In-demand legal & compliance roles and trends to watch in 2025

In 2025, Switzerland's legal and compliance job market will be shaped by increased regulatory oversight and evolving legal frameworks. The demand for Legal Counsels and Compliance Officers is expected to remain high, following strict regulations in data privacy and sustainability. Charlotte Jacobs, Senior Manager and specialist in recruiting legal professionals at Swiss recruitment specialist Robert Walters, explains.

Growing demand for specialists and new opportunities

“As Swiss companies continue to expand internationally, the demand for legal professionals with expertise in cross-border legal matters and specialised knowledge in areas like ESG compliance will grow significantly,” Charlotte notes. This demand will be particularly visible in sectors such as banking & financial services, insurance, pharmaceutical manufacturing, food & beverage and consulting, where legal professionals are needed to navigate complex and evolving regulatory frameworks.

Advancements in legal technology are set to further fuel this trend, creating new roles focused on automating legal processes and improving efficiency. “Overall, the legal job market in Switzerland is set to become more dynamic and specialized in 2025, offering opportunities in both traditional legal roles and emerging, technology-driven areas,” Charlotte adds. This evolution will present growing opportunities not only in classical legal positions but also in innovative, tech-driven roles.

Most in-demand legal professionals in 2025

• Legal Counsel
• Compliance Officer
• Corporate Counsel
   

Key soft skills

In addition to technical expertise, legal professionals in 2025 will need to demonstrate strong soft skills to excel in their roles. Charlotte states: “Self-motivation will be crucial, as legal professionals are often expected to take initiative and manage their workloads independently in fast-paced environments. Communication skills are essential for effectively conveying complex legal information to both internal and external stakeholders, while teamwork is vital for collaborating across departments. Legal teams will work closely with compliance, finance, and executive leadership to ensure organizations meet regulatory standards. We expect that employers will prioritize these soft skills when evaluating candidates, as they are increasingly critical to success in the evolving legal landscape.”

2025 salary evolutions for legal professionals

While most legal positions will experience little fluctuation in compensation, the role of (Senior) Legal Counsel is an exception, with a slight increase anticipated. This uptick is largely driven by the growing demand for experienced Legal Counsels. Charlotte advises: “As companies navigate complex compliance landscapes, the expertise of Senior Legal Counsel becomes increasingly invaluable, making them a competitive asset within organisations. Firms looking to attract and retain top talent in this area may need to offer more attractive compensation packages to meet this growing demand.”

What legal professionals seek

According to the latest Robert Walters salary survey, legal professionals in Switzerland prioritise several key factors when considering employment opportunities. At the top of their list are excellent compensation and benefits, which are crucial for attracting top talent. Additionally, flexible working arrangements remain high on the wish list, reflecting a growing desire for work-life balance that allows legal professionals to effectively manage their personal and professional commitments.

Moreover, the significance of inspiring colleagues cannot be overstated. Professionals are drawn to environments where collaboration and mutual support foster growth and innovation. A motivating company culture is essential as well, contributing to job satisfaction and employee engagement. Legal professionals seek workplaces that promote diversity, inclusion, and a shared commitment to ethical practices.

“Companies that recognise and align with these values will be better equipped to create a compelling employer brand, ultimately enhancing their ability to attract and retain skilled legal talent in a competitive market,” Charlotte says. 

Given that legal professionals typically stay in their roles for an average of 1.7 years, this underscores the need for companies to continuously invest in attractive employer offerings and career development paths to retain talent longer.

Want to know more?

For further insights on job market trends and an in-depth look at 2025 salary data for legal & compliance professionals, request free access to Robert Walters' digital salary survey tool.