2026 Attorney Marketability Index: Key Practice, Pay, and Location Insights

October 1, 2025

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2026 Attorney Marketability Index: Key Practice, Pay, and Location Insights

BCG Attorney Search has unveiled its latest Attorney Marketability Index (AMI) for 2026, providing a detailed snapshot of where attorney opportunities are rising, where they are slowing, and how geography continues to shape legal careers. The annual report tracks more than 500 practice areas across 50 major U.S. markets, highlighting demand, compensation, and growth potential for attorneys at every stage.

🔍 Where the Growth Is

The 2026 report shows strong momentum in practice areas linked to technology, regulation, and sustainability. Fields such as AI & Technology Law, Data Privacy & Cybersecurity, ESG & Sustainability Law, Renewable Energy Law, and Digital Assets are all seeing double-digit growth in hiring demand.

These areas not only offer strong placement opportunities but also command competitive compensation as law firms seek attorneys with cutting-edge skills. For firms and jobseekers alike, specialization in these practices signals long-term stability and high marketability.

⚠ Practices Losing Steam

In contrast, some traditional sectors continue to decline. Banking Law, Conventional Oil & Gas, Print Media Law, and Municipal Finance all showed measurable drops in demand. While still relevant, these practices face structural changes driven by shifting economic priorities, technological disruption, and sustainability trends.

For attorneys in these areas, the report advises considering adjacent or complementary specialties to maintain competitive positioning.

📈 Location Matters

Geography remains a decisive factor in attorney compensation and career growth. Major hubs like New York, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Houston continue to deliver top salary premiums, particularly in high-stakes corporate, financial, and regulatory work.

At the same time, regional markets such as Austin, Denver, Charlotte, Nashville, and Seattle are gaining traction in technology, renewable energy, healthcare, and entertainment law. These markets offer a blend of professional opportunity and lifestyle advantages, making them increasingly attractive for attorneys considering lateral moves.

👩‍⚖️ Career Stage Insights

The AMI also breaks down trends by experience level:

Junior attorneys (0–3 years) are most marketable in litigation, employment, real estate, corporate/M&A, and intellectual property.
Mid-level associates (4–7 years) see stronger demand in securities litigation, private equity, white-collar defense, and cross-border work.
Senior attorneys and partners are best positioned in ESG, technology regulation, data privacy, and complex litigation, where leadership and specialization drive demand.

🧭 What It Means for Lawyers

The report makes clear that attorneys who align their skills with high-growth practice areas and strategically choose their geographic markets will enjoy the strongest career trajectories in 2026. Firms that anticipate these shifts are also better placed to recruit and retain top talent.

As the legal market continues to evolve, the AMI serves as a roadmap for both law firms and attorneys navigating their next career decisions.