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½Û×ÓÊÓƵ surveyed 800+ lawyers across the legal sector to explore the key challenges they're up against and how their business strategy and day-to-day processes are being reshaped by new technology.  

Public sector lawyers made up a relatively small group, 5%, yet their insights showed some interesting. In this blog, we look at the challenges public sector lawyers are up against in 2025, the trends making the biggest waves, and how public sector teams are navigating the complexities of the modern legal environment.

Keeping up to date with changes in the law

A whopping 60% of public sector lawyers identified keeping up to date with changes in the law as a significant challenge. The current legal environment is particularly challenging, with new precedents, statutes, and regulations emerging frequently. Public sector lawyers must remain vigilant by attending regular professional development activities, such as seminars and workshops.

Legal research and legal guidance databases can provide valuable insights into emerging trends and changes in the law.

View our clause bank for the public sector

Attracting and retaining good lawyers

One of the biggest challenges for public sector legal departments is attracting and keeping skilled lawyers. With 57% of respondents identifying this as a significant issue, it highlights the competitive nature of the legal job market. Public sector roles often struggle to compete with the private sector in terms of salary and benefits, making it tough to attract top talent. Moreover, retaining these professionals is equally challenging, as they may be tempted by more lucrative opportunities elsewhere.

To tackle this, public sector organisations need to focus on creating a compelling value proposition. This could include offering unique opportunities for professional development, a strong sense of purpose, and a supportive work environment. Additionally, fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity can enhance job satisfaction and loyalty among legal professionals.

Increasing costs

The increasing costs associated with legal practice are a significant concern, with 51% of respondents identifying it as a challenge. Public sector legal departments often operate within tight budget constraints, making it difficult to allocate resources effectively. Rising costs can impact the ability to invest in technology, training, and talent acquisition.

To manage costs, legal departments should explore cost-effective solutions, such as leveraging technology to automate routine tasks and improve efficiency. Additionally, adopting flexible resourcing models, such as outsourcing certain functions or engaging temporary staff, can help manage workload fluctuations without incurring significant expenses.

Keeping pace with new technology

In an era of rapid technological advancement, 38% of respondents identified keeping pace with new technology as a challenge. In addition, implementing new technology, particularly AI, is a challenge for many public sector legal departments, with 24% of respondents indicating a slow pace of implementation and 32% describing it as very slow. The integration of AI and other advanced technologies can revolutionise legal practice, enhancing efficiency and accuracy. This may involve investing in legal tech solutions that enhance efficiency and streamline processes. Additionally, providing training to lawyers on how to effectively use these tools can empower them to leverage technology to their advantage.

For those with limited technology budgets, perhaps reassuringly, 42% said they expect to receive a higher budget this year for tech.

Cybersecurity

With 36% of respondents highlighting cybersecurity as a concern, it is clear that protecting sensitive information is a top priority for public sector lawyers. The legal profession handles a vast amount of confidential data, making it a prime target for cyberattacks. Ensuring the security of this information is paramount to maintaining client trust and safeguarding organisational integrity.

To address this challenge, legal departments should implement robust cybersecurity measures. This includes adopting secure communication channels, regularly updating software, and conducting cybersecurity training for staff. Additionally, developing a comprehensive incident response plan can help mitigate the impact of potential breaches.

Read practice notes on cybersecurity risk management

The future of public sector lawyers

Looking ahead, in-house legal departments are poised for significant transformation over the next 1-3 years. By addressing these challenges head-on and embracing innovation, legal departments can position themselves for success in an ever-changing legal landscape. As the profession continues to evolve, adaptability and a forward-thinking approach will be key to navigating the future.