A surge in litigation-related work is driving up hiring at U.S. law firms, according to a recent report.

According to survey of 200 lawyers at some of the largest law firms and corporations in the United States commissioned by Robert Half Legal, more than half—55 percent of lawyers—expect litigation activity to boost hiring at their firms.

Thirty-nine percent said general business and commercial law matters would prompt more hires.

As to how much hiring will take place, 31 percent said of their firms plan to add new positions, while half said they are maintaining current staffing levels by filling vacant spots.

About The Survey

The survey was developed by Robert Half Legal, a legal staffing firm specializing in placing lawyers, paralegals and other highly skilled legal professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on 200 telephone interviews with lawyers in the United States: 100 of the respondents are employed at law firms with 20 or more employees and 100 are employed at companies with 1,000 or more employees.

All of the respondents have hiring authority within their organizations.

Source: Robert Half Legal