Light is appearing at the end of the tunnel for Australian lawyers looking for career moves. “The [legal recruitment market] has definitely lifted,” said Kellie-Jane McLean, manager at GRLaw. However, despite the emerging signs of economic recovery, law firms are still exercising caution when hiring. “Everybody is quietly optimistic that things will improve but I don’t think it’s completely back to normal yet,” said Bronwyn Pott, CEO at Swaab Attorneys.

 

Of course, there have been some interesting developments in the legal services market in Australia recently – Deacons merged with Norton Rose and Allen & Overy announced its presence in Australia. “Law firms, particularly top-tier law firms, who have been at the top of their game now have a new entity to compete with,” said McLean. “That will open up more opportunities in the local market and at the end of the day it is an awesome opportunity for lawyers to work with such a renowned firm.”

 

Australian firms now have to compete with international firms not only for legal work but also for legal talent. “People are looking more towards the benefits associated with a job, the style of work they’re doing and perhaps getting [choosier] and starting to look around,” said Pott.

 

To see a full video report on the latest job market trends, click here.