Further, lawyers with strong legislative experience remain in strong demand, the report found.

“Steady demand in government also exists for employment lawyers, commercial lawyers and generalist lawyers with in-house government backgrounds,” the Hays report added.

“Most opportunities are at the APS6 and EI1 levels.”

There has been a significant increase in the number of Freedom of Information (FOI) officer roles across the public sector, which the Hays report noted is a result of “more complex and sensitive requests received by government agencies”.

Hays also credited a lack of experienced candidates for a shortage of FOI officers, and added it has led to a demand for lawyers with technical background in this space.

In addition, paralegals are increasingly in demand to offer additional support within public sector spaces in response to royal commission findings. There has also been a significant focus on construction law due to public-private partnerships.

“Legal policy officers in governments with strong legislative development experience remain in demand due to ongoing amendments and project work,” Hays added.

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This is mirrored in the in-house legal job market, as vacancy activity continues to focus on experienced lawyers. This is as organisations respond to “intensifying regulatory and compliance regime” brought on by the banking royal commission.

Conversely, in private practice, demand has remained high across all tiers. This has been especially true of candidates with more than five years of PAE. Boutique firms were reported to also be continuing to hire and grow.

Elsewhere, the Hays Salary Guide found that more legal professionals will receive a pay rise more this year than last, but it will be significantly less than what they hoped for.

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