Specializing or Generalizing in Legal Careers? Discover what suits you best and how the market is evolving
Dear reader,
At Legal Staffing Experts, this is one of the questions I hear almost every week from lawyers, attorneys, and in-house counsels:
👉 “Should I dive deep into one niche, or should I remain broadly employable?”
The good news: there is no right or wrong answer. It depends on where your energy lies, how the market is shifting, and how you want to shape your career.
The Power of Specialization
Specializing means becoming an expert in one legal field or sector. Think of corporate law and M&A, or cutting-edge areas like AI & Legal Tech or sustainability regulation (ESG).
Advantages:
- You become the go-to expert. Clients and employers know: “For this issue, we need you.”
- You can often command higher fees or salaries because of your unique expertise.
- You build a strong network within your niche.
Example from practice:
A lawyer who specialized in GDPR years ago suddenly became one of the most sought-after profiles in the market. What initially seemed like a “bonus skill” turned into a booming niche with high demand and excellent remuneration.
Risks:
- Niches can shrink or lose relevance. Think of certain tax regimes that disappeared, or how the EU’s Omnibus Directive is making some ESG knowledge less crucial today.
- Less flexibility: switching to another field of law can be more difficult.
The Value of Generalization
Generalizing means having expertise across several legal areas, often combined with soft skills such as project management, people management, or compliance.
Advantages:
- You are broadly employable and can adapt quickly to changes.
- Ideal for smaller firms or companies where one person wears many hats.
- Highly valued in management or strategic roles.
- Especially in Belgium – a true SME country – solo legal counsels with broad knowledge are in high demand. In practice, these counsels handle all aspects of general corporate law. For niche expertise they may consult external experts, but employers often expect them to learn and gradually master those areas too.
Example from practice:
A generalist in-house counsel at a scale-up may draft an employment contract, negotiate a commercial agreement, and advise on a potential acquisition — all in the same day. This versatility makes them indispensable.
Risks:
- You are less likely to be recognized as the specialist for complex cases.
- Salaries can sometimes be lower compared to niche experts.
Market Trends and conclusion
The reality today? We see a hybrid evolution:
- Large firms and multinationals are looking for ultra-specialists (think ESG, international sanctions, AI & law).
- SMEs, scale-ups, and start-ups are looking for T-shaped lawyers: broadly skilled but with one or two strong specializations, usually in contracts and corporate law.
At the same time, legal tech is reshaping the field. Contract analysis tools and automation are taking over standard tasks. Whether you are a specialist or generalist, you must demonstrate the added value you bring on top of what technology can do.
Our Tip at Legal Staffing Experts
Think of your career in the shape of a T:
- Choose one area where you truly excel (your niche).
- Add at least one or two additional areas of expertise.
This way, you are recognized as a specialist while remaining flexible enough to grow with the market.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose specialization or generalization: your success is not only about what you know. Your network, reputation, and adaptability are just as critical for building a sustainable career.
The legal world is changing faster than ever. The real question is not only “What do I know?”, but also:
👉 “How do I learn? How do I evolve? And how do I position myself for tomorrow’s market?”
💡 Are you unsure which direction suits you best?
At Legal Staffing Experts, we often spar with lawyers and paralegals about exactly this question. Feel free to reach out via info@legalstaffingexperts.be — sometimes an external perspective is all you need to make the right decision.
