Over Half of In-House Counsel Seek New Jobs with Better Benefits: In-House Compensation Report
A new report reveals a significant shift in the job satisfaction and career aspirations of in-house legal professionals. According to the 2025 In-House Counsel Compensation Report by BarkerGilmore LLC, nearly 60% of in-house counsel are considering leaving their current roles in the next year. The primary driver? The pursuit of better compensation and benefits.
The report, which surveyed approximately 3,000 legal professionals, highlights a slowdown in salary growth. In-house counsel salaries rose by 2.8% in 2025, down from the 4.4% increase observed in 2024. This modest growth appears to be taking a toll on job satisfaction, with many legal professionals opting to explore new opportunities.
John Gilmore, Managing Partner at BarkerGilmore, noted that the slower compensation growth compared to previous years may be a key factor in the high turnover intentions. “The legal profession is critical to businesses, yet many in-house counsel feel their compensation does not reflect their value,” Gilmore stated.
The report also uncovered notable concerns about job security. Nearly 39% of respondents reported being either “very” or “somewhat” concerned about their job stability. This figure is surprising, given the essential role legal teams play in most organizations. Gilmore expressed curiosity at this level of anxiety, especially since the survey was conducted before any major disruptions from government restructuring or financial market volatility.
Another intriguing finding from the report is a reversal in the gender-related pay gap trend. While specific details about this change were not elaborated upon, it suggests a potential shift in the long-standing disparities within the legal profession.
For general counsel or chief legal counsel positions, compensation ranges are predicted to vary significantly. At smaller companies, salaries are expected to start around $293,900, while top-tier enterprise organizations may offer up to $491,400, according to LHH predictions cited in the report.
BarkerGilmore, which describes itself as “the nation’s only executive search and talent advisory firm dedicated exclusively to the in-house legal and compliance profession,” positions itself as a trusted authority on these trends. The firm’s expertise provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of in-house legal careers.
Implications of Compensation Trends and Job Security Concerns
The findings from the 2025 In-House Counsel Compensation Report raise important questions about the future of the in-house legal profession and the factors influencing career decisions. While the 2.8% salary increase for in-house counsel in 2025 is lower than the 4.4% increase in 2024, it still reflects a steady, albeit slower, growth trajectory in compensation. However, this modest growth seems insufficient to retain talent, as nearly 60% of respondents are considering new opportunities, primarily due to dissatisfaction with their current pay and benefits.
John Gilmore, Managing Partner at BarkerGilmore, highlighted the disparity between the perceived value of in-house counsel and their actual compensation. “The legal profession is critical to businesses, yet many in-house counsel feel their compensation does not reflect their value,” Gilmore stated. This sentiment underscores a broader issue of compensation not keeping pace with the evolving demands and responsibilities of in-house legal roles.
The report also sheds light on the growing concerns about job security within the in-house legal community. Approximately 39% of respondents expressed some level of concern about their job stability, despite the essential role legal teams play in organizations. This anxiety is particularly notable given that the survey was conducted before any major external disruptions, such as government restructuring or financial market volatility, which could have otherwise explained the heightened concern.
Another significant yet less explored aspect of the report is the reversal of the gender-related pay gap trend. While the details of this shift were not fully elaborated, it suggests a potential step toward greater equity in the legal profession. This reversal could be attributed to increased awareness of pay disparities, proactive measures by organizations to address gender pay gaps, or shifts in negotiation patterns among legal professionals.
For general counsel or chief legal counsel positions, the compensation landscape varies widely based on company size. According to LHH predictions cited in the report, smaller companies are expected to offer starting salaries around $293,900, while top-tier enterprise organizations may offer up to $491,400. This range highlights the significant impact of company size and resources on compensation levels for legal leadership roles.
BarkerGilmore, as a specialized executive search and talent advisory firm focused exclusively on the in-house legal and compliance profession, is uniquely positioned to provide insights into these trends. The firm’s expertise underscores the importance of understanding the evolving dynamics of in-house legal careers, particularly as professionals navigate a competitive and changing job market.
Conclusion
The 2025 In-House Counsel Compensation Report highlights a complex landscape for legal professionals, marked by moderate salary growth, rising concerns about job security, and evolving perceptions of value within organizations. While the 2.8% salary increase indicates continued growth, it falls short of retaining talent, as 60% of respondents consider new opportunities due to dissatisfaction with pay and benefits. The report also reveals a troubling disparity between the perceived value of in-house counsel and their actual compensation, as highlighted by John Gilmore of BarkerGilmore.
Additionally, the data points to shifting dynamics in gender pay equity and significant variations in compensation based on company size, with general counsel roles ranging from $293,900 to $491,400. These findings underscore the need for organizations to reassess their compensation strategies and address the evolving demands of in-house legal roles to foster retention and satisfaction in a competitive job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the average salary increase for in-house counsel in 2025?
The average salary increase for in-house counsel in 2025 is 2.8%, according to the 2025 In-House Counsel Compensation Report.
2. Why are many in-house counsel considering new opportunities despite a salary increase?
Approximately 60% of respondents are considering new opportunities primarily due to dissatisfaction with their current pay and benefits, despite the 2.8% salary increase.
3. What is the primary concern for in-house counsel regarding job security?
About 39% of respondents expressed concern about job stability, even though the survey was conducted before any major external disruptions that could have explained heightened anxiety.
4. Has the gender pay gap in the legal profession narrowed?
The report indicates a reversal of the gender-related pay gap trend, suggesting progress toward greater equity, though specific details were not fully elaborated.
5. How does company size impact compensation for general counsel roles?
Compensation for general counsel roles varies significantly by company size, with smaller companies offering around $293,900 and top-tier enterprises offering up to $491,400, according to LHH predictions.
