The number of jobs available for ­lawyers in the UK jumped by nearly a quarter in the first three months of this year as the introduction of new data rules led to a flurry of hiring.

Growth in legal sector jobs – up 23pc compared to the same period last year – was higher than in any other industry in the first quarter, according to professional recruitment firm Robert Walters.

This was driven by the impending implementation date for the new ­General Data Protection Regulation, which is intended to give people more control over their personal data.

The changes to the law, which come into force on May 25, mean that ­companies are increasingly seeking ­legal advice over what they can and can’t do with customers’ information, and need help checking whether they risk being in breach of the new rules.

Chris Hickey, chief executive of Robert Walters’ UK, Middle East and Africa division, said: “GDPR is a high priority for firms across the UK, and legal ­professionals have subsequently been highly sought after to support firms in adapting to the new guidelines.

“This demand has applied to both in-house roles and positions within ­private practice, as smaller businesses engage law firms to support changes to their processes to ensure compliance.”