improves retention.

Practical Recommendations for 2026

1. Invest in a blended approach: Combine permanent recruitment with contingent solutions to maintain agility.
2. Benchmark salaries & benefits: Regularly review against local competitors to attract top talent.
3. Embrace hybrid flexibility: Talent in the North West increasingly prioritizes flexible schedules over location alone.
4. Develop talent pipelines: Engage law schools and professional networks to build long-term candidate flows.

Conclusion

The North West legal sector in 2025 is competitive, dynamic, and talent-driven. Firms that embrace contingent hiring, understand role-specific market trends, and offer flexibility will be best positioned to attract and retain top legal support talent.

About HST Hiring Group

HST Hiring Group specialises in legal recruitment across the North West, offering both permanent and contingent solutions. By combining market expertise with tailored hiring strategies, we help law firms stay agile and secure the talent they need to succeed.