Essential Skills and Competencies Employers Seek in Legal Professionals In this article, we discuss the essential skills and personal competencies that our clients look for when they are hiring new lawyers to their firms. We talk about why these skills are relevant (particularly for junior lawyers) and how they can help make you more attractive to employers. Read on to discover which skills you should focus on, highlight on your CV and add to your career development plan to help you make the shortlist in your next legal industry role.  In the busy and dynamic Melbourne legal landscape ..read more

Expanding Horizons: Exploring Legal Career Options Outside of Private Practice In this article we discuss how lawyers can explore career opportunities outside of private practice. We talk about the benefits of taking these alternative pathways and how they can help you build your knowledge, skills, network, and career.     In the ever-evolving landscape of the legal industry, lawyers today have a wealth of career opportunities that extend beyond the traditional law firm path. Whilst private practice firms have long been the default choice for many graduating lawyers, the legal indu ..read more

Balancing Work and Life in the Legal Profession: Strategies for Success. In this article we discuss how lawyers can work towards balancing the demands of their career and their lives outside the office. There are tricks and tools used by long serving lawyers that we share here.      As a legal industry specialist recruiter here in Australia, we have witnessed firsthand the demands and pressures that lawyers face throughout their careers. We've also seen and helped many lawyers choose roles that help them better manage the demands of work and life so they can thrive. In this ar ..read more

Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Legal Field: Coping Strategies and Resources. In this article we discuss how lawyers can look after themselves, maintain their mental health and implement positive coping strategies. Being a lawyer can be a stressful pursuit, but enlisting help and seeking support can make the difference between burnout and a long and successful career.     The Australian legal profession can be incredibly demanding and stressful. It often has long hours and high client expectations to deal with. Further, a lawyer is often dealing with clients whom have significan ..read more

Leveraging a Professional Legal Industry Recruiter to Secure the Best Possible Starting Salary and Benefits Package In this article we discuss how candidates can harness the expertise of an industry specialist recruiter to navigate the intricacies of starting salary negotiation. Read on to discover how enlisting help can maximise your chances of securing the best possible compensation package, working arrangements and benefits.    In today's competitive job market, candidates often find themselves navigating a complex landscape when it comes to negotiating their starting salary, be ..read more

8 Ways to Ensure Your Senior New Hire Successfully Joins Your Law Firm In this article we explore the strategies firms should consider applying once a new senior hire has signed a letter of offer. Its all about making sure they start, thrive and stay!             Hiring a senior-level candidate for your law firm is a critical decision that can have a significant impact on your company’s success. Senior recruitment can be a time-consuming activity. Once you have identified and selected your preferred candidate, and they have signed the letter of offer, the recrui ..read more

5 Ways a Missed Promotion Can Become a Springboard to Career Success In this article, we explore practical strategies and insights to help you rebound from a missed promotion and springboard your career towards future success in your legal career.     So, the annual “all staff” e-mail is out congratulating the current crop of lawyers getting promoted at your law firm. You scan the list and find that your name is not there. You sigh… climbing the corporate ladder at your firm is proving harder than you thought it would be. Sometimes, despite all your hard work and dedication, you fi ..read more

Navigating the Emerging Trends of Legal Industry Recruitment We recently sent Legal People’s very own Sharon Henderson to present to the ALPMA HR Workshop on emerging legal industry recruitment trends. Read on for the highlights and key takeaways for consideration and implementation at your firm!              The first quarter of 2023 saw a rise in the national job index, reflecting a 2.8% increase in job opportunities. Inflation in Australia remains high at 6.3% and real wages are not expected to grow until next year. In Victoria specifically, the demand f ..read more

4 Non-Traditional Hires: Uncovering the Hidden Talent Pool for Exceptional Lawyers In this article we discuss the challenges law firms face in competing for talented lawyers. We share tips for extending your organisations available talent pool to build a productive and high-performing team. Keep reading to find out how to uncover the hidden talent pool for legal talent.    The Australian legal industry continues to face a period of high demand for legal talent. This competitive landscape makes attracting and retaining top talent a challenge. Over time law firms have competed for gr ..read more

Unlocking the Secrets to Successfully Attracting Mid-Career Lawyers: A 6-Step Guide for Your Law Firm In this article we discuss the challenges for law firms face in recruiting talented mid-career lawyers. We share our tips for standing out from the crowd and both attracting them to your firm and keeping them there!   Australian law firms are facing increasing competition in attracting and retaining talented mid-career lawyers. This is particularly the case due to a buoyant job market for experienced lawyers and increasing demand for legal services. We have found that very high demand f ..read more