Candidate: 3PQE Associate
Practice Area: Energy & Resources
From: Leading Boutique Firm - Perth
To: Top-Tier National Firm - Perth
Recruiter: Matthew Mayes
This 3PQE associate had carved out a strong practice focused on native title and land access—areas that can sometimes be undervalued or misunderstood by firms seeking broader transactional experience in the energy and resources space.
Matthew Mayes had been in touch with the candidate for over a year, building a clear understanding of her skill set, goals, and what would make her consider a move. When a premier national firm began selectively hiring in Perth, Matthew recognised it as the right fit.
Rather than trying to reshape her profile to meet firm expectations, he highlighted how her niche skill set added strategic value—especially as regulatory and land access issues become increasingly central to energy mandates in Western Australia.
The result: a successful lateral move within Perth to a top-tier team with broader work, stronger development pathways, and more long-term growth potential.
Recruiter Insight
“This wasn’t just about finding her a new role—it was about positioning her experience in a way that reflected her true value. Energy & Resources is a nuanced space, and native title work is increasingly relevant. It was clear she had the skills; it just needed the right framing for the right firm.”
Building relationships with recruiters who know your practice area can pay off when opportunities arise. If you're a Perth-based E&R associate considering a move—or simply exploring what’s out there—connect with Matthew Mayes for a confidential conversation.
