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.

General Counsel - Global Organisation - Ireland

By Mared Roberts • April 2, 2026
An outstanding opportunity has arisen for an experienced General Counsel to join a high-profile, globally recognised professional services organisation. The role offers significant strategic influence, including regular engagement with executive and board-level committees.

Procurement Solicitor (Associate) - Dublin

By Malwina Kempa • April 2, 2026
This is a great opportunity to join a busy, growing team and get involved in really interesting, large-scale work, with plenty of support as you develop your career.

Insurance – Of Counsel – Flexibility – Dublin/Remote

By Mia Barry • April 1, 2026
You will bring expertise in all things insurance, including regulation, advisory work and corporate transactional matters. You will be a trusted leader and offer sound and confident advise on client matters in the insurance and corporate sector.

General Counsel - Dublin, Ireland

By Mared Roberts • April 1, 2026
We have exclusively partnered with a high-growth, private equity-backed fintech to appoint a General Counsel to lead across Europe and the UK. This is a rare opportunity to join a scaling payments business at a pivotal stage of growth. 

Technology Of Counsel - International Firm - Dublin

By Mia Barry • April 1, 2026
The firm continues to grow and there is an opportunity now for an ambitious senior technology lawyer to come onboard and work closely with a friendly Partner to together continue to build on the practice. There is a straight career path ahead for this person with an ambition to make Partner in the near future.

Energy Associate 1PQE+, Dublin

By Malwina Kempa • April 1, 2026
This role offers excellent exposure to high-profile transactions across both renewable and conventional energy sectors, working closely with experienced partners and senior lawyers in a collaborative, modern environment.

Company Secretary, Top-tier Law Firm - Dublin

By Malwina Kempa • April 1, 2026
This role sits within a well-established team that works closely with the wider legal function, so the work is quite integrated and commercially focused. It is less about pure transactional filings and more about advising clients on governance, compliance, and best practice.

Corporate M&A NQ Solicitor, Dublin

By Malwina Kempa • April 1, 2026
A growing and ambitious Irish law firm is looking to hire a Newly Qualified Solicitor to join its Corporate team, with a strong focus on M&A and investment work. You’ll be joining a team that values collaboration, development, and long-term growth.

Corporate & Property Solicitor (NQ - 2 PQE), Dublin

By Malwina Kempa • April 1, 2026
The role offers a mix of corporate work (including restructuring and some M&A) alongside property matters, acting for a strong base of longstanding, high-quality clients. It’s an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys variety and wants to continue building a dual practice.

Knowledge Management Lawyer – Technology Group, Dublin

By Mared Roberts • April 1, 2026
We are working with one of Ireland’s leading firms to recruit a Knowledge Management Lawyer for its renowned Technology Group. This role is ideal for a solicitor who enjoys high-level legal analysis, knowledge development and influencing how a market-leading practice operates.