Sun, sea and the great outdoors — everybody knows what Australia has to offer when it comes to its selling points. I, along with hundreds of thousands of others, was sold the perfect story, and so far, it’s certainly lived up to its promise.
However, as associates beginning your careers and mapping out a clear pathway for yourselves, the weather may not be at the forefront of your list of “must-haves”. The good news is — it can be. The legal market in Australia continues to grow and provide sophisticated, challenging work for exceptional lawyers. If Sydney, Melbourne, Perth or Brisbane is on your radar, take note.
In this article, I break down why UK-qualified associates are making the move in droves, which firms are open to overseas talent, and how we can help you explore opportunities before making any life-changing decisions.
Let’s go through the checklist of what you need to know…
High-calibre international legal work
It’s a common misconception that moving to Australia means trading complex, high-stakes matters for a purely domestic, mid-tier role. In reality, the picture is quite different: Australian firms handle some of the most significant cross-border deals and transactions in the Asia-Pacific region.
Both Sydney and Melbourne continue to offer highly attractive work, with big-ticket mandates showing no sign of slowing. Corporate teams remain active across M&A, Private Equity, and Energy & Infrastructure. Finance practices — particularly Acquisition Finance, Project Finance, FSR and Restructuring — also remain busy, acting as APAC hubs for major corporates and banking clients.
Booming industries across Australia are fuelling demand for top-tier legal expertise, especially in M&A and project finance within the energy, mining and infrastructure sectors. This growth is driving cross-border deals and foreign investment, creating a steady pipeline of complex, high-stakes work.
Compensation is no longer a trade-Off
Market data indicates that the pay gap between London and Australia has narrowed in recent years.
- Australia’s top law firms continue to lift their salaries in order to compete for talent.
- Top-tier firms will present attractive offers above market to secure talent in the finance space.
- Pay brackets are constantly moving in an upwards trajectory.
- US firms are offering strong base salaries — with some packages not far behind the Magic Circle.
- We are also seeing healthy end-of-year and sign-on bonuses across the market.
If you are currently working at a Silver Circle, Magic Circle or US firm in London, you should still expect the overall package to fall slightly below what you earn now. However, if you are at a UK national firm, you could very well see an uplift.
Download our salary guide here.
You don't have to say goodbye to London forever
Elite London firms actively value Australian experience. The deal exposure and legal training offered in Australia has gained significant credibility. Hence why so many elite firms in the City hire Australian lawyers. Therefore if you decide to do three years in Australian and then return to London to progress to partner, you can. Some continue their lives here, and for others, it’s a chapter they will never forget.
Remember, however, that you must show firms in Australia a strong motivation to relocate for a meaningful period of time. A six-month stint, for example, will not reflect well on your CV. Firms expect a genuine commitment — typically a few years — to the team, the market and the experience.
So be clear, consistent and serious in your motivations when exploring the move.
Australia Law Firms Hiring
- The “Big Six” in Australia are Allens, Ashurst, Clayton Utz, MinterEllison, Herbert Smith Freehills and King & Wood Mallesons — with Corrs Chambers Westgarth and Gilbert + Tobin also widely considered part of the elite group.
- International firms with a large Australian presence include White & Case, Clifford Chance, Jones Day, DLA Piper, Baker McKenzie and Norton Rose Fulbright.
- There are also several strong mid-tier firms in Australia that often compete with the elite. These include Johnson Winter Slattery, Pinsent Masons, Arnold Bloch Liebler, Maddocks, Gadens and Thomson Geer.
- Major US law firms with significant presences in Australia include Sullivan & Cromwell, Latham & Watkins, White & Case, Sidley Austin and A&O Shearman. These firms focus on major cross-border matters in capital markets, M&A, finance and energy — often working alongside leading Australian firms on high-value mandates.
Recruitment Trends
- High-demand areas: Corporate (M&A / PE), Banking & Finance, and Construction & Projects / Energy roles are frequently sought after across Australia.
- Ideal candidate profile: Firms typically look for candidates with 2+ years’ Post-Qualification Experience (PQE) from reputable UK firms who can demonstrate a long-term commitment to practising in Australia.
- Relocation packages are usually offered to help facilitate to the move.
*Australia law firms will count your two-year training contract as experience, and your offer will reflect this.
The Aussie lifestyle everyone talks about
By now, the Australian market alone should be enough to tempt you — but if you’re still on the fence, a little first-hand context might help.
I’ve lived in Sydney for just over 18 months. There were definitely uncertainties at the start, but I’m very glad I got on that flight.
Sun — tick. Sea — tick. Beaches — tick. Tan — in progress. Mental health — very much in check.
The most immediate difference is the climate. While London gives you four seasons (sometimes all in one day), Australia offers a genuinely outdoor lifestyle. Sydney averages more than 2,800 hours of sunshine a year — almost double the UK. That level of light transforms your daily routine: post-work ocean swims, weekend hikes, barbecue culture… life happens outside.
It’s a free luxury — a natural antidote to a more indoor, high-stress lifestyle. It’s also the biggest driver behind so many Brits making the move.
Be aware: Australian winters aren’t arctic, but they can be wet and surprisingly chilly indoors — insulation isn’t exactly a national strength.
Work-life balance isn’t just a buzzword here. There’s a genuine expectation that you finish earlier, prioritise wellbeing, and actually take your annual leave. Presenteeism doesn’t define success.
Building a community is fairly easy as well. Sydney has a huge expat network, and everyone has been the “new arrival” once. Join a Bondi run club, grab a schooner by the Opera House, go to a comedy night — you’ll have friends fast.
Sydney isn’t cheap, but compared with London and New York, you will find that you are paying less for certain things.
Rent
- One-bed near the city: ~AUD $3,389/month
- London: ~AUD $4,830
- New York: ~AUD $6,419
Eating out
This genuinely shocked me — eating out is great value here when you compare it to London. Sure, there’s fine dining where you can easily rack up a big bill, but there’s also an incredible range of independent cafés, casual restaurants and bars that make socialising affordable.
- Daily coffee: ~34% cheaper than London
- Casual lunch: ~40% cheaper than London/NY
Family, safety & space
Australian suburbs are designed with family life in mind: green spaces everywhere, safe streets, and community sports that act as social glue. Quality of life — especially for kids — is a major pull.
Final words
If this extremely biased piece has itched your brain, I am more than happy to provide a listening ear and even provide some of the finer details of moving. Further to this, if a move is potentially on the cards and you'd like to sound out options or learn more about the market, please do feel free to reach out by any means. The first step is always the hardest but it's one you won't regret.
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How we help facilitate your move
We act as specialist consultants to streamline your relocation:
- Market access: Up-to-date insights and access to roles that aren’t advertised publicly across Australia’s major cities.
- Application strategy: Tailored CV support and interview preparation specific to the Australian market.
- Relocation guidance: Initial, non-legal advice on admission requirements and introductions to trusted migration experts for visa support.
- Negotiation: We negotiate the strongest salary packages and relocation allowances on your behalf.
You’ll have dedicated contacts in both our London and Sydney offices. We provide ongoing guidance throughout the process — from first conversation to your first day in the office — with genuine round-the-clock support.
