The 20 Practice Areas Growing the Fastest in 2025-2026 (and What Firms Are Hiring in Them)
A comprehensive BCG Attorney Search report analyzing the most promising legal specialties for career growth in 2025-2026
Introduction
The legal market in 2025 is rapidly evolving, and not all practice areas are experiencing growth at the same pace. While some traditional sectors remain steady, others are expanding at record speed—creating new opportunities for attorneys at every level. From technology and data privacy to energy, life sciences, and litigation, law firms are actively hiring to meet rising client demand. Understanding which practice areas are booming gives attorneys a competitive edge in targeting their job search, building long-term career stability, and aligning with the firms investing in growth. In this report, we break down the 20 fastest-growing legal practice areas of 2025 and highlight the firms leading the way in recruitment.
Executive Summary
The legal industry is experiencing unprecedented transformation driven by technological advancements, regulatory changes, and evolving client demands. As we navigate through 2025, attorneys face critical decisions about which practice areas offer the most promising career paths and opportunities for growth.
This comprehensive report analyzes the fastest-growing legal practice areas in 2025, providing attorneys and law students with actionable insights to strategically position themselves in this competitive landscape. Drawing on extensive market research, industry expertise, and hiring data from top law firms, we identify the practice areas experiencing the most significant expansion and explain why they're thriving.
The legal profession's rapid evolution presents both challenges and opportunities. While traditional practice areas remain essential, emerging specialties driven by technological innovation, regulatory changes, and societal shifts are creating lucrative new career paths. Understanding which practice areas are growing—and why—is crucial for attorneys at all career stages seeking to maximize their marketability and compensation potential.
This report serves as your definitive guide to navigating the changing legal landscape of 2025, offering insights on:
- Which practice areas are experiencing the fastest growth
- The economic, regulatory, and industry factors driving this expansion
- Which firms are actively hiring in these areas
- Where geographic hotspots exist for each specialty
- Compensation trends and career outlook projections
For attorneys planning their next career move or law students plotting their professional trajectory, the findings in this report provide essential intelligence to make informed decisions that align with market demands and personal career objectives.
Practice Areas Index
Year-Over-Year Growth in Legal Practice Areas (2024-2025)
Average First-Year Associate Salaries by Practice Area (2025)
1
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Law
Overview
Artificial Intelligence (AI) law has emerged as the fastest-growing practice area in 2025, fueled by unprecedented investment in AI technologies across industries and the evolving regulatory framework attempting to govern this rapidly developing field. Attorneys specializing in AI law navigate complex issues including algorithm transparency, AI bias, intellectual property rights for machine-generated content, and liability frameworks for autonomous systems.
The practice area sits at the intersection of technology, ethics, and law, requiring practitioners to understand both the technical aspects of AI systems and the legal implications of their deployment. As businesses integrate AI tools into core operations, legal expertise in this area has become indispensable for managing risk and ensuring compliance with emerging regulations.
Regional Hiring Demand for AI & ML Law (Scale 0-10)
Data Points
- 79% growth in partner headcount specializing in AI law at AmLaw 100 firms since 2023
- 64% of Fortune 500 companies report increasing legal spend on AI compliance and risk management
- 45% increase in AI-related lawsuits filed in federal courts in 2024 compared to 2023
- $1.8 million average annual compensation for partners leading AI practice groups
Top Firms Hiring
- Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati - Leading Silicon Valley firm building out their AI regulatory practice with particular strength in representing AI startups and established tech companies
- Cooley LLP - Expanding their AI practice across offices with emphasis on venture-backed AI companies
- Morrison & Foerster - Significant hiring in their AI advisory group focusing on regulatory compliance
- DLA Piper - Building specialized AI teams in both litigation and transactional practices
- Fenwick & West - Strengthening their AI practice with focus on intellectual property aspects
Geographic Hotspots
San Francisco/Silicon Valley: Highest concentration of AI legal work due to proximity to tech companies
Washington, D.C.: Center for AI policy and regulatory work
Boston: Growing hub for AI legal expertise serving the life sciences and healthcare industries
New York: Financial institutions driving demand for AI compliance expertise
Seattle: Emerging center due to Microsoft, Amazon and other tech companies' AI initiatives
Salary/Outlook
Compensation in AI law is among the highest in the legal profession, with associates commanding premiums of 15-20% above standard market rates at major firms. First-year associates with relevant technical backgrounds can expect starting salaries between $225,000-$245,000 at top firms, while senior associates with 5+ years of experience regularly earn between $350,000-$450,000 including bonuses.
