‘Firms becoming more selective in their hiring processes’ as 1 in 3 lawyers look to move

Drawing insights from over 1,000 legal professionals nationwide, the guide explores the current employment landscape across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane and reveals key drivers behind career movement across the profession.

While salary remains the top motivator for moving, career progression is a strong secondary driver, cited by 38 per cent of lawyers, and 53 per cent of legal support staff considering a move.

Beyond pay and progression, 33 per cent of lawyers are motivated to move due to dissatisfaction with their current roles, while 28 per cent of legal support staff seek greater flexibility, underlining how hybrid and remote working models continue to shape recruitment strategies, according to the guide. Despite this, 51 per cent of legal professionals said they would stay in their current role because of flexibility, with 61 per cent of women citing flexibility as “a critical factor” in staying with their current employers.

In contrast, only 34 per cent of men ranked it as a top priority, with job satisfaction more commonly noted as the key factor among male respondents. Almost 90 per cent of respondents across the board said they have work-from-home (WFH) options currently.

The practice area highest in demand was litigation and dispute resolution, followed by property, corporate, and commercial law. Mid-level lawyers (between three and six years PQE) also remain in high demand, according to the guide.

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In the Victoria market, the highest salary junior lawyers (less than two years PQE) could earn was $135,000 in an international or top-tier firm, $130,000 in a national or mid-tier firm, and $120,000 in a boutique. In Queensland, these numbers were slightly lower, with salaries being as high as $125,000 in a top-tier firm and $120,000 in mid-tier and boutiques.

NSW had the highest salary numbers, with junior lawyers being able to make up to $140,000 in a top-tier firm, $135,000 in a mid-tier and up to $130,000 in a boutique. A salaried partner in Sydney can also make more than $450,000 in top-tier firms, compared to $400,000+ in Queensland and Victoria.

For in-house lawyers, a senior legal counsel could make $350,000 across all markets, with legal counsel making as high as $150,000 (Queensland), $175,000 (NSW) and $165,000 (Victoria).

“In recent years, there’s been a notable shift in the legal industry, with more organisations choosing to expand their in-house legal capabilities, reducing their reliance on external law firms. With a desire for improved work/life balance, especially in contrast to private practice where billable targets at the top-tier and international firms can exceed 7.0 hours per day, we continue to see legal professionals pushing to transition in-house,” the guide said.

Commenting on the findings within the guide, empire group national legal manager and former lawyer Rachael Musgrave said “the legal market is poised for continued transformation, challenging traditional law firm models” looking to FY2025–26.

“Looking ahead, we anticipate an increase in legal recruitment activity over the next 12 months. However, the hiring process is expected to be more deliberate, as both employers and candidates have refined their expectations,” she said.

“This year, we are observing a correction in the market, with firms becoming more selective in their hiring processes, placing greater emphasis on cultural fit, long-term potential, and alignment with the firm’s goals. While the market remains competitive, the balance is shifting towards employer preferences, signalling a transition from the candidate-driven market observed during the post-pandemic boom.”