Despite recent outbreaks, Australia remains on track to reopen its borders to foreign visitors at the end of the year. This means that for UK-qualified lawyers who want to experience life working as a lawyer down under, now is the ideal time to get the process started.
Here’s what you need to know…
Prime Minister Scott Morrison recently confirmed that restrictions would be loosened when 70 per cent of residents aged 16 and older have been vaccinated, with borders reopening to international travellers when at least 80 per cent have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Currently, the country is on track to hit this milestone in mid-December. Australian airline Qantas is ready to resume flights when permitted, and the country is also currently on the UK’s travel green list.
While COVID-19 has shown that circumstances can change unexpectedly, Australia currently holds a much more promising outlook after the success of the vaccine program.
Earlier in the year, the government also announced that UK lawyers would be able to practice in Australia without requalifying, following news of a post-Brexit trade agreement with Australia.
For the latest advice on being admitted into Australia, get in touch with us on info@sonderconsultants.com and we can discuss logistics and your opportunities as a UK lawyer in Australia.
Practice areas in demand across Australia
Finance teams, particularly leveraged/acquisition and corporate finance groups, have been very active across Australia.
We expect to see mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and capital markets teams pick up towards the end of the year and into 2022. Globally, we have seen a good amount of activity in the PE sector, and Australia is no exception, resulting in an increase in demand for private equity (PE) lawyers.
Heading into Q4 of 2021, litigation groups, mainly commercial, regulatory and construction disputes groups continue to be busy. Therefore, If you are a UK-qualified lawyer with at least 2 PQE under your belt, you will have options in Australia.
Getting the process started
- Delve deeper into your options as lawyer in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane
- Establish potential firms you would like to work for
- Gather your transcripts and update your CV
- Talk to a legal recruiter and use their advice and expertise to help you discover the best opportunities
Ready to get the process started early? Our specialist consultants will guide you on every step of your journey, from the initial phase of placing your CV in front of respective Australian firms, to the final steps, negotiating aspects of the move and ensuring the transition runs smoothly.
For more information on what life is like working as a lawyer in Australia, and to gather all-important salary information, view our Australia Legal Market & Salary Guide here.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it”
– A Lincoln
