In the lead up to the New Year, a number of Australian lawyers working at international firms will begin to consider their options back in Australia.

According to J Legal senior consultant Kellie McLean, the New Year usually brings an increase in the number of people inquiring about new roles.

"A lot of internationally-based lawyers return to Australia for the Christmas period and some plan for a permanent return before they arrive," she explained.

"As such, there are some highly trained and experienced lawyers re-entering the market and looking for roles now in the lead up to Christmas."

According Jenny Bermheden, manager of private practice at J Legal, while some lawyers will be looking to continue building on their existing skills, others returning to Australia will be looking for a change in direction.

"We have lawyers at all levels wanting to return from overseas, either because they are keen to return to what they feel is a more stable market or because they have family and friends," she said.

And with more and more global firms setting up shop in Australia, there is more on offer for Australian lawyers considering their return from overseas.

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"The quality of work available to lawyers in global firms can be very attractive to returnee lawyers, especially with cross-jurisdictional and international matters," said McLean.

"With a strong economy due to the resources boom and in the face of European and US economic uncertainties, law firms in Australia - whether they be global or not - are well placed to offer their lawyers continuity and a level of work that may not be available to lawyers working in Europe, the UK or the US."