For legal professionals in Philadelphia that are seeking the fresh challenge of a career move, the Legal Recruiter Directory may provide the answer to your employment opportunity search needs. With contacts at local law firms and corporations seeking legal counsel, legal staffing firms are often the first to know about the legal hiring needs at employers across the city.
Alongside their inside knowledge of hiring practices and available positions at local law firms, Philadelphia legal recruitment agencies can conduct a discreet job search process on your behalf that will retain your privacy and reputation in the legal community.
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Job Opportunities
As the economic and cultural hub for the 7.2 million people living in the Delaware Valley Philadelphia, or “Philly” for short, is the 6th most populous city in the U.S. With a rich history dating back to America’s founding this bustling city is known for its passionate sports fans and blue-collar work ethic. Philadelphia’s affordable cost of living and proximity to the corporate headquarters of 16 Fortune 500 companies makes it a great place to practice for talented lawyers seeking fresh career challenges.
Over 21,000 lawyers currently practice in the greater Philadelphia area, many of whom do so at its 1800+ law firms and plethora of government agencies. The average attorney earns a base salary of $102,479 while enjoying career enrichment opportunities through these professional organizations:
- Pennsylvania Bar Association
- Philadelphia Bar Association
- 3 ABA-accredited law schools
- Various other state and local bar associations based on practice specialty, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, race and other membership criteria
Requirements to Practice Law
Candidates who have earned a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school may apply to take the Pennsylvania Bar Exam (PBE), along with any foreign law school graduate who meets specific requirements. In addition to passing the PBE, all applicants must also pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE). Pennsylvania does have reciprocity agreements with most U.S. jurisdictions and will allow attorneys who have been practicing in those jurisdictions for 5 of the past 7 years to take the PBE and apply for the state Bar once they pass.
After an attorney has been sworn into the Pennsylvania Bar, to maintain their license they must complete 12 hours of CLE each year, including one hour in professional ethics. For more information about practicing law in Pennsylvania visit: www.lawyeredu.org.
Why Philadelphia?
Philadelphia’s downtown area is a unique blend of high rises, historic architecture and ethnic restaurants. The city is famous for its vibrant nightlife, numerous museums and performing arts venues. Fortune 500 companies like Comcast, Aramark, Lincoln National and Amerisource Bergen, along with dozens of colleges and universities, drive the city’s global economy in sectors like oil refining, higher education, manufacturing, healthcare, financial services and telecommunications.
Philadelphia’s cost of living runs slightly higher than the national average due to transportation and grocery costs, but housing prices are very affordable. Residents can take advantage of the bus, light rail and trolley services provided by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), or travel by plane through Philadelphia International Airport. Philly’s Legal District is located downtown just south of I-676 and some of its best neighborhoods include Bustleton, City Center, Chestnut Hill, Manayunk and Wharton-Hawthorne-Bella Vista.
In addition to its numerous parks and bike trails, some of the major attractions in Philadelphia are The Franklin Institute, Reading Terminal Market, Old City Area, Museum of Art, Liberty Bell Center and 5 major league sports franchises. The area’s 4-season climate produces a slightly above average amount of rainfall each year and slightly below average amounts of snow. July is usually the warmest month, with average daily highs near 90 degrees F, and January serves as the coldest month, with average lows hovering near 26 degrees F.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The candidate pool in Philadelphia is both highly educated and diverse, bolstered by the presence of esteemed law schools such as Temple University Beasley School of Law, the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, and Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law. These institutions consistently produce a stream of skilled graduates. Moreover, Philadelphia’s dynamic legal market and extensive opportunities in various practice areas attract seasoned legal professionals from across the nation.
In Philadelphia, there is a strong demand for legal professionals in healthcare law, intellectual property law, and corporate law. The city’s robust healthcare sector, led by institutions like Jefferson Health and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, drives the need for regulatory compliance and medical malpractice expertise. Intellectual property law is vital due to the thriving biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Additionally, corporate and mergers & acquisitions (M&A) law are in high demand, driven by the presence of Fortune 500 companies like Comcast and Aramark.
The legal market in Philadelphia is significantly influenced by the healthcare, biotechnology, and education sectors. Major healthcare providers such as Jefferson Health and Independence Blue Cross require extensive legal support for compliance and malpractice issues. The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, including companies like GlaxoSmithKline, demand strong intellectual property protection. The city’s prestigious universities, such as the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University, also create a need for specialized education law services.
Current trends in Philadelphia, such as the expansion of the biotechnology sector and a focus on sustainability, are reshaping the legal field. The rise of digital health and telemedicine has created new legal challenges and opportunities, particularly in healthcare law. Environmental law is gaining importance due to the city’s commitment to green initiatives like the Green City, Clean Waters program. Additionally, the post-pandemic recovery has increased the demand for labor and employment law services as businesses navigate new regulations and workplace safety concerns.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted remote work and compensation structures in Philadelphia’s legal market. Many law firms have adopted hybrid work models, allowing attorneys to work remotely part-time, which has led to more flexible work environments and a focus on work-life balance.
Compensation remains competitive, with many firms offering performance-based bonuses and enhanced benefits to attract and retain top talent. The increased emphasis on technology and digital collaboration tools has also influenced how legal services are delivered, making virtual consultations and remote court hearings more common.
Diversity and inclusion are critical focuses in Philadelphia’s legal sector. Law firms and corporate legal departments actively pursue initiatives to enhance diversity within their ranks through targeted recruitment, mentorship programs, and partnerships with organizations like the Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia and the Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania. These efforts aim to create a more inclusive environment that reflects the city’s diverse population. Firms are also implementing training programs on cultural competency and implicit bias to foster a more equitable workplace.
