Hong Kong banks, telcos seek tech-savvy legal professionals

In addition to tech expertise, there’s also a growing demand for soft skills.

Demand for legal professionals knowledgeable in the technology department is growing in Hong Kong, particularly from large banks, technology,  and telecommunication companies.

“Experienced attorneys equipped with a foundational understanding of the digital landscape, who are proficient in contract negotiations and can collaborate with in-house technology teams, are in high demand,” Randstad said in its salary report.

Randstad added that many legal professionals in Hong Kong have taken the year to actively enhance their skills and earn qualifications in legal technology and data privacy to expand their job options in cryptocurrency, digital banking and e-commerce.

In the commercial sector, legal professionals with expertise in data privacy are well-sought. 

“Numerous companies, having experienced or are at high risk for data breach incidents, are now channelling investments into bolstering their compliance and data privacy measures. 
This surge in emphasis has created a heightened demand for senior lawyers with specialised
knowledge in this domain,” Randstad said.

In addition to technical knowledge, there is an increased emphasis on soft skills amongst legal professionals, which include strong communication skills.

In law firms, junior attorneys are honed to have a sales-oriented mindset.

Meanwhile, the report also showed that legal professionals in a job or looking for greater career opportunities are seeking a 15%-20% salary increment in 2024.

In Hong Kong,  hiring timelines have been extended, sometimes taking up to 12 months to find the right talent.