Corporate M&A Associate Moves to Mid-Tier Firm in Melbourne

Candidate: Corporate M&A Associate
Level: 3 PQE
Location: Melbourne
Move: National Firm to Mid-Tier Firm

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Background:  

Our Sydney Senior Legal Recruiter, Misha McKenzie, first came across this candidate while working on a role for a corporate mid-tier firm in Melbourne. The demand for corporate 3 PQE lawyers has been high across Australia, and Misha was quick to identify opportunities that would best align with the candidate’s experience and what they were targeting from their next move. They asked Misha to help them explore the mid-tier market for a role that would elevate their career while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.  

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The Journey:  

Whilst they had a few potential options, a particular mid-tier firm Misha was working with expressed a strong interest in their background, and after the first interview, the partners were eager to extend an offer. However, wanting to ensure the candidate made the right decision, Misha encouraged them to meet with associates at the firm to gain a better understanding of the team and the nature of their work.  

While remuneration was important to the candidate, they briefly considered using the offer as leverage to negotiate a higher salary at their current firm. Nevertheless, Misha reminded them of their original motivation for seeking a move—better career growth and work-life balance. Ultimately, the decision was theirs to make.  

After careful consideration, the candidate signed the offer and will be starting their new role soon. The team already sees them as a valued addition and a future leader within the business, and they’re thrilled to have them on board.  

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Recruiter Insight:  

"Finding the right role isn’t just about salary—it’s about making a move that actually aligns with your career goals. Walking away from a team you know and a firm where you’re comfortable isn’t always easy, but when your new team has a stronger pipeline of work and better long-term opportunities, the right move can set you up for real career growth. In a competitive market, I help lawyers cut through the noise and make informed decisions that support both their professional ambitions and personal priorities. This placement is a great example of how the right guidance and market insight can lead to a role that truly fits." - Misha McKenzie, Sydney Legal Recruiter

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Looking for your next big move?  

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