Are you a two-year PQE? You’re in demand! Make that work for you

We are seeing a wealth of roles at the two-year PQE level in clinical negligence: this is clearly a sweet spot for young lawyers, with demand outstripping supply.

Over a third of roles we took in last quarter were for this position and while we filled the roles with satisfied candidates, we did also find a great deal of young lawyers who were happy to stay in their current positions, having already invested a full 12 months post-training.

So if you are one of those candidates in demand, how can you ensure you harness that demand to get the best role – a role worth moving for?

Two-year PQE candidates are usually in their mid to late 20s. The priority for this age group, our recent survey has shown us, is a combination of salary, visible corporate responsibility and happiness. What are your priorities? Make sure you know them and communicate them to your recruiter and your potential employer, it could mean a much better role for you.

Hybrid Working

85% of respondents to our 2025 salary survey believe hybrid working benefits their lifestyle and 69% believe they are more productive as a consequence. Two thirds admitted that changes in their firms’ hybrid working policy would encourage them to look for another position. This is clearly something that is not changing in the near future – office culture is to be celebrated, but hybrid working has to be offered and if you are a two-year PQE candidate you have the power to make this part of your package.

Clear progression path

This has always been something our candidates prioritise, but at this level in your career, it’s particularly important. You’ve studied for years, completed training and are now finally settled into your first full time role. You might think moving on so quickly is rushing it, but if a clear progression path and a commitment to your ongoing career development can be illustrated, it could be worth making the leap. Make sure your interviewer can demonstrate a clear career path for you.

Responsibility

People in their late 20s are seeking more fulfilling careers alongside a good work-life balance. 44% of the respondents in our salary survey cited wellbeing support as a priority when considering a move and Linked In research has revealed that 61% of people in their late 20s old say finding a job they’re passionate about is the number one cause for moving roles. At this stage in your career, you should be able to expect exposure to higher value files and more exciting prospects. Ask about this at interview – and we’ll of course ask for you.

Social responsibility

How does a potential employer demonstrate their social responsibility as a firm? Do they commit to sustainable causes, do they give anything back to their local community, do they invest in causes that means something to their team? According to Deloitte, 70% of young people say that a company's commitment to community influenced their decision to work there. People no longer work for just money – they are also looking into the CSR commitments of a company. Ask for a firm’s CSR credentials if this matters to you.

This is clearly the time in many candidates’ careers when staying put is a priority. It’s understandable – you have invested a great deal of time and money to get where you are, and may be at a time in your life when a few years’ stability is a priority. But a responsible firm, offering a strong salary and a commitment to an interesting career path, with the right kind of benefits and causes, could be out there. Demand is outstripping supply, so you have the power to make a brilliant move now - and we have the opportunities for you.

If you’d like to speak to us about opportunities in clinical negligence, contact Fran on 0203 846 3071 or email at francesca@douglas-scott.co.uk