Over the past few years, many lawyers, HR professionals, paralegals and legal support specialists consciously chose to work as freelancers. More autonomy, interesting projects, higher daily rates and the freedom to make your own choices: it sounded attractive, and in many cases, it genuinely was.

Today, the market feels different.

The Belgian labour market has certainly not come to a standstill, but it has become more cautious. According to Statbel, the number of vacancies in Belgian companies fell by 8.6% in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared to the previous quarter. VDAB also noted a slowdown in Flanders: in 2025, almost 10% fewer vacancies were reported directly than in 2024. At the same time, there is more movement on the candidate side, with a higher average number of jobseekers than the year before.

That does not mean opportunities have disappeared. But companies are taking a more critical look at budgets, recruitment processes are taking longer and external assignments are no longer as self-evident as they once were. Many organisations are now looking for the so-called “purple squirrel”: the candidate who ticks every possible box.

For freelancers, this slowdown is often felt sooner than for permanent employees. When companies postpone projects, review external budgets or first look for internal solutions, freelance assignments tend to become less readily available. As a result, some freelance lawyers, HR consultants and paralegals suddenly find themselves “on the bench” for longer than expected.

Still, the market is not cautious everywhere. While some private companies are taking a more selective approach to hiring, public institutions, compliance-driven environments and regulated sectors remain interesting avenues. For legal, HR and paralegal professionals with freelance experience, there are still opportunities — provided their profile is positioned in the right way. And that is exactly where Legal Staffing Experts can make the difference.

Of course, this does not mean that every candidate will immediately find a role in the public sector. But it does show that there are alternatives for professionals who are open to using their experience in a broader context. Public institutions, regulated sectors, compliance environments and larger organisations can all be relevant options for legal, HR and paralegal profiles.

For freelancers, the question then becomes: do I wait for the next assignment, adjust my rate or positioning, or start considering a permanent role again?

For some, returning to employment may feel like a step backwards. But it does not have to be. In today’s market, a permanent role can be a smart and deliberate career choice. It can offer more stability, a steady income, teamwork, career development, paid holidays, training, pension accrual and a clearer long-term perspective.

Former freelancers can also be very attractive to employers. They are used to getting up to speed quickly, working independently, taking ownership and finding pragmatic solutions. They have often seen different business environments and therefore bring a broader perspective than someone who has spent many years in one organisation.

That said, making the move requires preparation. If you are applying for a permanent position after freelancing, you need to be able to explain your motivation clearly. Not from a place of panic, but with a strong and credible story. Instead of saying, “There are no assignments anymore,” say something like: “Over the past few years, I have gained valuable experience in different environments, and I now want to apply that expertise again within one organisation on a longer-term basis.”

The remuneration package also requires a realistic view. Comparing a daily freelance rate with a gross salary is misleading. As an employee, your package may also include holiday pay, a year-end bonus, insurance, pension contributions, paid leave, training, stability and sometimes a company car or mobility budget. The real question is not only: “What will I earn each month?” but also: “What security, benefits and growth opportunities do I receive in return?”

Freelancers currently have several options. You can remain fully freelance and sharpen your market approach. You can consider temporary assignments or project sourcing. You can focus on sectors where demand remains more stable. You can consciously choose to move into a permanent in-house role as an employee. And in some cases, companies are also open to long-term independent professionals working with them on an indefinite basis.

The most important advice? Do not let panic determine your strategy. If you notice that assignments are no longer coming in as easily, it is wise to explore your options in time. That does not mean you have to immediately stop working as an independent professional. It simply means taking a conscious look at which way of working best fits your life, your ambitions and today’s market reality.