BIRCHROSE
Insights

2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for the UK legal sector. Artificial intelligence is moving from experimental use to a business-critical capability, while regulatory reform, legislative change and continued market consolidation are reshaping how firms operate, price services and compete for

While Q4 is traditionally a quieter period for hiring, our latest data shows that the London legal market remained active right through to year end. Associate movement was sustained across multiple practice areas, reflecting continued confidence among firms despite seasonal slowdown and broader econ

Birchrose Associates - Q3 Associate Hiring Summary   We’ve looked back at the Associate hiring trends that shaped Q3 and it’s clear it was a busy few months across the London legal market. Our data shows the highest number of moves in Corporate and Commercial (184), followed by Dispute Resolu

With popularity of the newly established Solicitors Qualifying Exams (SQE) rising, the number of soon-to-be solicitors completing the Legal Practice Course (LPC) is expected to gradually decline. Yes, the LPC is anticipated to remain a viable route for several years, but what does this prominent cha