More than a quarter of U.S. and Canadian attorneys are more likely to make a counteroffer this year to employees who have given notice than they were last year, according to a survey by Robert Half Legal, a division of Robert Half International Inc. (NYSE: RHI).

The survey asked “compared to 12 months ago, are you more or less willing to make a counteroffer in order to retain a valued employee?”

In response, 28 percent of attorneys said they were more likely to make a counter offer, and 13 percent said they were less willing.

Another 28 percent said they planned no change, and 28 percent said the question was not applicable/they don’t make counteroffers. Three percent did not know.

The survey included 350 lawyers in the U.S. and Canada who had hiring authority at their law firms.

“The market for skilled legal professionals is tightening — especially for those who have experience in high-demand practice areas such as litigation and commercial law,” said Charles Volkert, executive director of Robert Half Legal.