The NALP Class of 2025 employment report shows strong job results for new lawyers. However, private-practice jobs fell from the year before.
The National Association for Law Placement (NALP) found that 92.8% of graduates with known employment status had jobs as of March 16, 2026. Yet private-practice jobs fell from 20,810 for the Class of 2024 to 19,869 for the Class of 2025.
Large law firms also hired fewer new lawyers. Firms with more than 500 lawyers hired 6,588 graduates from the Class of 2025. That was about 540 fewer than the year before.
These results show two sides of the legal job market. Most graduates found work, but fewer entered private practice. Students should look at these trends when planning their careers.
Key Takeaways
- Graduate employment stayed strong: NALP reported a 92.8% employment rate among graduates with known employment status.
- Private-practice jobs fell: The Class of 2025 had 19,869 jobs in private practice. The Class of 2024 had 20,810.
- BigLaw hiring dropped: Large firms hired about 540 fewer new graduates.
- Large firms remained major employers: Firms with more than 500 lawyers accounted for 33.2% of private-practice jobs.
- Future hiring is uncertain: Smaller summer classes may affect BigLaw hiring in the next graduating class.
- More career options can help: Students should also consider clerkships, government jobs, and public-interest work.
NALP Reports Strong Employment for Law Graduates
NALP’s
Jobs & JDs: Employment and Salaries of New Law Graduates — Class of 2025 report tracks jobs held by new lawyers.
The report found that 92.8% of graduates with known employment status had jobs by March 16, 2026. Also, 83.9% held full-time, long-term jobs that required or expected bar admission.
These figures show that many new lawyers found work. However, they do not show how many jobs are open today.
Job options vary by location, practice area, and employer. Therefore, graduates should not treat national figures as a promise of work.
Instead, they should use the report to understand the wider job market. They should also check current job listings and deadlines.
BigLaw Hiring Falls for the Class of 2025
Private-practice jobs fell between the Class of 2024 and the Class of 2025.
NALP recorded 20,810 private-practice jobs for the Class of 2024. The number fell to 19,869 for the Class of 2025.
That is a drop of 941 jobs, or about 4.5%.
These figures show a change in private-practice hiring. However, they do not explain why each law firm changed its hiring plans.
Large Law Firms Hired Fewer Graduates
Firms with more than 500 lawyers hired 6,588 graduates from the Class of 2025. That was about 540 fewer than the year before.
Still, large firms remained a major source of private-practice jobs. They accounted for 33.2% of these jobs.
This presents a mixed picture for students who want BigLaw jobs. Large firms still hired many graduates, but the total fell from the previous year.
Therefore, students should prepare for BigLaw recruitment. They should also keep other career options open.
Why Employment Rates Don’t Tell the Whole Story
A high employment rate does not always mean more jobs are available.
NALP explained that the graduating class was smaller. This change raised the share of graduates entering private practice. It did not mean that private-practice jobs had increased.
This difference matters when reading law school employment reports.
An employment rate shows the share of graduates who found work. A job count shows the number of jobs recorded. Both figures matter, but they tell different stories.
For example, a smaller graduating class can change the employment rate even when the number of jobs stays the same.
As a result, students and recruiters should review both measures. Looking at only one can give a false picture of the job market.
Will Smaller Summer Classes Hurt BigLaw Hiring?
NALP also raised concerns about future BigLaw jobs.
The report says firms with more than 500 lawyers hired smaller summer associate classes for summer 2025. NALP warned that this trend could lead to fewer BigLaw jobs for the next graduating class.
However, this is a possible outcome, not a confirmed result.
Each law firm has its own hiring needs. Some offices may still seek new lawyers. Others may offer fewer jobs.
Therefore, students should not assume that every large firm will cut hiring. Instead, they should watch for new job posts and official updates.
When Will More Hiring Data Become Available?
The source material states that NALP’s survey on summer programs and post-summer hiring was due to close on October 30, 2026.
