The Legal & Compliance sector continues to be shaped by regulatory change, heightened risk management requirements and increasing demand for specialist expertise. This 2026 Salary Guide benchmarks market activity from 2025, outlining the skills most in demand, current salary ranges and how organisations are competing to attract and retain experienced legal and compliance professionals across Ireland.

Legal & Compliance Job Market Outlook 2026: Regulatory Pressure, Risk Management and Specialist Skills

Continued Upward Movement in Salaries

Salaries across the Irish legal market are expected to see an upward movement in 2026, continuing the steady growth observed over the past two years. Demand remains particularly strong for mid to senior-level solicitors in high-value areas such as corporate/M&A, financial regulation, employment, data protection, environmental & planning, and construction. Firms continue to offer salary increases (typically 3–8%) to retain and attract talent. The in-house market also remains buoyant, with technology, financial services, and life sciences companies offering strong compensation packages to experienced commercial and regulatory lawyers. Overall, salaries are expected to rise modestly, reflecting steady demand and a sustainable, long-term growth trajectory.

High Demand for Commercial Lawyers

Law firms and in-house teams will increasingly prioritise lawyers who combine strong technical expertise with commercial insight. Demand will remain high across corporate/M&A, financial regulation, technology, and funds, with growing interest in lawyers who can advise on complex cross-border structures and digital transactions. As Irish firms continue to attract international mandates, commercial awareness and deal fluency will remain core differentiators in hiring.

Hybrid Models Become Standard

Flexibility is no longer a differentiator but an expectation. Most firms now operate hybrid structures (typically three days in-office, two remote), and this model will remain embedded in 2026. Employers that offer genuine flexibility outside of the standard 3/2 model, such as fully remote or condensed-week arrangements, are expected to gain a competitive edge in attracting and retaining sought-after talent. Contract and interim legal roles are also projected to grow modestly, driven by project-based work and parental cover needs.

AI and Tech Driving Efficiency

The adoption of AI tools and legal technology will continue to accelerate, particularly in document review, due diligence, and contract lifecycle management. Rather than displacing roles, this shift will amplify demand for lawyers and legal professionals who can leverage technology for efficiency and risk management. Firms investing in legal operations and innovation teams will be best placed to deliver cost-effective client solutions and retain market share.