Partner compensation for AI specialists has seen dramatic growth, with rainmakers in this field earning between $1.5 million to $3 million annually at AmLaw 50 firms. The outlook remains extremely positive, with continued growth expected through at least 2028 as AI regulation and litigation continue to expand.
Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Law
Overview
Data privacy and cybersecurity law continues its robust growth trajectory in 2025, driven by the proliferation of state and international data protection regulations, increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, and growing corporate awareness of data breach liabilities. This practice area encompasses regulatory compliance with frameworks like GDPR, CCPA, and emerging state privacy laws, incident response planning, data breach litigation, and strategic counseling on data governance.
The stakes for businesses have never been higher—with the average cost of a data breach reaching $5.4 million in 2024 and regulatory fines potentially reaching hundreds of millions for major violations. As a result, organizations across all sectors are investing heavily in preventative legal counsel and breach response capabilities.
Growth in Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Regulations (2021-2025)
Data Points
- Partner headcount in cybersecurity practices has increased 68% across AmLaw 100 firms since 2022
- 83% of large corporations report increased legal spending on privacy compliance in 2024
- 35 states now have comprehensive data privacy laws, up from 13 in 2023
- 42% increase in privacy-related class action filings in federal courts over the past year
Top Firms Hiring
- Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe - Aggressively expanding their Cyber, Privacy & Data Innovation practice across offices
- Hogan Lovells - Building out specialized teams focused on sectoral privacy regulation (healthcare, financial services)
- Perkins Coie - Significant lateral hiring to strengthen their privacy & security practice, particularly for tech clients
- Gibson Dunn - Expanding privacy litigation capabilities alongside compliance counseling
- Baker McKenzie - Leveraging global footprint to build cross-border privacy expertise
Geographic Hotspots
Washington, D.C.: Center for regulatory expertise and agency relationships
San Francisco/Silicon Valley: High demand from tech companies and startups
New York: Financial services driving specialized privacy compliance needs
Chicago: Growing midwestern hub for data security expertise
Brussels: Critical for firms handling EU privacy matters
Salary/Outlook
Associates in privacy and cybersecurity practices command premium compensation, with first-years at top firms starting at $215,000-$235,000. Mid-level associates (3-5 years) specializing in this area earn between $280,000-$350,000 including bonuses, with those possessing technical certifications like CIPP/US or CISSP often at the higher end of the range.
Partner compensation varies widely but has trended strongly upward, with established partners at AmLaw 50 firms earning between $950,000-$2.2 million annually. The growth trajectory remains strong through 2025-2026 as regulatory environments continue to evolve and cyber incidents increase in frequency and severity.
Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Law
Overview
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) law has cemented its position as one of the fastest-growing legal specialties in 2025, evolving from a niche practice to a cornerstone of corporate legal strategy. This multidisciplinary practice encompasses ESG disclosure requirements, climate risk management, supply chain due diligence, corporate governance, diversity initiatives, and sustainable finance.
The growth in ESG law is driven by intensifying regulatory scrutiny across global markets, investor pressure for transparent ESG practices, and consumer demand for corporate responsibility. As companies navigate complex and often conflicting ESG standards across jurisdictions, specialized legal guidance has become essential for managing compliance obligations and reputational risks.
