Australia
The largest island continent, disparate in climates and landscapes, Australia has a population of only 20 million, highly concentrated around the coast, particularly on the eastern seaboard, taking in cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. It offers much in terms of sport and adventure as well as cultural activities.
Sydney and Melbourne are the commercial and financial centres of Australia and as such are homes to the headquarters of most major national and international companies and law firms. The States of Queensland (capital, Brisbane) and Western Australia (capital, Perth) are rich in natural resources and homes to the headquarters of many industrial, resource and mining companies.
Canberra is Australia's capital and home to the Commonwealth Government, and accordingly a prime location for public and administrative lawyers.
The vast majority of the major Australian firms have offices in each of Australia's capital cities. Although most positions tend however to be located along the east coast in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, Perth has been experiencing rapid growth recently due to the resources boom.
Opportunities Available
Demand is increasing for common law lawyers with experience in the areas of:
- Corporate
- Banking and Finance
- Project Finance
- Capital Markets
- Construction
- Energy
- Dispute Resolution
- IT
- Commercial Property
The majority of demand comes from private practice but there are also opportunities available in corporations and banks.
It seems likely that demand for lawyers in Australian firms and corporations will increase in line with a strong economy, with very low rates of inflation and unemployment and very high levels of recent and predicted economic growth.
Outside the Office
The Australian lifestyle is well known. Clearly, uppermost in your mind in moving, say, to Sydney will be taking advantage of the outdoors; the weather, sport, the ocean etc. You will also note a much improved ‘commute’ to and from the office, allowing you more time in your day to do what you want.
While you will work hard in Australia, and will gain excellent experience, candidates who move across usually love it, whether they stay for just two or three years, or for the long term.
Work Permits
If you require a permit to live and work in Australia, the firm wanting to employ you will apply on your behalf for a visa. There are usually few difficulties associated with this.
Read our Australia legal market overview>
For further information on the legal market and job opportunities in Australia please contact your nearest Taylor Root office:
London:
Shobana Kanagasingham E: shobanakanagasingham@taylorroot.com T: 020 7415 2828
Dubai:
Shane Morton E: shanemorton@taylorroot.com T: +971 4-319 7601
Hong Kong:
Michael Luckett E: michaelluckett@taylorroot.com.hk T: +852 2973 6333
Sydney:
Rachael Duggan E: rachaelduggan@taylorroot.com.au T: +61 (0)2 9236 9000
Melbourne:
Carolyn Morton E: carolynmorton@taylorroot.com.au T: +61 (0)3 8610 8400