A quarter in focus: Legal and compliance hiring across global markets.

Over the past quarter, hiring activity across legal and compliance functions has reflected a market that, while not without its challenges, continues to move with clear intent. For One Ten’s legal and compliance practice, this has translated into a breadth of mandates across London, the US, Luxembourg and the Middle East - spanning senior leadership appointments through to early-career hires.

What stands out is not just the range of roles, but the underlying momentum: a consistent flow of growth-driven hiring as firms continue to build, scale and invest in their infrastructure.

Connecting talent across markets

While London remains a core hub, the work has been international in scope. Live mandates and completed searches have spanned multiple jurisdictions, reflecting the increasingly cross-border nature of hiring within the fund management sector.

For clients, this means access to a broader and more mobile talent pool. For candidates, it reinforces the importance of thinking globally when considering long-term career moves.

From general counsel to early-career hires

The diversity of roles has been equally notable. At the senior end of the market, searches have included General Counsel mandates in London, partner-level hires within law firms and senior compliance leadership roles, including mandates to lead regional functions. Alongside this, there has been steady demand for mid-level transactional lawyers across both the UK and US, as well as compliance professionals at varying levels of seniority.

At the junior end, opportunities for newly qualified lawyers and early-career compliance professionals have remained active, highlighting the continued importance of building long-term talent pipelines. This breadth reinforces One Ten’s position across the full spectrum of hiring - from first hires through to senior leadership appointments.

Growth, not replacement, driving hiring activity

Importantly, a clear theme runs through nearly all of these mandates: they are driven by growth rather than replacement. Firms are hiring because they are expanding - whether through successful fundraising, increased deal activity or the need to strengthen internal capabilities as their platforms evolve.

From funds launching new strategies to consultancies building out regional leadership and law firms responding to increased client demand, hiring is being used as a forward-looking investment rather than a reactive measure.

A market defined by intent, not ease

This does not suggest an easy market. Hiring processes remain competitive, and decision-making can still be measured. However, the nature of the roles being created points to a market that is active and evolving, with legal and compliance functions continuing to move closer to the centre of strategic decision-making.

As fund platforms mature, these roles are increasingly viewed not as support functions, but as essential components of sustainable growth.

Staying connected across markets

For One Ten, the quarter reflects both continuity and progression - continuing to support clients and candidates across London while building and maintaining a global reach. From senior leadership hires through to early-career placements, the focus remains the same: delivering thoughtful, well-matched recruitment that supports long-term success.

If you are looking to build out your legal or compliance team or considering your next move within the fund management sector, we would welcome a conversation. Get in touch.