Data Points
- 54% growth in ESG legal practice across AmLaw 100 firms since 2023
- 81% of Fortune 500 companies have expanded ESG initiatives requiring legal support
- 68% of legal professionals report increased demand for ESG-oriented legal expertise
- ESG-related litigation has increased by 37% year-over-year
Top Firms Hiring
- Latham & Watkins - Rapidly expanding their ESG practice with emphasis on sustainable finance and climate risk disclosure
- Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison - Building a dominant ESG advisory practice led by prominent lateral hires
- Kirkland & Ellis - Integrating ESG expertise across practice areas with focus on private equity and investment funds
- Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer - Leveraging global platform for cross-border ESG advisory work
- Morrison & Foerster - Developing specialized expertise in ESG litigation and enforcement defense
Geographic Hotspots
New York: Financial sector driving demand for ESG disclosure and sustainable finance expertise
Washington, D.C.: Regulatory focus and agency relationships
London: International standard-setting and sustainable finance hub
San Francisco: Tech and innovation companies seeking ESG guidance
Brussels: EU regulatory expertise for cross-border compliance
Salary/Outlook
Associates in ESG practices at top firms earn competitive salaries, with first-years starting at $180,000-$200,000. Mid-level associates with specialized expertise in areas like climate disclosure or sustainable finance earn between $250,000-$320,000 including bonuses.
Partner compensation has grown significantly as ESG has gained prominence, with partners at AmLaw 50 firms earning between $800,000-$1.8 million annually. The practice area continues to show strong growth potential as regulatory requirements expand and stakeholder expectations increase.
Renewable Energy Law
Overview
Renewable Energy law has experienced remarkable growth in 2025, driven by unprecedented investment in clean energy infrastructure, evolving regulatory frameworks supporting decarbonization, and the increasing integration of renewable sources into the energy grid. This practice area encompasses project development, regulatory compliance, tax incentives, power purchase agreements, project finance, and environmental permitting.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 continues to catalyze renewable energy development with its extensive tax incentives, while state-level clean energy mandates and corporate sustainability commitments further accelerate demand for specialized legal expertise. Attorneys in this field must navigate complex regulatory frameworks while facilitating innovative project structures in a rapidly evolving market.
Data Points
- 47% growth in renewable energy practice headcount across AmLaw 100 firms since 2023
- $735 billion invested in renewable energy projects in the U.S. from 2023-2025
- 53% increase in litigation related to renewable energy project siting and permitting
- Average transaction size for renewable energy projects increased 42% year-over-year
Top Firms Hiring
- Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe - Expanding their market-leading renewable energy practice with emphasis on project finance
- Latham & Watkins - Building specialized teams across offices focusing on energy transition
- Norton Rose Fulbright - Leveraging global platform for cross-border renewable energy projects
- Stoel Rives - Regional powerhouse expanding their renewable energy practice across Western states
- Akin Gump - Growing their renewable energy practice with focus on project development and tax equity
Geographic Hotspots
Texas: Leader in wind, solar, and battery storage development
California: Strong regulatory framework supporting renewable energy expansion
New York: Offshore wind and clean energy financing hub
North Carolina: Growing center for solar development
Massachusetts: Emerging focus on offshore wind projects
Salary/Outlook
Associates in renewable energy practices command strong salaries, with first-years starting at $180,000-$190,000 at top firms. Mid-level associates with project development or financing experience earn between $230,000-$300,000 including bonuses.
Partner compensation has grown with increasing deal flow, with established partners at AmLaw 50 firms earning between $750,000-$1.7 million annually. The growth trajectory for renewable energy law remains strongly positive through 2025 and beyond as energy transition accelerates globally.
Healthcare & Telemedicine Law
Overview
Healthcare and Telemedicine law has emerged as one of the fastest-growing legal specialties in 2025, driven by the accelerating digitalization of healthcare services, evolving regulatory frameworks, and the permanent integration of virtual care models following the COVID-19 pandemic. This practice area encompasses telehealth compliance, digital health privacy, medical device regulation, healthcare transactions, reimbursement structures, and fraud and abuse issues.
