A new report by Michael Page International concludes what many in the industry have already guessed – the private practice and in-house legal profession are looking for staff and more staff are looking to move.

“Hiring activity has been buoyant within the private practice area, with an increase in roles and a shortage of experienced professionals across all levels,” states the report. “High profile mergers and new market entrants are driving the creation of new roles, causing greater candidate movement.”

Litigators with strong commercial advisory experience are highly sought after, as are compliance professionals as a result of new rules and tighter regulation across all industries. Lawyers with between two and five years experience are the most in demand, as a result of the cut backs on graduates during the global financial crisis.

However, in in-house recruitment lawyers with more than five years experience are in higher demand, particularly those in insolvency, banking, finance and corporate M&A.

In the next 12 months it is expected hiring activity within private practice will remain buoyant, while in-house recruitment will remain steady, said the report.

Wages and benefits

As a result of the demand and movement, salaries within those practice and experience levels are likely to increase up to 10 percent. There is also a greater focus by candidates on work-life balance initiatives such as flexible working hours, working from home and mentoring when considering employment options.

Personal laptops, onsite parking and income protection insurance/higher superannuation contributions are the three most common add-ons for lawyers. Flexible working arrangements were cited as the most popular option for improving a lawyer’s work-life balance, followed by increased parental leave and alternative leave options. A strong company culture, recognition and rewards as well as structured career progression were the three most common factors affecting retention.

Salary tables

Private Practice NSW/VIC

Private Practice QLD

In-house NSW/VIC