Law firms should beware the winter blues, as lawyers are most likely to seek pastures new during February, research has revealed.

Legal recruitment specialist Torres & Partners found that, despite being the shortest month, over the past four years February saw the highest level of recruitment activity, on average 40% higher than in January.


Alison Diamond, a director of Torres & Partners, said: ‘There is a common view that many firms and candidates wait until the new year before reviving their recruitment activity and that January is therefore the busiest recruitment month. However, these findings suggest that this is not so.’


She added: ‘There is a sense of staleness and malaise after the Christmas party season. In firms where the financial year ends in December, there is a push to get the billing done, then it starts all over again with the pressures of new targets, and people feel jaded.


Diamond: break routine

‘There are no bank holidays for three months and the weather is foul. People feeling undervalued reassess their careers; they want a break from dull routine.’

Research by Cardiff University recently calculated that 24 January is the year’s most depressing day.


Ms Diamond warned: ‘Now is the time for law firms to ensure that this downbeat attitude doesn’t become pervasive. Firms should inject some fun and camaraderie.’


She advised potential candidates to think carefully about how to frame their reasons for seeking a change at this time of year. ‘Beware of giving the impression that you are simply bored.

‘Think of positive factors leading you to the new position. If you can’t convince yourself, don’t move; the grass is rarely greener.’