June 10, 2025
Why partners with investigations and enforcement experience are in the spotlight in 2025
In early 2025, the SEC finalized a sweeping set of rules aimed at tightening corporate transparency and increasing oversight on financial disclosures, ESG claims, and cybersecurity. These changes are already driving a spike in demand for seasoned white-collar and investigations partners.
What’s Changing?
Among the new rules reshaping the legal landscape:
• Cybersecurity Incident Reporting: Companies must now disclose material cyber incidents within four business days, per the SEC’s Cybersecurity Disclosure Rule.
• Climate Disclosures: The Climate Disclosure Rule (adopted in March 2024, enforced in 2025) requires companies to report climate-related risks, governance structures, and GHG emissions.
• Heightened Enforcement Across ESG, Whistleblower Protections, and Insider Trading
Hiring Surge in Response
According to Major, Lindsey & Africa’s Q2 2025 data, white-collar lateral hiring has risen 14% year-over-year. Firms are targeting partners who can lead in high-stakes investigations and advise clients on multi-regulatory compliance.
What Firms Are Looking For
• Regulatory relationships and SEC/DOJ experience
• Track records in crisis management and disclosure response
• Experience advising across ESG, cyber, and financial fraud contexts
Location Trends
New York, Washington D.C., and San Francisco continue to be hubs for regulatory-facing lateral growth, while Chicago is seeing increased demand in banking and healthcare compliance.
Takeaway for Partners
This is a strategic window for partners in investigations, white-collar, and regulatory defense. The demand isn’t just for firepower—it’s for leaders who can help clients get ahead of scrutiny.
As Leopard Solutions reported in May 2025, over 30% of new white-collar partner placements came from in-house roles or government service—highlighting how practical, frontline expertise is driving hiring decisions.
Sources:
SEC.gov (Cybersecurity and Climate Disclosure Rules, 2023–2025)
Major, Lindsey & Africa, Partner Lateral Hiring Report (Q2 2025)
Leopard Solutions, Legal Market Insights (May 2025)
