Living and working in Australia: a guide for UK lawyers

Author Richard Schontag
April 10, 2025

Are you an overseas qualified lawyer looking for a career more to Australia?

Our experienced team is well-connected and expertly placed to help you relocate your career to Australia.

Australia is a well-trodden path for Brits who are looking for an
international experience that combines a new adventure with excellent
career opportunities. Similar legal systems, a low barrier to entry for visas
and a large and successful economy make Australia a natural destination for
work.

Whether you are seeking to move to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide or Canberra, Taylor Root’s international career management team can provide you with an in-depth insight into the Australian legal landscape as well as assist you with visa, immigration, and relocation information.

Our guide covers topics on:

  • Information on the Australian Legal market
  • What Australian Law firms are looking for
  • How to approach the Australian Legal market
  • Lawyer salaries in Australia listed by location and PQE levels
  • Australian Visa, immigration details, visa options and eligibility
  • Australian tax system
  • Cost of living, healthcare, accommodation etc.

Taylor Root is Australia’s leading legal recruitment firm. We have over 30 years of experience assisting international lawyers and expats transition back into the Australian legal market and we are the preferred recruitment partner to all the major Australian law firms for the supply of international lawyers. We are proud to have partnered with the leading firms across Australia throughout our history and will continue to do so in the years ahead.

Right now is the perfect time to consider that career move. Our clients are actively seeking internationally qualified lawyers to relocate to Australia.

Whether you’re ready to take the next step or simply curious to learn more about opportunities in Australia, feel free to reach out to a member of our Australian Private Practice team.

Download our guide

Jobs

  • Law firm

Senior Associate – Construction (Front End)

The Firm Our client is a leading Australian law firm and has arguably the best construction law practice in Melbourne. The Role Due to continued demand from their private and public clients, they are looking to grow the team with a front end construction Senior Associate. The work is top notch, the client base brilliant, […]
  • Posted Posted 1 week ago

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  • Law firm

Senior Associate – Professional Indemnity

About the Role An opportunity to join a thriving national General Insurance practice, working alongside a highly regarded team in Melbourne. This role focuses on defending complex claims against professionals across a range of industries, including: Construction, financial services, and legal sectors Health and medical sector (medical malpractice) Matters involving large loss and high-stakes litigation […]
  • Posted Posted 1 week ago

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  • Law firm

Solicitor – Litigation (1-3 PQE)

We are excited to present an outstanding opportunity for a talented Lawyer to join the Commercial Litigation team of a leading Australian law firm based in Melbourne. This is your chance to work alongside a highly regarded partner and dynamic team, tackling high-profile and complex disputes across a wide range of industries, while receiving excellent […]
  • Posted Posted 3 weeks ago

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Legal Knowledge Counsel

The Opportunity A leading mid-tier firm is seeking a lawyer to lead its legal knowledge function. This newly created role focuses on developing and managing high-quality precedents, templates, and know-how resources that support consistent and efficient legal practice. You’ll work closely with legal teams to define knowledge priorities, improve content governance, and embed best practices […]
  • Salary £55277.00 – £82915.49 per annum
  • Posted Posted 4 weeks ago

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