As the legal sector in Wales looks ahead to 2026, recruitment remains one of the most pressing — and complex — challenges facing law firms.

In this episode, our host and Editor, Emma Waddingham, is joined by Karen Jones, Director at TSR Legal Recruitment, for their annual end-of-year conversation examining recruitment trends in Wales and what law firms and lawyers should be preparing for in the year ahead.

As the sector looks towards 2026, they reflect on the challenges of skills shortages, changing candidate expectations, competition across regions, and the growing importance of culture, communication and long-term planning.

Emma and Karen unpack what has been a challenging and revealing year for the legal jobs market.

Drawing on her helicopter view of recruitment across Wales and beyond, Karen shares insight into:

• The ongoing skills gap at mid-level PQE, driven in part by the long-term impacts of COVID
• Why firms are struggling to recruit 2–6 PQE solicitors, despite rising salaries
• The unintended consequences of NQ salary inflation and the evolving SQE landscape
• Increased competition from Bristol and national firms, alongside shifting expectations around hybrid and flexible working
• Why money alone isn’t enough for retention — and how culture, communication and clarity of vision are becoming decisive factors
• What candidates should be asking law firms in interviews — and what firms should be communicating far more clearly internally

For law firm leaders, aspiring lawyers and recruiters alike, this episode offers a candid and practical look at what resilience really means in the context of people, growth and long-term sustainability.

The conversation also reflects on lessons from our recently reported Reframing Recruitment roundtable (coverage here), highlighting the value of transparency, collaboration and trusted advisers in navigating uncertainty.

Listen to the full episode