tr living and working in australia

Living & working in Australia

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Why Australia?

There are many reasons why lawyers relocate to Australia. The most obvious reasons include the lifestyle, weather and the more enjoyable commute to the office. But there are also good professional reasons to make the move.

In recent times, the buoyant Australian economy has created a wealth of opportunity for lawyers to gain international experience while enjoying all that Australia has to offer. While the economy has been slowing in a number of jurisdictions, Australia’s economy has remained very strong off the back of established economic ties with Asia. Candidates have been attracted to the security the Australian economy offers as opposed to the more uncertain UK market.

Legal practice in Australia is also very similar to that in London and, just as there is a steady stream of lawyers from Australia to the UK, there’s also a stream of lawyers that make the move from the UK to Australia. The quality of the firms and work is on par with London and, Australian firms tend

to offer a broader focus with lesser specialisation, allowing candidates to broaden their experience.

For more junior candidates, the level of training is excellent. You might therefore make the move for a few years, then return to London with a greater number of employment options than you previously had. The legal market in Australia is widely recognised as sophisticated and well developed. Candidates who make the move are seen as ambitious, highly capable and outgoing. The calibre required of most lawyers making the move to Australia is very high. It is far from being an ‘easy option’. Employers in the UK and elsewhere understand this and therefore a subsequent move to another jurisdiction or simply a return home will be open to you, depending on your experience, seniority and market factors.

Aside from the strong career reasons, the lifestyle advantages are very hard to ignore, both for families, couples and singles.


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The legal market demand

There continues to be strong demand for common law lawyers with two to eight years’ experience in the areas of:

• Corporate/M&A/Private equity• Banking & finance• Project finance• Construction/Major projects• Energy & resources• Dispute resolution• IP/IT/Outsourcing

As the market is relatively smaller than the UK and the supply of interested candidates is high, employers are extremely demanding when it comes to assessing applicants’ credentials. Strong academics are important as is the reputation of your current employer. If you presently work for a firm which is not well known in the Australian market, then the chances of making the move are reduced. You might wish therefore to make a move within the London or UK market first and then make the move later on. There generally tends to be a strong preference for candidates with top London or leading regional firm experience or the equivalent.


Which city?

The largest legal markets are in Sydney and Melbourne. In terms of the general population as well as the size of the respective legal communities, there is little difference between the two (Sydney with a population of 4.5 million and Melbourne with 4 million). Salaries tend to be slightly higher in Sydney, by around 5%-15%, but the cost of living in Sydney is also higher than in other capital cities by approximately 10%.

The other main locations are Brisbane and Perth, which have seen significant population and economic growth in recent times off the back of the resources boom. The growth of these cities has resulted in a number of firms being prepared to look abroad for legal talent, which has provided opportunities for UK lawyers to take their place in the sun. Energy, corporate, project finance and construction lawyers are in short supply in these cities. There is less demand in Adelaide, Darwin and Canberra.

Each city has its own personality and strengths. While Sydney is a traditional favourite with Brits, the other cities each offer a truly unique and exciting experience.

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Sydney

Sydney is Australia’s largest city with 4.5 million people and there’s no denying it’s a natural stunner! Its dazzling harbour and white sand city beaches make it a truly unique city that offers an enviable lifestyle and some of the highest quality work in the country.

Sydney is one of the busiest commercial hubs in the Asia-Pacific region and it is the financial services centre of Australia, with a cosmopolitan population, lush parks, hip bars and restaurants that stay open late, as well as being home to the world famous Bondi Beach, Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Summers in Sydney are warm and winters very mild (averaging 26 degrees in summer and 15 degrees in winter), it is a city where people enjoy an active and outdoor lifestyle year round, a city where many people go surfing before they catch a ferry to work across what many call the most beautiful harbour in the world. It is no wonder that Sydney consistently ranks as one of the top 10 places in the world to work and to live.


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Melbourne

What Melbourne lacks in natural beauty, it makes up for with seriously cool restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs. In addition, Melbourne has a buzzing art and sports scene, the result being the best culture and nightlife in Australia.

Melbourne is very much the sum of all its parts, with ec-lectic precincts and, in certain parts, a very ‘European feel’. It is also one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, which heavily influences its serious food scene.

As Australia’s second city (population 4 million), it has all the benefits of a large city. However, the stand-out factor about Melbourne is its liveability – it’s consistently rated as one of the most liveable cities in the world. Its mild weather (averaging 26 degrees in summer, 15 degrees in winter), excellent transport network and general standard of living all factor in.


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Brisbane

Brisbane is the bustling heart of Queensland, home to more than 2 million people. It is a city that combines a famous laid back lifestyle with all the sights, sounds and energy of a major metropolis. Brisbane’s weather, riverfront setting and unrivalled employment growth make it one of the most attractive cities to live in from almost any angle.

Brisbane is a diverse and thriving city with a perfect climate year round (29 degrees in summer, 21 degrees in winter) with Australia’s famous Gold Coast and hinterland less than 1 hours drive away. Brisbane has a sophisticated restaurant and cafe scene as well as excellent night life.


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Perth

If you’re looking for Australia’s sunniest capital, with over 3000 hours of sunshine per year then Perth is the city for you. Situated in Australia’s largest state Western Australia. Perth offers a true beach lifestyle.

Perth has had tremendous growth in recent years off the back of the mining and resources boom, it is the richest state in Australia and home to some of the wealthiest individuals in the country. As a result, Perth has developed as a sophisticated legal market, and is home to more US and UK law firms than Sydney.

