The legal job market remains strong for new graduates. However, finding a job at a large law firm may be harder. A new report from the National Association for Law Placement (NALP) shows a drop in hiring at the largest firms.
Firms with more than 500 lawyers hired 6,588 graduates from the Class of 2025. That was about 540 fewer jobs than the year before. The drop was 7.5%.
Even so, large firms remain a major source of jobs for new lawyers. The report points to a change in hiring, not a full decline in the legal job market.
For law students, the message is clear. Do not rely on one type of employer or one way to find a job. Instead, explore several paths into the legal field.
Key Takeaways
- Large-firm hiring fell: The largest firms hired 6,588 graduates from the Class of 2025, down 7.5% from the year before.
- Large firms still matter: More than one in five employed graduates joined firms with over 500 lawyers.
- Hiring may slow further: Smaller summer-associate classes could lead to fewer jobs for the Class of 2026.
- Students have other options: Smaller firms, government jobs, and clerkships offer more paths into law.
- Job reports have limits: Past results help show trends, but they do not reveal which firms are hiring now.
NALP Reports a Drop in Large-Firm Hiring
NALP’s findings show both strong results and new challenges for law graduates.
Firms with more than 500 lawyers hired 6,588 graduates from the Class of 2025. However, that number fell by about 540 jobs from the previous year.
This 7.5% drop points to a shift in large-firm hiring. Still, these firms remain major employers of new lawyers.
More than one in five employed graduates joined firms with over 500 lawyers. When firms with 251 to 500 lawyers are added, about one in four employed graduates started at firms in these two groups.
These figures show that large firms still offer many jobs. However, fewer openings may mean more competition among candidates.
Smaller Summer Classes May Affect Future Hiring
NALP also found that large firms cut their summer-associate class sizes again for 2025.
This trend could affect future hiring. According to NALP, smaller summer classes may lead to fewer large-firm jobs for the Class of 2026.
However, this does not mean every student will face the same result. Hiring can vary by firm, practice area, and location.
Therefore, students should use these figures as a guide. They should not treat them as a forecast of their own job prospects.
How Law Students Can Find Jobs
Students can improve their job searches by looking beyond large law firms. A wider search may reveal roles that match their skills and goals.
Explore Different Legal Careers
Large firms attract many law graduates. However, they are not the only option.
Students can also explore smaller firms, government agencies, public-interest groups, and judicial clerkships. Each path offers different types of work and experience.
Application rules and deadlines also vary. Therefore, students should start early and check each employer’s requirements.
Law school career offices can help students find suitable roles. In addition, alumni may share useful advice about firms, practice areas, and local job markets.
Use Law School Employment Data Wisely
Employment reports can help students compare law schools. They also show where recent graduates found work.
The American Bar Association (ABA) publishes required employment data for law schools. These reports offer useful facts about graduate outcomes. However, they do not show every job that is open today.
Timing is also important. The data generally covers graduates’ employment about ten months after graduation.
As a result, students should use past data alongside current job listings. They should also check employer websites and speak with career advisers.
What the Findings Mean for Law Firms
The report also offers lessons for law firms and law school career offices.
Employers should share clear hiring plans and timelines. Meanwhile, career advisers should help students prepare for more than one career path.
Strong overall job results can exist alongside fewer openings at certain firms. Therefore, students need advice that reflects both the good news and the challenges.
Early planning can help students make better choices. A wider search can also reduce their reliance on one employer or recruiting process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the legal job market still strong for new graduates?
NALP describes private-practice hiring as healthy. However, the largest firms hired fewer graduates from the Class of 2025. This means some candidates may face more competition.
How many graduates did the largest firms hire?
Firms with more than 500 lawyers hired 6,588 graduates from the Class of 2025. That was a 7.5% drop from the previous year.
Will large law firms hire fewer graduates in the future?
NALP says smaller summer-associate classes may lead to fewer large-firm jobs for the Class of 2026. However, hiring will vary by firm and location.
What can law students do to improve their job search?
Students should explore different employers and practice areas. They should also check job listings, meet with career advisers, and research clerkships. Applying through several channels can create more options.
Conclusion
NALP’s findings show that large law firms still hire many new lawyers. However, these firms hired fewer graduates from the Class of 2025.
Smaller summer-associate classes may also affect future hiring. As a result, students should prepare for a more competitive market.
The best approach is to stay flexible. Explore different employers, start early, and check current job openings. A wider search can help law students find more paths into the legal profession.
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NALP Report Shows Strong but More Selective Legal Job Market first appeared on
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