UK law-firm leaders continue to expect growth, but the latest HSBC UK/Briefing survey points to a more selective route to it. Eighteen per cent of surveyed leaders said their firms would pursue or expand through mergers, down from 30% in the previous survey; 40% indicated acquisitions of firms or practices, compared with 43% previously; and 5% were considering private-equity investment, down from 7%.
The survey, based on responses from more than 100 senior strategic decision-makers gathered in summer 2026, also records 88% considering bank debt as alternative funding for growth plans, compared with 11% considering private equity. Its projected-revenue bands show 92% of respondents expecting financial-year 2026–27 growth of at least 6%.
On stated people plans, 87% intended strategic lateral or team hires in existing geographies or specialisms, while **58%** intended such hires in new geographies or specialisms. These are intentions and expectations, not completed transactions, confirmed vacancies or a sector-wide employment outcome.
The survey also identifies execution pressures including AI integration, cyber security and client price pressure. For talent professionals, it is an indirect indication of continued interest in lateral and specialist capability—not evidence of a hiring boom or downturn.