Where the Action Is in Global Legal Market - Where It Could Pick Up and No Compassion for Those Left Behind

 The raids by US-headquartered law firms in the UK for legal talent have grabbed headlines. In particular, the seeming almost personal competition for stars between Kirkland & Ellis and Paul Weiss captured attention like an American football playout. 

Also professional anonymous networks such as Reddit and Fishbowl have been posting an escalating number of queries about how junior lawyers could apply for work at those London branches of the US firms. The usual advice was: Sure, they're hiring and go for it but be prepared to put in extreme hours and always be available. LawCareers.Net documents the grind:

"Trainee and junior solicitors at US law firms in London are facing intense work schedules, with some exceeding 70 hours a week and often finishing after 10:30pm. US law firms occupy the top 11 spots on the hours table, according to a new survey by Legal Cheek."

Now it is becoming clear what is driving all this activity in the UK legal market: Surge of M&A business. In whatever nation, that's a lucrative practice for lawyers.

MSN reports:

"Deal volume in the UK rose 81% to more than $160 billion so far this year, double the $82 billion tally from its closest rival Germany, according to data compiled by Bloomberg."

For instance, there is the deal near closing for ABC Technologies, backed by Apollo Global Management, to purchase TI Fluid Systems, with the value of the transaction at about a billion pounds.

Driving much of this is that the UK currently is the easiest location in Europe to do M&A. That is despite the area's higher taxes. 

But the legal chase after dealmaking could also pick up steam in the US. During the 2024 election it became obvious that FCC chair Lena Khan, a zealot on antitrust, would probably be gone, no matter who won. Many deals were not even proposed for fear of intense government scrutiny. Much of that could change in the pro-business Trump Administration. 

In coaching, I tutor clients in the skills for sizing up where opportunity is emerging. In this volatile global economy that could shift quickly. 

That reality is so dominant that compassion about those in downsizing niches like legacy media, management consulting and non-AI tech has dried up. The New York Post should have realized it probably wouldn't attract many eyeballs to feature a large headline about Hearst's laying off 200. It's an Everyone Knows that the publishing industry is in freefall. 

No matter how much experience you have in those fields which are imploding or what your age the meme has become: Find something else to do. Knowledge workers in their 50s, forced out, are exploring getting certified in the trades such as auto mechanics. 

The expectation has become that we will labor for income full-time into our early 70s, then transition to some form of semiretirement. Stopping working opens the possibility of homelessness. 

Here is my guidance provided in this award-winning podcast about landing work, no matter your age. 

Business can be especially tricky in these uncertain times. Get both success and peace of mind with a holistic approach. Jane Genova is a results-driven confidential intuitive coach, tarot reader and content-creator related to careers. Complimentary consultation (please text/phone 203-468-8579 or email janegenova374@gmail.com)