Race for top legal talent to intensify

Competition for the best lawyers is expected to escalate in another positive year for legal recruitment, according to the 13th edition of the Global Salary Survey by international recruitment consultancy Robert Walters.

The annual Salary Survey reports that there will be cautiousness as firms and organisations await the outcome of the current global economic uncertainty, leading to a slow start to 2012. However, restrictions on recruitment are likely to intensify the focus on retaining top talent.

Robert Walters Manager of Legal – Queensland and Sydney, Ryan Webster said, "In 2011 we saw a recovering economy create more employment opportunities for legal professionals, especially in the telecommunications, construction and engineering sectors, leading to a shortage of quality candidates. As the demand for legal professionals continues to grow this year, organisations will further focus on retention strategies and more attractive remuneration packages."

On the whole, salaries within the legal market are expected to remain steady, but the growth sectors of mining and resources will put pressure on other employers to remain competitive, as they pay a premium over the rest of the market. Slight increases are expected across both in-house and private practice.

Now in its 13th year, the Robert Walters' Global Salary Survey is the most comprehensive of its kind. Compiled by the company's dedicated research team and covering all 23 countries and disciplines in which Robert Walters specialises, the latest edition offers an overview of salaries and recruitment trends from 2011, as well as those expected in 2012.

For more information please contact Lillian Hafez on +61 2 8289 3237 or lillian.hafez@robertwalters.com.au

About Robert Walters
Robert Walters is one of the world's leading global recruitment consultancies, specialising in the placement of permanent, contract and temporary positions across all levels of seniority. Our teams of professional consultants are renowned for their professionalism, integrity and exceptional recruitment consultancy services. Using a flexible approach to recruitment, we are committed to matching client needs to candidate aspirations to create mutual benefit for both. In Australia we have offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Chatswood, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.