Talent Shortage In Australian Law Firms

Yvonne Kelly • August 29, 2018


A new report has given an overview of the Australian legal market, noting the disparity between the short supply of candidates and an increasing demand for their services.


Article originally featured at: https://www.lawyersweekly.com.au/biglaw/23921-talent-shortage-in-aussie-law-firms-as-acute-as-ever


According to the report, the “talent shortage facing Australian law firms is acute as ever” and the shortage is widespread within the Legal Sector.


As stated in the report the following areas are in increasing demand:

In the last few years there has been a constant demand for banking, corporate and projects lawyers.

“This year, the royal commission into the financial services industry has created a voracious appetite amongst law firms of varying shapes and sizes for litigators and financial services advisory lawyers.


There is also an upturn in needs across employment, competition and IP.

From a global perspective, the report found there is a huge demand for transactional lawyers, following a brief pause in recruitment drives among UK law firms, due to Brexit concerns.


“This has continued to deplete stocks of Australian mid-level lawyers seeking greener pastures in London (and indeed other locations),” the report said.

“Whilst we hoped for an exodus of returning Australian lawyers back to our capital cities, it became evident over 2017 that Australian lawyers working in London were being well looked after – continuing to enjoy high quality work and responsibility and excellent earning power.

“In other words, the shortage of mid-level and senior associate Australian lawyers across numerous practice areas continues.”


Over on the in-house side, the report noted that in-house legal teams have continued to grow solidly.

We have seen extremely competitive offers from them to attract mid-level and senior transactional lawyers from private practice.

“This, combined with often better working hours, continues to make in-house a very attractive option for private practice lawyers.”

 

Keane McDonald has a number of Legal Opportunities in Australia , for more information on these roles, please contact Yvonne Kelly in strict confidence on +353 1 6392924 or send your CV to ykelly@keanemcdonald.com. Absolute discretion is assured.


By Mia Barry May 9, 2025
A major international firm in Dublin is seeking to hire an outstanding tax lawyer to join their global Tax Group. This is a great opportunity for someone who is keen to join a progressive and supportive firm with clear career prospects and exciting international platform.
By Mia Barry May 9, 2025
A top law firm in Dublin has a superb new opportunity for an experienced Litigation Lawyer to join their market leading Knowledge Management Division as Knowledge Lawyer (PSL). The Knowledge Lawyer will support their Dispute Resolution Practice. This is an opportunity for an experienced litigation and disputes resolution lawyer to share their wealth of knowledge of the contentious legal industry and to continue to develop in a non-fee earning role. You might also be an experienced Knowledge Lawyer who is keen to progress.
By Mia Barry May 9, 2025
An growing mid sized firm in Dublin is seeking an experienced Commercial Litigation Lawyer to join their growing Disputes Group which offers a genuine good work life balance. The full service firm has a long standing Disputes practice which service both domestic and international clients across most sectors including IT, aviation, insurance, retail, banking, financial and regulatory. You will work collaboratively as part of multi-disciplinary specialist teams on high value and business critical client projects. You will have a minimum of 5 years’ PQE in Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution from and you will thrive in a diverse and inclusive environment where you will work in a welcomeing team that is continuing to grow. With a strong Irish presence this firm has developed a market leading practice within an agile environment and very good work life balance. They are a fresh thinking firm and offer clear career paths and great remuneration packages. Interested applicants should contact Mia Barry in strict confidence on +353 87 6021890 or email mbarry@keanemcdonald.com . Absolute discretion is assured.
By Mared Robers May 9, 2025
We are recruiting on behalf of a leading insurance business that is seeking an additional Lawyer to join their legal team for a fixed term contract (12 months). The organisation has a reputation for investing in the growth and development of its people, having attracted a team of top talent from within the industry.
By Malwina Kempa May 9, 2025
We are delighted to present an excellent opportunity for a Commercial Property Solicitor to join a leading firm that is thriving in Ireland’s mid-market. The firm is known for its open collegiate culture, offering direct client interaction, exposure to diverse markets and the chance to build expertise in a dynamic and supportive environment. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your level career within a well-respected firm.
By Malwina Kempa May 9, 2025
A leading firm with a highly regarded national and international reputation is seeking a Newly Qualified Solicitor to join its top-tier Banking & Finance team. This is an excellent opportunity to work on premium-level transactions with high-profile clients in a collaborative and dynamic environment. The firm offers exceptional learning, mentoring, and career development opportunities in a diverse and inclusive workplace that values talent from all backgrounds.
By Mia Barry May 9, 2025
A great opportunity has opened with an international firm in Dublin that has a committed and collegiate team with an exciting top level client base. They continue their ambitious growth plans and would like to speak with senior candidates with legal technology expertise. The firm is supporting clients across a variety of sectors and they are keen to deepen their technology offering with an Of Counsel or Partner level hire. The ideal candidate will have a broad technology background across TMT like data protection, AI, innovation, cyber etc. It is a wonderful time to join the firm as you will get the opportunity to really carve out your own practice and be seen on an international platform. The firm is open to both law firm and in-house experience and want to hear from an ambitious person who is keen to be part of building something special whilst delivering expert technology advice at the highest level. Interested parties should contact Mia Barry who would welcome a discreet and fully confidential conversation or mbarry@keanemcdonald.com or +353876012890 Absolute discretion is assured.
By Malwina Kempa May 9, 2025
Our client, a dynamic firm that has built a strong reputation for nearly a decade, is seeking a Senior Legal Executive to join their team. The firm is known for delivering high-quality legal services and advice, and offer a flexible and result-driven environment. Key responsibilities: · Managing property sales transactions · Liaising with clients and third parties to ensure smooth processes · Drafting, reviewing and amending legal documents, contracts and closing papers · Conducting property searches to assist with transactions · Providing support to Partners across different matters · Offering administrative assistance to the team Requirements: · 3+ years of experience as a Legal Executive or similar role · Previous experience in property/conveyancing law · Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks · Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment · A proactive mindset and openness to learning The firm offers high-quality of work and exposure to diverse client base, flexibility in working arrangements and progression opportunities within the firm. FE1 candidates will not be considered. To find out more about this opportunity, please Malwina Kempa in strict confidence on +353 87427 8751 or send you CV to mkempa@keanemcdonald.com . Discretion is assured.
By Malwina Kempa May 9, 2025
We are partnering with this highly successful firm to find a talented lawyer who wants to work at the forefront of data protection, technology regulation, and digital law. The team is at the heart of advising leading global technology businesses on GDPR, the Digital Services Act, and the AI Act.
By Mared Roberts May 9, 2025
One of Ireland’s leading law firms is seeking a Technology & Commercial Contracts Lawyer (3-6 PQE) to join their dynamic and forward-thinking team. This firm represents some of the most exciting Irish and international tech suppliers and companies that are leveraging their cutting-edge technology.