The Rise of Skills-Based Hiring in BigLaw: How Firms Are Moving Beyond Pedigree to Identify Top Talent

For decades, BigLaw recruiting has been dominated by a focus on pedigree—top law schools, high GPAs, and prestigious clerkships. But in 2025, a seismic shift is underway. Firms are increasingly prioritizing skills-based hiring, valuing practical abilities like legal tech proficiency, project management, and client communication over traditional markers of success. This trend is reshaping the legal recruiting landscape and creating new opportunities for candidates who might have been overlooked in the past.

Why Skills-Based Hiring Is Gaining Traction

The shift toward skills-based hiring reflects broader changes in the legal industry. Clients are demanding greater efficiency, innovation, and value from their outside counsel, and firms are responding by seeking lawyers who can deliver results from day one.

According to a 2024 report by the National Association for Law Placement (NALP), 55% of Am Law 200 firms now use skills-based assessments during the recruiting process, up from just 30% in 2020. These assessments evaluate candidates on a range of competencies, including:

- Legal Tech Proficiency: With the rise of tools like contract automation and e-discovery platforms, firms are looking for candidates who can navigate and leverage technology.

-Project Management: The ability to manage complex legal matters efficiently is increasingly valued, particularly in practice areas like litigation and corporate transactions.

-Client Communication: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to explain legal concepts clearly are critical for building client relationships.

How Firms Are Identifying Skills

Firms are using a variety of methods to assess candidates’ skills during the recruiting process:

-Practical Exercises: Some firms are incorporating practical exercises, such as drafting a memo or analyzing a case study, into their interview process.

-Behavioral Interviews: Behavioral questions designed to assess skills like teamwork and problem-solving are becoming more common.

-Portfolio Reviews: Candidates are increasingly being asked to submit portfolios showcasing their work, such as writing samples or project outcomes.

What This Means for Candidates

For law students and lateral candidates, the rise of skills-based hiring presents both opportunities and challenges. Here’s how to position yourself for success:

-Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize any experience that demonstrates practical skills, such as internships, clinics, or pro bono work.

-Develop New Skills: Consider taking courses or certifications in areas like legal tech, project management, or data analysis.

-Prepare for Skills-Based Assessments: Practice practical exercises and behavioral interviews to ensure you’re ready to showcase your abilities.

The Future of Skills-Based Hiring

As the legal industry continues to evolve, skills-based hiring is likely to become even more prominent. Firms that prioritize practical abilities will be better positioned to meet client demands and attract top talent, while candidates who focus on developing and showcasing their skills will have a competitive edge in the job market.

In 2025 and beyond, the key to success is not just where you went to school or what grades you earned—it’s what you can do.