The expiration of pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities in late 2024 created significant demand for legal expertise as providers navigated a complex transition to permanent telehealth frameworks. Simultaneously, investment in digital health innovations has surged, creating new regulatory challenges and opportunities for specialized legal guidance.
Data Points
- 43% growth in healthcare and telemedicine practice headcount across AmLaw 100 firms since 2023
- $143 billion invested in digital health companies from 2023-2025
- 62% of healthcare providers expanded telehealth services requiring legal support
- 47% increase in regulatory enforcement actions related to telehealth billing and compliance
Top Firms Hiring
- McDermott Will & Emery - Expanding their market-leading healthcare practice with emphasis on digital health
- Foley & Lardner - Building specialized teams focused on telehealth regulatory compliance
- Epstein Becker & Green - Growing their telehealth practice with emphasis on reimbursement and compliance
- Manatt, Phelps & Phillips - Integrating legal and consulting services for healthcare clients
- Jones Day - Expanding healthcare regulatory and transactional practices across offices
Geographic Hotspots
Washington, D.C.: Center for healthcare regulatory expertise
Boston: Hub for digital health innovation and compliance
Nashville: Healthcare industry concentration driving legal demand
San Francisco: Digital health startups requiring specialized legal support
Chicago: Growing center for healthcare transactions and compliance
Salary/Outlook
Associates in healthcare and telemedicine practices earn competitive salaries, with first-years starting at $170,000-$190,000 at top firms. Mid-level associates with specialized expertise in areas like digital health or healthcare privacy earn between $220,000-$290,000 including bonuses.
Partner compensation has grown significantly, with established partners at AmLaw 50 firms earning between $700,000-$1.6 million annually. The practice area demonstrates strong stability with continued growth expected as healthcare innovation and regulatory complexity increase.
Digital Assets & Blockchain Law
Overview
Digital Assets and Blockchain law has solidified its position as a high-growth legal specialty in 2025, driven by increased institutional adoption of digital assets, expanding regulatory frameworks, and the broadening application of blockchain technology beyond cryptocurrencies. This practice area encompasses securities regulation, banking compliance, intellectual property protection, smart contract development, decentralized finance (DeFi), and litigation related to digital assets.
The regulatory landscape for digital assets has matured significantly since 2023, with clearer frameworks emerging from the SEC, CFTC, Treasury Department, and state regulators. This regulatory clarity, combined with growing institutional investment in digital assets, has created substantial demand for specialized legal expertise across transactional, regulatory, and litigation contexts.
Data Points
- 41% growth in digital assets and blockchain practice headcount across AmLaw 100 firms since 2023
- 58% increase in enforcement actions related to digital assets in 2024
- $1.2 trillion in institutional capital allocated to digital asset investments by 2025
- 72% of Fortune 500 companies implementing blockchain solutions requiring legal guidance
Top Firms Hiring
- Cooley LLP - Expanding their blockchain practice with focus on venture-backed Web3 companies
- Fenwick & West - Building specialized teams focused on digital asset regulation and transactions
- Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom - Growing their fintech practice with emphasis on institutional digital asset adoption
- Latham & Watkins - Expanding blockchain expertise across offices to serve financial institutions
- Perkins Coie - Leveraging early leadership in blockchain law to continue practice growth
Geographic Hotspots
New York: Financial institutions driving demand for digital asset expertise
San Francisco/Silicon Valley: Crypto startups and venture capital focus
Miami: Emerging crypto hub with growing legal ecosystem
Washington, D.C.: Regulatory focus and agency relationships
Singapore: International hub for digital asset legal expertise
Salary/Outlook
Associates in digital assets and blockchain practices command premium compensation, with first-years starting at $190,000-$210,000 at top firms. Mid-level associates with specialized expertise earn between $240,000-$320,000 including bonuses.
