It’s been a landmark year for Australia’s legal profession, with major reports shining a spotlight on technology, AI, and the sector’s pressing challenges and priorities. Here, we count down the most-read stories that captured attention and shaped the conversation in 2025.
10. Key Insights: 2025 Australian Midsize Law Firm Priorities Report
Australian law firms juggle client satisfaction, talent retention, competition and more. It’s time to transform these challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation!
9. Aussie associate salaries ‘competitive’ with UK (at least for now)
New salary data shows that lawyers with up to nine years’ PQE in Australia’s major metropolitan cities are raking in remuneration that is starting to rival those based in the United Kingdom – although it may not last.
8. $1.9bn in Australian class action settlements sets new high – here’s what’s driving the surge
Record settlements, landmark High Court decisions, and a spike in filings have pushed Australia’s class action landscape to new heights – and a partner from KWM has revealed that the surge is set to continue.
7. 1 in 3 Aussie law firms forced to pay $25k, on average, to access own data
“Disturbing” findings from a global legal technology provider have revealed the financial impact Australian law firms face for data extraction.
6. Over half of in-house lawyers eyeing moves to law firms
A new Axiom survey finds a retention crisis brewing as almost half of in-house lawyers look for new roles – but most concerning, 56 per cent are considering leaving in-house positions for law firms.
5. Almost 40% of lawyers dissatisfied with salary, report says
New research from the College of Law has shown that corporate salaries continue to be the best in the legal profession, with 38 per cent of lawyers unhappy with their current pay.
4. Report: 1/3 lawyers would leave their roles for better work/life balance
Work/life balance is the number one reason practitioners are considering leaving their roles, with flexible working being the most common non-financial benefit across the profession, new research from the College of Law has shown.
3. Half of law firms pay below-average salary to lowest earners
Despite BigLaw’s highest earners taking home a pay cheque that’s well above the national average, half of them pay their lowest earners less than many other industries.
2. Top-tier, ‘big 8’ firms being ‘outpaced’ by competitors
While the big eight law firms have long been the cornerstone of Australia’s legal industry, a new report has revealed they are now facing growing competition from other large law firms vying for the top spot.
1 New report shows difference in mid-tier and top-tier salaries
While corporate law offers high earning potential, salaries for junior lawyers are higher in other practice areas, according to new research from legal recruitment firm Gorilla Jobs.
