Seasonal Hiring Trends: What to Expect as We Close Out 2025 (and Head into 2026)

As the holidays approach and offices start stringing up garland, the legal and corporate worlds face their own kind of year-end hustle: seasonal hiring. Whether you’re a law firm looking to wrap up open positions or a candidate hoping to make a move before the calendar flips, this time of year brings unique challenges — and opportunities.

At Atlanta-based Connect Staffing, Inc., we’re seeing several trends shaping the current market and what’s likely ahead as we head into 2026.

1. The Year-End Push Is Real

For employers, November and December often mean budget deadlines, performance reviews, and planning for the next fiscal year. That can translate into an urgency to fill lingering vacancies before January 1.

According to HRDelivered, many employers are turning to short-term and contract roles to stay agile during this period, particularly in administrative and professional services. Similarly, data from the American Staffing Association shows that while overall staffing employment dips in Q1, temporary and contract hiring spikes in Q4 as companies prepare for transitions and year-end workloads.

Tip for Atlanta-based employers: If you need year-end support, act fast. Candidates are often scooped up quickly, and even a streamlined hiring process can take a week or two.

Tip for candidates: Temporary or contract roles can be your foot in the door. Many firms convert standout performers to permanent positions once the new year’s budget resets.

2. Hiring Slowdown? Not Quite.

Decision-makers may take time off during the holidays, but hiring doesn’t stop. Many firms use this “quieter” season to get ahead of Q1 needs.

Pierpoint International reports that companies increasingly begin holiday-season recruiting as early as fall to stay ahead of staffing gaps. DB Charles Recruitment notes that hiring often rebounds in October and November, particularly in professional services, to address year-end deliverables and position teams for January growth.

For job seekers: Keep applying through December. While some companies pause interviews, others take advantage of less competition in the applicant pool.

3. Preparing for the 2026 Hiring Surge

All signs point to a strong start for hiring in early 2026, particularly in legal, finance, and administrative support. The PrimePay Hiring Season Report identifies January and February as peak hiring months due to renewed budgets and strategic initiatives. Likewise, Addison Group predicts steady hiring across professional services, emphasizing proactive workforce planning as a competitive advantage.

According to Indeed Hiring Lab, talent supply remains tight heading into 2026 — meaning strong candidates will continue to be in high demand.

Employers: Review your staffing plans before the holidays hit. Identify potential gaps and connect with your trusted recruiting partners like Connect Staffing, Inc. early — January moves fast, and the best candidates will be in high demand.

Candidates: Use the downtime between Thanksgiving and New Year’s to refresh your résumé, update LinkedIn, and reflect on your career goals. Be ready to hit “apply” when new roles launch in January.

4. Legal Industry Outlook: Positive Momentum

For law firms specifically, hiring activity remains steady across practice areas. The Proud points to continued demand for hybrid-capable professionals with strong technical and AI literacy. BCG Search projects growth in corporate, litigation, and private client practices as firms invest in specialized expertise.

This momentum signals a healthy start to 2026 for both law firms and candidates seeking long-term stability.

5. Balancing Reflection and Readiness

This season is all about wrapping up what’s unfinished and preparing for what’s next. Whether that means filling a last-minute role, exploring a new opportunity, or just taking stock of your team’s year, a little foresight goes a long way.

At Connect Staffing, Inc., we help law firms and corporate employers find exceptional talent — and help candidates find meaningful, lasting roles — no matter the season.

📩 Contact us to start a conversation about your hiring goals or career plans for 2026.

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