Partner compensation has risen dramatically with increasing institutional adoption, with partners at AmLaw 50 firms earning between $850,000-$2 million annually. Despite periodic market volatility, the long-term outlook remains strong as blockchain technology becomes increasingly embedded in financial and corporate infrastructure.
Climate Change & Environmental Law
Overview
Climate Change and Environmental law has experienced strong growth in 2025, driven by expanding regulatory frameworks, increased corporate climate commitments, and growing climate litigation. This practice area encompasses climate disclosure requirements, carbon markets, environmental permitting, environmental justice considerations, and climate-related litigation and arbitration.
The SEC's climate disclosure rule, finalized in 2023 and implemented in 2024, created significant demand for specialized legal guidance as public companies adapted to new reporting requirements. Simultaneously, corporate net-zero commitments, climate-focused shareholder activism, and expanding carbon markets have further accelerated the need for climate expertise across sectors.
Data Points
- 38% growth in climate and environmental practice headcount across AmLaw 100 firms since 2023
- 53% increase in climate-related shareholder proposals at public companies
- 41% growth in climate-focused litigation filed in U.S. federal and state courts
- 67% of Fortune 500 companies have enhanced their climate disclosure requiring legal support
Top Firms Hiring
- Latham & Watkins - Expanding their environmental practice with focus on climate risk and disclosure
- Arnold & Porter - Building specialized teams focused on climate litigation and regulatory compliance
- Covington & Burling - Growing their climate practice with emphasis on regulatory and policy matters
- Baker Botts - Leveraging energy expertise to expand climate change practice
- Morrison & Foerster - Developing integrated ESG and climate advisory capabilities
Geographic Hotspots
Washington, D.C.: Regulatory expertise and agency relationships
New York: Corporate disclosure and climate finance focus
San Francisco: Environmental litigation and cleantech hub
Houston: Energy transition expertise centered on traditional energy companies
Boston: Growing center for climate innovation legal work
Salary/Outlook
Associates in climate and environmental practices earn competitive salaries, with first-years starting at $170,000-$190,000 at top firms. Mid-level associates with specialized expertise in areas like climate disclosure or carbon markets earn between $210,000-$280,000 including bonuses.
Partner compensation varies by firm and location, with partners at AmLaw 50 firms typically earning between $650,000-$1.5 million annually. The growth trajectory remains strong through 2025 and beyond as climate regulation and litigation continue to expand.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Overview
Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) law has demonstrated impressive growth in 2025, rebounding strongly from the slowdown in 2023. The practice has been driven by economic stabilization, strategic consolidation across industries, private equity deployment, and cross-border transactions. This practice area encompasses deal structuring, due diligence, regulatory filings, negotiation strategy, and post-merger integration counseling.
While M&A is a traditional practice area, its recent growth reflects both cyclical economic factors and structural changes in how deals are executed. Technology-enabled due diligence, AI-powered contract review, and increased regulatory scrutiny have transformed the practice, creating new opportunities for specialized expertise.
Data Points
- 36% growth in M&A practice headcount across AmLaw 100 firms since 2023
- $2.8 trillion in global M&A transaction value in 2024, up 45% from 2023
- 38% increase in cross-border transactions requiring specialized legal support
- 52% growth in private equity-backed acquisitions driving legal demand
Top Firms Hiring
- Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom - Continuing to expand their market-leading M&A practice
- Kirkland & Ellis - Growing their M&A practice with emphasis on private equity transactions
- Latham & Watkins - Building out strategic M&A capabilities across sectors
- Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz - Maintaining elite status while selectively adding talent
- Simpson Thacher & Bartlett - Expanding M&A practice with focus on complex transactions
Geographic Hotspots
New York: Traditional center for public M&A and financial sponsor work
San Francisco/Silicon Valley: Technology-focused M&A activity
Chicago: Growing hub for middle-market transactions
Houston: Energy and infrastructure transaction focus
London: Critical for cross-border and international transactions
Salary/Outlook
Associates in M&A practices continue to command premium compensation, with first-years starting at $175,000-$205,000 at top firms. Mid-level associates with deal experience earn between $230,000-$350,000 including bonuses, with those staffed on the largest transactions often receiving special bonuses.