The results may offer more insight into law firm hiring plans. Until then, forecasts about the next graduating class should remain cautious.
The Class of 2025 report shows past results. It does not confirm the final job outcomes for the Class of 2026.
What the NALP Report Means for Law Firms
The NALP report offers useful lessons for new lawyers.
BigLaw remains a career option for many graduates. However, students should not rely on one type of employer. A wider search may help them find jobs that match their skills and goals.
1. Explore Different Legal Careers
Students should look at several types of legal work, including:
- Private law firms and BigLaw
- Judicial clerkships
- Federal, state, and local government jobs
- Public-interest groups
- Legal fellowships
Each path has its own deadlines and rules. A separate list for each type of job can help students stay on track.
2. Match Jobs to Your Skills
New lawyers should consider their bar status, work history, and preferred location. They should also think about the type of law they want to practice.
Next, they should read each job post before applying. Employers often seek different skills for each role.
A focused search helps candidates spend time on suitable jobs. It also helps them explain their strengths to recruiters.
3. Check Job Openings and Deadlines
National reports do not list every open job.
Therefore, candidates should visit official employer career pages. They should check deadlines, required documents, and bar admission rules.
For clerkships and government jobs, applicants should follow the court’s or agency’s instructions. Career guides can help, but official rules come first.
What the NALP Report Means for Law Firms
The Class of 2025 results show strong employment but weaker private-practice hiring.
For students and new lawyers, the message is clear. Plan ahead and explore more than one career path.
For law firms and recruiters, the data offers a view of graduate employment across the country. However, it does not show the hiring plans of every firm.
Future survey results may add more detail. Until then, readers should separate confirmed job figures from forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the employment rate for the Class of 2025?
NALP reported that 92.8% of graduates with known employment status had jobs as of March 16, 2026. This figure covers the class as a whole. It does not predict one graduate’s job prospects.
2. How many Class of 2025 graduates entered private practice?
The Class of 2025 had 19,869 private-practice jobs. The Class of 2024 had 20,810. This means jobs fell by 941, or about 4.5%.
3. How many graduates joined the largest law firms?
Firms with more than 500 lawyers hired 6,588 graduates from the Class of 2025. These firms accounted for 33.2% of private-practice jobs.
4. Will BigLaw hiring continue to fall?
The report does not confirm that hiring will keep falling. Smaller summer classes could lead to fewer BigLaw jobs in the next graduating class. However, each firm has its own hiring plans.
5. Why can employment rates stay high while private-practice jobs fall?
Employment rates and job counts measure different things. Many graduates can find work even when one sector has fewer jobs. NALP also noted that the smaller graduating class affected the share entering private practice.
6. How can law students improve their job search?
Students should research employers, prepare strong applications, and track deadlines. They should also consider clerkships, government jobs, and public-interest work. This gives them more options.
7. Does the report list current law firm openings?
No. The report tracks jobs held by the Class of 2025. It does not list all current vacancies or confirm each firm’s hiring plans. Candidates should check official career pages.
8. Where can readers find the original employment data?
Readers can consult NALP’s
Jobs & JDs: Employment and Salaries of New Law Graduates — Class of 2025 report. It provides the figures discussed in this article.
Conclusion: Law Graduates Should Look Beyond BigLaw
The NALP Class of 2025 report shows strong employment results. However, private-practice jobs fell, and large firms hired fewer new lawyers.
The figures tell a mixed story. Although 92.8% of graduates with known employment status had jobs, private-practice jobs fell by about 4.5%.
For students and new lawyers, the next steps are simple. Check job openings, track deadlines, and consider several career paths.
For recruiters and law firms, the report offers useful data on graduate employment. However, it cannot predict the plans of every employer.
Looking for your next legal career opportunity? Explore attorney jobs, law firm openings, and legal positions nationwide with
LawCrossing. Find jobs that match your skills and career goals.
See Also:
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NALP Class of 2025 Employment Results and BigLaw Trends first appeared on
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