Legal recruitment
Recruitment update
The legal sector continues to face hiring challenges, particularly for Senior Associates, with 39% of firms struggling to fill these roles, followed by Lawyers (25%) and Associates (21%). Legal support staff, including Legal Assistants and Secretaries, also remain in high demand. Recruitment agencies remain the most effective hiring channel, with 67% of firms using their services, while job boards (40%) and referrals (40%) serve as supporting channels.
Workplace flexibility remains a priority, with 82% of firms offering work-from-home options and 68% providing flexible hours. Despite this, office attendance is still high, with 70% of employees going in at least four days a week. Parental leave policies vary widely across the sector—some firms provide up to 26 weeks of paid leave, while others adhere strictly to government-mandated benefits.
Legal market overview
78%
of law firms plan to grow their teams in 2025
56%
of law firms describe their team as slightly (44%) or significantly (12%) under-resourced
63%
of law firms have a hybrid working policy in place in 2025
We recruit permanent, contract & temporary roles in Legal
Legal support and fee earners
• Legal Executive Assistant
• Legal Assistant Senior
• Legal Assistant Intermediate
• Legal Assistant Junior
• Legal Administration Assistant
• Corporate Receptionist
• Office Services Clerk
• Licensed Conveyancer
• Secretarial Coordinator
• Career Paralegal
Corporate service
• Practice Manager
• Operations Manager
• Human Resources Manager
• Human Resources Business Partner
• Human Resources Advisor
• IT Team Leader/Manager
• Systems Engineer
• IT Support Officer
• Finance Manager
• Billings Manager
Industry leaders highlight
"Over the past year, the Australian legal industry has started to undergo significant transformation, with AI integration, regulatory developments, and evolving workplace dynamics reshaping how we work.
To remain competitive, attract and retain top talent, firms must adopt a holistic approach to talent management. This includes offering competitive remuneration packages, embracing flexible work arrangements, providing clear career progression pathways, and prioritising well-being initiatives. Investing in continuous learning, particularly in AI and legal technology, will be essential. For our junior lawyers, developing proficiency in AI tools, honing commercial acumen, and enhancing client engagement skills will be vital. Senior professionals should focus on strategic business development, managing client expectations and effective leadership."
2025 Employment & Salary Report
Take a closer look at what’s driving hiring in your industry, from shifting employer priorities to the roles most in demand. This comprehensive report reveals the key trends shaping recruitment and workforce strategy this year, and provides your business with a competitive edge needed in today’s uncertain labour market.
- Benchmark your company's attraction and retention strategies
- Find out what job seekers are looking for in 2025
- Identify emerging and current hiring and salary trends
