After two years of market unpredictability, associate hiring in the New York metro area—including New Jersey—is stabilizing. For law firm associates, that means more job security and potentially more opportunity. But it also raises a perennial question: Is this the right time to go in-house?
Before you pack up your Westlaw access and move to a corporate legal department, consider what the latest hiring trends tell us—and what they don’t. It’s not a question of right or wrong, it’s a question of what’s right for you.
The Law Firm Outlook: A Stabilized but Selective Market
Recent data shows that law firm associate hiring in New York City increased by 6% year over year, with similar momentum across key New Jersey firms. But here’s the nuance: this growth is largely in lateral associate hiring. Firms are targeting lawyers with practice-ready skills in litigation, regulatory, and private equity. They’re hiring strategically, not expansively.
The implication? Mid-level and senior associates are in demand—but only in areas directly tied to client demand. If your work drives revenue or supports growth sectors (think antitrust, fintech, and life sciences), you may be in a position to negotiate more than just compensation. If not, the runway to partner may feel narrower than ever.
Geography Still Shapes the Conversation:
While both regions offer diverse legal opportunities, New York City’s demand is heavily influenced by its financial and corporate epicenter status, leading to a concentration in corporate, finance, and related practice areas. On the other hand, New Jersey’s legal market reflects its unique economic activities, primarily in life sciences and, as such, regulatory environment, resulting in a broader range of practice areas, including regulatory, M&A, real estate (including land use), and labor law.
The In-House Landscape: Targeted Growth, Real Responsibility
While law firms refocus, corporate legal departments are hiring—but with even greater selectivity. In-house teams, especially at high-growth and mid-market companies, are lean and business-facing. That means in-house roles are often:
Broader in scope—fewer silos, more cross-functional work
Business-oriented—expect to be pulled into strategy, not just compliance
Resource-constrained—you may be the one building the legal ops playbook
So—Should You Stay or Should You Go?
Here’s a litmus test to guide your thinking:
| You might stay at your firm if… | You might go in-house if… |
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If you’re the kind of lawyer who thrives on variety, wears multiple hats, and wants closer proximity to decision-making, in-house may be a good fit. If you’re still building technical skills or prefer the structure of a large legal team, staying at a firm may offer more support and developmental growth.
Protecting Your Flanks Means Planning Ahead
Making a move—whether within BigLaw or into a company—should never be a reactive decision. It should be a strategic shift that aligns with your professional goals, lifestyle preferences, and risk appetite.
So yes, this may be a good time to go in-house. But it’s also a good time to negotiate for more where you are. In a stabilized market, the best opportunities will go to the lawyers who’ve done their research, built strong networks, and know what they’re optimizing for.