Partner compensation remains among the highest in the profession, with established partners at elite M&A firms earning between $1 million-$5 million annually. The outlook remains positive through 2025, with continued growth expected as deal activity maintains momentum.
Comparison Data: The 20 Practice Areas
Skills in Demand by Practice Area (0-100 Scale)
Year-Over-Year Growth Comparison (2023-2025)
| Practice Area | 2023-2024 Growth | 2024-2025 Growth | Partner Headcount Growth Since 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI & Machine Learning Law | 45% | 79% | 76% |
| Data Privacy & Cybersecurity | 37% | 68% | 79% |
| ESG Law | 32% | 54% | 58% |
| Renewable Energy Law | 28% | 47% | 43% |
| Healthcare & Telemedicine Law | 25% | 43% | 47% |
| Digital Assets & Blockchain | 24% | 41% | 38% |
| Climate Change & Environmental | 23% | 38% | 34% |
| Mergers & Acquisitions | 21% | 36% | 32% |
| IP - Life Sciences | 19% | 33% | 31% |
| Cannabis Law | 18% | 31% | 27% |
| Labor & Employment Law | 17% | 29% | 24% |
| Litigation Technology | 16% | 28% | 23% |
| International Trade & Sanctions | 15% | 27% | 22% |
| Immigration Law | 14% | 25% | 19% |
| Trusts & Estates | 13% | 24% | 18% |
| Antitrust Law | 12% | 22% | 17% |
| Insurance Law | 11% | 21% | 16% |
| Corporate Restructuring | 10% | 19% | 15% |
| Telecom & Media Law | 9% | 18% | 14% |
| Real Estate Law | 8% | 17% | 13% |
Career Outlook Metrics by Practice Area (0-10 Scale)
Distribution of Legal Market Growth by Practice Area (2025)
Conclusion
The legal profession continues to evolve rapidly in response to technological innovation, regulatory changes, and shifting client demands. The practice areas experiencing the most substantial growth in 2025 reflect these broader trends, with technology-focused specialties like AI & Machine Learning Law and Data Privacy & Cybersecurity leading the way.
Several key themes emerge from our analysis of the fastest-growing legal practice areas:
- Technology Integration: Practice areas at the intersection of law and technology show the strongest growth, reflecting the transformative impact of AI, blockchain, and other emerging technologies across industries.
- Regulatory Complexity: Practices focused on navigating complex regulatory frameworks, from ESG disclosure to cybersecurity compliance, demonstrate substantial growth as companies seek guidance in addressing expanding obligations.
- Energy Transition: The ongoing shift toward renewable energy and sustainable business practices has created robust demand for specialized legal expertise in renewable energy, climate change, and ESG law.
- Healthcare Innovation: The continued evolution of healthcare delivery models, particularly telehealth and digital health solutions, has driven significant growth in healthcare-focused legal specialties.
- Global Uncertainty: Practice areas positioned to address geopolitical complexity, from international trade to corporate restructuring, show strong growth as companies navigate an uncertain global environment.
Practice Area Growth Trajectories (2021-2025)
For attorneys and law students making career decisions, these growth trends provide valuable guidance on where to focus professional development efforts. Practices showing both strong growth potential and high market stability, such as Healthcare & Telemedicine Law and Renewable Energy Law, may offer particularly attractive long-term opportunities.
Law firms must also adapt their hiring and professional development strategies to align with these evolving market demands. Building expertise in high-growth areas while maintaining core strengths will be essential for firms seeking to thrive in an increasingly competitive and specialized legal landscape.
As the legal profession continues to transform, staying informed about practice area trends and proactively developing relevant expertise will be critical for both individual attorneys and law firms seeking to position themselves for success in 2025 and beyond.
