Inside the battle for the City’s best associate talent

In this episode, we sit down with Ria Karnik, who leads the associate recruitment team in London at Major, Lindsey & Africa, to unpack what’s really happening in the City talent market, and why the associate level has become the key battleground. Ria shares a recruiter’s-eye view of how US firms have reshaped hiring in London, where demand is strongest right now, and why mid-level lawyers are more sought after than ever.

We get into which practice areas are driving growth - from private equity, leveraged finance and private credit through to litigation, tax and competition - and how US firms are quietly building out fuller-service London offices. Ria also explains how partner moves are feeding through to associate hiring, and why firms with a clear strategy and specialism are winning the war for talent.

The conversation then turns to pay, progression and pressure points. Ria breaks down the reality behind NQ salary headlines, the growing issue of salary bunching at UK firms, and why transparency around pay, bonuses and career paths has become such a differentiator. She also explores how early US firms are now targeting trainees, and what that means for specialisation, training contracts and junior career decisions.

Finally, Ria shares practical advice for both lawyers and firms. For associates thinking about a move in 2026, she explains why understanding your motivations, and exploring a few well-chosen options, matters more than chasing a single name. For firms, she sets out what it really takes to attract and retain talent today, from culture and mentoring to clarity on progression and long-term vision.

The Non-Billable Podcast is sponsored by Legora. To find out more about Legora, visit: https://legora.com/

Chapters

00:01 Introduction

01:20 Ria’s legal recruitment experience

02:26 Major, Lindsey & Africa and its global reach

04:19 Where demand for associate talent is strongest

05:50 The practice areas driving hiring in London

09:00 Life beyond US firms – opportunities across the City

10:23 US firms targeting trainees earlier than ever

15:59 Salaries, bonuses and the reality behind the numbers

21:12 What associates really want from their careers

26:10 How law firms can attract and retain top talent

38:29 Ria’s advice for lawyers considering a move in 2026

About Non-Billable

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Visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk