4 Asian Legal Business | January 2025 Briefs In 2024, ALB recorded over 130 partnerlevel lateral moves in China’s legal market, with hiring activities relatively balanced throughout the year. Liu Zenan, a partner at legal recruitment firm RIGHT Search & Selection, notes that the market remained quiet in the first half but warmed up in the second half as business activities picked up. “The legal recruitment market needs time to adjust to the political and economic uncertainty,” Liu explains. “As business activities picked up in the second half, the legal sector followed suit, with plans of hiring lawyers and in-house counsels were steadily implemented.” On the Chinese firm front, Jingtian & Gongcheng, Han Kun, Global Law Office, and Zhong Lun stood out in attracting talent. Among international firms, approximately 20 notable hires were recorded, with Appleby, Stephenson Hardwood, and White & Case leading the way. Areas in demand What practice areas had active hiring in 2024, and what qualities could set apart the top candidates in the current market? Liu observes that China’s growing outbound activities have driven significant recruitment in compliance and IP protection. Industries such as renewable energy, e-commerce, home appliances, gaming, electronics, telecommunications, and semiconductors experienced strong legal hiring demand. In compliance, geopolitical tensions and protectionist trade policies have increased cross-border trade frictions, creating higher compliance risks for An evolving hiring market 一年法律招聘动向：流动、平衡、 保持信心 Chinese companies expanding overseas. As a result, demand has surged for legal professionals skilled in navigating foreign regulatory frameworks, managing compliance programs, and conducting risk assessments. In IP, China’s shift toward innovation-driven economy heightens the importance of IP protection, following a notable increase in the enterprises’ IP applications overseas. China companies are encountering more friction regarding IP due to stronger enforcement of IP laws in other countries, which leads to increased disputes and concerns about infringement. Therefore, the demand has increased for IP lawyers specialized in international IP litigation and arbitration. Hiring in commercial dispute resolution remained steady, reflecting consistent market activity. Increased regulatory pressure has also driven corporations to grow their in-house legal teams, which in turn has stimulated hiring at law firms, Liu notes. However, corporates and law firms have different hiring needs regarding M&A lawyers. Corporations increased hiring demand for experienced M&A lawyers to navigate them through the heightened uncertainties faced in a deal due to geopolitical and economic challenges, while law firms not. “To manage financial and regulatory risks corporates exposed to, M&A deals are now have more complex deal structures and varied financing means,” Liu explains. “To address these challenges, companies are hiring experienced transaction lawyers as in-house counsels to strengthen their capabilities to invest.” BIG STORY Trends and recommendations A dynamic market brings new opportunities and more cautiousness to job seekers. Liu says that successful placements in 2024 requires recruiters to bridge the expectation gap between employers and candidates by let both sides frankly communicate their needs and goals. “Candidates are still mostly motivated by higher compensation in a job move. Other factors being weighted in a sequence are job security, work flexibility, autonomy, and mutual respect. On the other hand, employers set higher bar of technical skills, and examine more commonly the soft skills of adaptability, resilience, and service attitude. “Candidates’ worldview and personal value shape their perception of an industry or the employer’s business strategy. Aligning candidate’s personal value and worldview with the employer’s business strategy plays a more pronounced role in a hunting.” Liu observed. Liu emphasizes adaptability for both candidates and employers. Candidates should embrace change, seize opportunities, and stay agile to market trends and industry advancements. Employers, meanwhile, should always be peoplefirst, and balance employees’ skills and potential to meet evolving goals. “No one could be a universal solution. Success lies in leveraging individual and team strength to adapt to change,” says Liu. Looking ahead to 2025, Liu remains optimistic. “The market is recovering. The Hong Kong stock market signals warming up, which is likely to boost the Greater China legal sector.” “In a rapidly changing environment, maintaining a positive outlook is crucial. Adapting to change and seizing opportunities must be prioritized,” Liu concludes. 2024年整年，ALB在中国法律市场上共 录得130余起合伙人级别的横向招聘，其 中各个季度的招聘市场表现趋于平衡。 法律猎头公司优泽人才的合伙人刘 泽南告诉ALB，由于市场参与者面对市场 不确定性表现出更高的接纳程度、复杂 By Charlie Wu 作者：吴卓言
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