In-house lawyers to enjoy large salary increases in 2013

The biggest salary increases for legal professionals are set to be for in-house lawyers, according to the latest Global Salary Survey from specialist recruitment consultancy Robert Walters.

The survey found the biggest increase is up to 23.5%, expected for in-house financial services/energy/property lawyers with 5-8 years PQE, and up to 13% for in-house technology/media/telecommunications lawyers.
Nick Ahern, Robert Walters Sydney manager of legal recruitment explains, "The energy, technology, building and construction sectors experienced growth and investment, despite the slight economic downturn experienced last year. As a result demand for lawyers with experience in these sectors grew and this drove salary increases. This is set to continue in 2013 as many large scale projects that were put on hold are restarted."

The survey also found:

In keeping with previous years, the shortage of private practice lawyers with 3-6 PQE continued. This is due, in part, to natural attrition, and a trend within in-house to hire professionals at this level as they are an experienced yet affordable hire

A stand out occurrence in 2012 was the influx of UK and US firms entering the local market, both through mergers and also hiring teams of partners from other practices

Across private practice, roles that offered challenging work and good work/life balance were highly sought after by job seekers

Now in its 14th 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 24 countries and disciplines in which Robert Walters specialises, the latest edition offers an overview of salaries and recruitment trends from 2012, as well as those expected in 2013.

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, Parramatta, Perth and Sydney.