The survey found that the number of legal professionals actively seeking new jobs is increasing markedly, leaving employers facing significant potential for staff attrition. When asked about their motivation for changing roles, 43 per cent of respondents cited a desire for career progression as their top priority. By contrast, a pay rise would be the determining factor for just 14 per cent, indicating that compensation, while still a relevant factor, is a lower priority for many.

According to Sam Walters, associate director for legal recruitment, a tendency towards caution among legal professionals when it comes to moving jobs left many wary of changing roles even as conditions improved after the recession. But he believes that confidence among candidates has now risen to the point where a significant majority are actively searching for new opportunities.

Ken Okumura, senior consultant for legal recruitment, commented: ‘Those legal professionals who were cautious with regard to changing jobs after the recession often saw their careers stagnate despite the improving economic conditions, with promotions difficult to come by. As a result, many are now keen to secure jobs with career progression as a top priority.’