Pittsford, New York (January 16, 2025) BarkerGilmore LLC — a leading national executive search and talent advisory firm recognized for helping companies build world-class legal and compliance capabilities — has issued its 2025 Market Outlook for in-house legal and compliance professions.
According to the firm’s Managing Partner, John Gilmore, “Although 2024 started out on a cautious note given economic and political concerns, the past year ended up in a more positive direction, with significant activity that has not subsided. We expect 2025 to be extremely busy for the legal and compliance industry, and our Market Outlook reflects our optimism.”
Highlights of BarkerGilmore’s 2025 Market Outlook’s observations and predictions include:
Candidate “Soft Skills” Are Now Dealbreakers
The traditional selection criteria for the General Counsel (GC) role were based largely on a candidate’s law school, stature of the law firm where (s)he had served, and knowledge of pertinent laws and regulations. Company CEOs and Boards are now far more selective. They’re looking beyond legal credentials and requiring GC candidates to possess impeccable “soft skills” including business acumen, emotional intelligence, public speaking, and team chemistry. The same shift in candidate selection priorities applies to the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) role as well.
New Priorities in GC Selection Will Require Different Tools
The demand for soft skills has made identification of qualified GC and CCO candidates far more selective. Effective recruitment now requires different tools combined with a more sophisticated approach to predict with confidence which candidates have the professional gravitas, leadership potential, and character traits that will meet the senior management team’s expectations, and the potential for long-term success in a particular corporate culture.
Investment in Talent Development Will Accelerate
Companies are gaining a deeper appreciation for the importance of hiring and nurturing mid-level talent, so those individuals are well-prepared to potentially step into senior leadership roles at some point. This longer-term trend of building internal bench strength was reflected in BarkerGilmore’s experience in 2024, as clients increased investment in leadership coaching for both their senior- and mid-level legal and compliance executives. In 2025, companies will continue to value executive coaches with first-hand experience who have “sat in the seat” of GC and CCO positions at blue chip organizations.
Diversity Will Remain a Priority, Despite the Political Environment
Notwithstanding news of some high-profile companies reducing their commitment to DEI programs, BarkerGilmore’s experience over the past year suggests that diversity remains a cornerstone of hiring practices at most companies. The firm’s clients have maintained a strong commitment to building an inclusive workforce and continue to seek from us a diverse slate of qualified candidates. BarkerGilmore expects this trend to continue in 2025 and believes the short-term outlook for the diverse candidate pipeline is strong.
The Election and Strong Economy Will Drive GC and CCO Turnover
Two significant macro events will likely shape the legal and compliance talent market in 2025. From an institutional perspective, many companies sat on the recruitment sidelines in early 2024, waiting for a post-election evaluation of the political and economic climate. Post election, most companies are back in the game, bullish on growth, and prepared to expand budgets and staffing at all levels.
From a talent perspective, there are a significant number of GCs and CCOs at or near retirement age who have benefitted from the robust economic environment over the past few years. Many are now prepared financially to step down and have informed CEOs of their intention to retire. This trend will drive increased turnover in senior-level GC and CCO positions, and fuel mid-level openings as seasoned talent moves up.
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About BarkerGilmore
Founded in 2006, BarkerGilmore is recognized as an industry-leading executive search, coaching, and leadership development firm dedicated to building high-performing and diverse in-house legal and compliance teams that drive business success.
BarkerGilmore’s professional team – which combines highly skilled executive search consultants with former senior-level General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officers – sets us apart, and enables our firm to deliver integrated, comprehensive solutions to the recruitment and long-term impact and success of in-house legal and compliance talent.
We measure our success by our high client satisfaction rates, exceptional search completion rates, strong diversity track record, and impressive stick rates. Learn more at www.barkergilmore.com.