BarkerGilmore Issues 2025 In-House Counsel Compensation Report
- Editor
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Whats Happening:
BarkerGilmore's 2025 In-House Counsel Compensation Report reveals a 2.8% increase in salaries for in-house counsel positions, down from 4.4% in 2024. The survey of nearly 3,000 professionals shows 60% are considering new job opportunities in the coming year, primarily for better compensation and benefits. Concerns about job security and resource constraints are prevalent, despite the essential role of legal functions in most companies.
Key Moves:
In-house counsel salaries increased by 2.8% in 2025, down from 4.4% in 2024
60% of in-house counsel respondents are considering new job opportunities
39% of respondents are either "very" or "somewhat" concerned about job security
By The Numbers:
General Counsel salaries increased by 2.5% in 2025
Managing Counsel salaries increased by 3.0% in 2025
Senior Counsel salaries increased by 2.9% in 2025
Key Quotes:
"This year's compensation survey of nearly 3,000 professionals reflects a modest compensation increase for all in-house counsel positions over the prior year, as well as some interesting insights into market dynamics." - John Gilmore, Managing Partner
"Given the essential role of the legal function at most companies, and because our research was conducted before major disruption related to government restructuring or financial market volatility, we are somewhat surprised at this level of concern among in-house counsel." - John Gilmore
"BarkerGilmore's placements in 2024 and first quarter 2025 have resulted in female General Counsel candidates matching and sometimes exceeding the compensation packages of their male counterparts, depending on experience." - John Gilmore
Bottom Line:
The 2025 In-House Counsel Compensation Report highlights a slowdown in salary growth and increasing job insecurity among legal professionals. Despite the essential nature of legal functions, many in-house counsel are considering new opportunities, primarily driven by compensation concerns. The report also notes a potential reversal in the gender pay gap, with female General Counsel candidates sometimes exceeding male counterparts in compensation packages.
Comments