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Policy, Public Affairs & Research

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Gain expert insights into the Legal Policy job market, including in-demand skills, salary trends, and hiring advice from our specialist recruiters.

What's the emerging Legal Policy role you expect everyone to be hiring for by 2027? 

Regulatory affairs roles are likely to be in high demand, as organisations keep a close watch on changing legislation and engage with the right stakeholders throughout the process. We're also seeing more hybrid roles emerge, with policy and public affairs responsibilities being combined, alongside policy and research positions. 

 How is AI impacting the Legal Policy sector? 

AI is having the biggest impact on more junior-level roles, particularly in public affairs. Administrative tasks such as report writing, briefings, note-taking and horizon scanning can now be supported by AI, so its use is becoming more common across the sector. As a result, face-to-face relationship building and stakeholder engagement are becoming increasingly important. 

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Salary results for Public Affairs: Agencies
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Policy, Public Affairs & Research insights

    • Top 5 most in-demand Legal: Policy roles

      1. Public Affairs/Policy Manager 
      2. Account Manager-Public Affairs 
      3. Policy Analyst/Officer 
      4. Head of Policy & Public Affairs 
      5. Research Manager

    • Top 5 most in-demand skills

      1. Evidence-based research and analysis 
      2. Subject matter expertise 
      3. Stakeholder engagement and relationship building 
      4. Ability to communicate with diverse audiences 
      5. Commercial and operational acumen

    • Top 5 factors people consider most important at work

      1. Job satisfaction 
      2. Work-life balance 
      3. A good salary 
      4. Career success 
      5. Mental health

    • 48%

      of legal professionals are satisfied with their current role.

    • 79%

      of legal companies found matching candidates' salary expectations challenging when recruiting new talent.

    • 47%

      of legal professionals use AI tools daily in their role.


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