It’s getting even tougher to land an in-house attorney position, as companies increasingly prioritize soft skills—business acumen, emotional intelligence and leadership ability—alongside legal expertise.

The recruiting firm BarkerGilmore’s 2025 Market Outlook said demand for in-house legal talent remains strong, though the increasing focus on such skills as building trust and fostering collaboration has made the already-difficult task of landing the most prized jobs—general counsel or chief compliance officer—even more daunting.