Australia

Despite being the smallest continent, Australia is the world’s sixth largest country. With a reputation as ‘the land of plenty’ and a climate to match, Australia has much to offer experienced lawyers.

Opportunities are available across a variety of firms from niche specialist practices to global heavyweights – and include, of course, the in-house teams of many large multinational corporations and financial institutions. All are served by Hughes-Castell, via our offices in the four key financial centres: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

Recent years have seen a sharp increase in demand for candidates with strong common law jurisdiction experience, and whilst the market is somewhat uncertain at present, it is entirely probable that similar levels of demand will be seen in the future, given the forecasts for economic growth.

The bulk of demand traditionally comes from private practice: from mid and larger-sized full-service commercial firms – a mixture of the strong local firms who make up the Australian equivalent of the UK’s Magic Circle as well as a number of international firms with offices in the Eastern states’ capitals.

Demand for UK candidates is currently most likely in the areas of construction, projects and project finance, energy and dispute resolution.

Opportunities are also occasionally available in the in-house market with major corporations, banks and resource companies, however, given the size of the market, these are less frequent and generally attract keen competition from local candidates.

 

New Zealand

With a relatively small population of 4.1 million, it is hardly surprising that New Zealand’s legal market is not as large as that of its neighbour across the Tasman. However, New Zealand does offer one of the best quality lifestyles in the world, across its two major islands.

The majority of New Zealand’s commercial and financial activity is centred on the country’s two major cities, Wellington and Auckland, home to most of the country’s population. To serve these thriving business communities, Hughes-Castell has offices in both cities.

A smaller market and a smaller economy have ensured that many of the country’s more ambitious lawyers have emigrated to Australia, UK and Asia. This has resulted in strong demand from New Zealand’s major commercial firms for candidates with experience in areas of litigation, corporate, tax, finance, energy and resources.

To be considered by major firms and in-house departments in both Australia and New Zealand, UK candidates should possess at least 1 year of post qualification experience at either a strong UK (City) or US firm, or a highly regarded regional practice. If you require a permit to live and work in either Australia or New Zealand, the firm seeking to employ you will usually assist with visa applications, or apply on your behalf.

As one of the world’s leading specialist legal recruiters, Hughes-Castell is ideally placed to advise you on the best opportunities available, providing a local, knowledge-based service combined with a global presence.