Lawyers are back in demand in Russia, according to Antal-Laurence Simons, with the number of vacancies increasing and staff reductions less common.

The legal recruiter, which is a partnership between Antal Russia and Laurence Simons, all part of the FiveTen Group, says that while there are many candidates on the market, it is still a challenge to find the right person with sufficient experience and suitable professional skills.

Lawyers who are most in demand are those who support companies’ economic activities, with banks being the most active.

Companies in the pharmaceutical sector are now offering legal positions, whereas previously this would have been outsourced. The pending changes in legislation, regulating the work of pharmaceutical companies has resulted in a growing demand for legal professionals. Additionally, investment companies, FMCG and the energy sectors show high demand for hiring in-house lawyers.

“Companies are restoring staff levels which were seriously cut during the global downturn,” says Olga Bochkova, a principal consultant with Antal-Laurence Simons.

“Specialists in intellectual property, real estate, labour law and mergers & acquisitions are now back in demand. Employers are also seeking lawyers who have experience in the banking area and court practice.”

On the whole, though, Antal-Laurence Simons says that law firms have found the going tough and although salary level in most have returned to pre-crisis levels, some practices have struggled and cut wages by up to 30%. Many legal companies are still not willing to increase salaries and pay significant bonuses to staff.