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Efficiency and agility in response to economic pressures
One of the most prominent themes in this year’s report is the growing pressure on legal teams to operate more efficiently amidst economic and geopolitical uncertainties. They are increasingly expected to deliver value while managing tighter budgets, which underscores the need for agile legal strategies aligned with broader business objectives.
In the Netherlands, this demand for efficiency is particularly pronounced in sectors like financial services, energy and manufacturing, where companies are actively seeking legal professionals who can navigate complex regulatory environments and support fast-paced business growth.
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The rise of ESG in legal frameworks
The increasing importance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors is another key trend highlighted in the report. Companies across the globe, including in Amsterdam and the wider Benelux region, are under increasing pressure to integrate ESG considerations into their legal frameworks. This has driven demand for legal expertise in areas such as compliance, sustainability initiatives and reporting standards.
The Netherlands is leading efforts in sustainability, with a significant focus on energy transition and a large presence of multinational corporations committed to making a positive environmental impact. As such, in-house legal teams are expanding to support these strategic priorities, making ESG expertise a valuable skill for legal professionals.
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Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) continue to be at the forefront of the legal profession globally. In-house legal teams are striving to create more inclusive environments, with companies increasingly focusing on enhancing gender diversity and fostering a culture of equity.
In the Netherlands, top talent—especially those in the mid-level range—are increasingly seeking employers whose values align with their own. For organisations looking to attract and retain talent, a strong commitment to ESG, particularly in relation to DEI and sustainability, is crucial.
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Harnessing technology: the role of generative AI
Generative AI is revolutionising the way legal teams operate, and our report explores this transformative trend in-depth. In-house teams globally are adopting AI technologies to streamline processes, improve efficiency and support decision-making. The Benelux region is no exception, with companies in sectors like tech, energy, and pharmaceuticals increasingly relying on AI-driven solutions to manage legal workflows.
In Amsterdam, where many tech and semiconductor companies have their European headquarters, the implementation of AI technologies is helping legal teams address the increasing complexity of regulatory compliance and intellectual property matters. This has resulted in the demand for legal professionals with both legal expertise and technological fluency.
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High demand for mid-level Lawyers (4-8 years PQE)
In the Netherlands, there is a particularly high demand for mid-level lawyers (4-8 years PQE), with companies facing challenges in attracting candidates in this experience range. These professionals are sought after across various industries, including energy transition, financial services and technology.
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Challenging markets for junior and senior Lawyers
While the demand for mid-level lawyers is high, junior (1-3 years PQE) and very senior lawyers (20+ years PQE) are facing increasingly challenging markets in the Netherlands. For junior lawyers, the limited number of entry-level roles in-house and the intense competition for these positions can make securing a role difficult. Meanwhile, senior lawyers seeking new roles may struggle to find opportunities that align with their experience level.
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Sustainability and growth in key sectors
The energy transition sector is booming in Amsterdam, with multinational corporations and scale-ups leading the charge in sustainability efforts. This has led to significant growth in legal teams, as companies require expert legal advice to navigate the regulatory and compliance challenges associated with these initiatives.
Furthermore, Amsterdam continues to serve as a hub for major tech and semiconductor companies, attracting international legal talent to support their operations. Legal teams in these sectors are expanding to meet the increasing demand for expertise in IP, data protection and regulatory matters.
The Taylor Root global in-house legal market report and salary guide 2024-2025 provides an invaluable resource for both employers and legal professionals. It offers detailed insights into the shifting dynamics of the legal market, with particular focus on the growing demand for legal expertise in areas like ESG, technology and energy transition.
Download the legal salary guide today.