Perth’s pristine natural environment can be enjoyed year round with perfect weather (hot summers of 31 degrees and very pleasant winters of 19 degrees). Together with the beaches, the city is surrounded by excellent wineries and alfresco dining.


How to approach the market

The number of firms or corporations prepared to hire non-Australians is limited and as a result, the process is competitive. It is crucial to ensure that you do not apply to firms at random. You are best advised to restrict access to your CV and apply only for positions which exist or to firms or corporations which have indicated to us in advance that they have active needs. Unsolicited applications without any direction or plan to your approach will most likely see your CV rejected and will exhaust your chances of making a move. Sometimes it is much better to hold off making any application and wait until the level of demand increases.

Taylor Root has close ties with the major law firms, corporates and banks in Australia and are in the best position to let you know where to apply and maximise your chances. We have video conferencing facilities in our London office and can easily make all of the necessary arrangements for you to take the hassle out of the application process.From start to finish you might expect it to take between four to six months from the date of application to sitting at your new desk.

Requalification

The Law Societies of each State and Territory govern their own requirements for admission to practice. As a result, theprecise rules concerning foreign lawyers’ admission will vary

from location to location. Typically, however, UK lawyers will be required to sit exams in the areas of Australian Constitutional Law, Trust Accounts and Professional Conduct.

Firms will allow you time off/study leave and provide all the assistance required to pass the exams. In the meantime, you can practise as a foreign-qualified lawyer, provided you have a current practising certificate in another jurisdiction.

Visas & relocation

Unless you have an Australian passport or a right to work, you will need a visa. Visas are applied for on your behalf by your employer and usually last for four years. After this period, you can apply for residency and thereafter citizenship. There are also Spousal and Defacto visas (for unmarried partners) which will allow your partner to live and work in Australia, on the proviso that your visa remains valid.

Our clients usually have no difficulties in obtaining visas but tend to require you to have at least one year’s PQE to be eligible. Most employers will assist with the cost of flights, short-term accommodation and shipping your belongings. Each employer is different of course and will have their own policies in this regard, some more generous than others.

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Salaries & benefits

Your salary in Australia will afford you an excellent quality of life. With the buoyant economy and shortage of legal talent, salaries have increased substantially in recent years and are now internationally competitive. Rates of pay may not be ‘New York’ rates, but the expectations on employees are not the same as those in New York and neither are the living expenses. We are increasingly seeing top tier Australian firms paying on par with London salaries.

Salaries are quoted as a ‘package’. The package incorporates a base salary plus superannuation. ‘Super’ is calculated at 9% of the base salary and made by all employers and is paid, tax free, into a fund accessed later in the form of a pension.

The usual annual leave allowance is 20 days, in addition to

public holidays. It is unusual for employers to provide health insurance for their staff. It is normal for it to be a condition of your visa that private health care be taken out prior to your arrival. Some firms offer a discounted private health insurance scheme.

Seniority or PQE in Australia is calculated differently to the UK. Most training contracts in Australia are for one year, meaning a UK qualified lawyer will have trained for an additional year which is usually taken into consideration. Firms will usually look at the ‘seats’ undertaken and assess their relevance to the candidate’s current practice group and establish seniority in this manner. It would be usual, for example, for a 1 year PQE UK lawyer to be considered a 2nd year in Australia.

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Experience Top-tier Mid-tier

Sydney

1 year $72,000 - $83,000 $60,000 - $70,000

2 years $85,000 - $95,000 $75,000 - $88,000

3 years $100,000 - $115,000 $90,000 - $105,000

4 years $115,000 - $135,000 $105,000 - $130,000

5 years* $135,000 - $155,000 $115,000 - $140,000

6 years $155,000 - $185,000 $120,000 - $160,000

7+ years $165,000 - $250,000 $150,000 - $220,000


Top-tier Mid-tier

Melbourne

$70,000 - $80,000 $65,000 - $75,000

$80,000 - $95,000 $75,000 - $85,000

$95,000 - $105,000 $85,000 - $100,000

$100,000 - $130,000 $90,000 - $115,000

$130,000 - $150,000 $100,000 - $135,000

$135,000 - $175,000 $115,000 - $160,000

$150,000 + $150,000 +

Brisbane

1 year $65,000 - $75,000 $55,000 - $70,000

2 years $77,000 - $88,000 $68,000 - $83,000

3 years $90,000 - $103,000 $81,000 - $95,000

4 years $103,000 - $122,000 $95,000 - $115,000

5 years* $122,000 - $135,000 $105,000 - $135,000

6 years $140,000 - $170,000 $109,000 - $155,000

7+ years $150,000-$220,000 $140,000-$200,000

Perth

$65,000 - $75,000 $55,000 - $75,000

$80,000 - $95,000 $65,000 - $85,000

$90,000 - $110,000 $80,000 - $100,000

$105,000 - $130,000 $90,000 - $120,000

$125,000 - $145,000 $100,000 - $130,000

$145,000 - $185,000 $115,000 - $155,000

$160,000-$250,000 $140,000-$200,000

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* These figures include senior associate salaries

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Cost of living

The cost of living in Australia has increased in recent years due to the prosperous economic times, however it is still generally a cheaper place to live than London. The cost of transport and accommodation is generally lower and your high Australian Dollar income will have purchasing power.

Below are some helpful price comparisons (AUD converted into GBP for ease of comparison - exchange rate of £1=AUD1.51), as well as a brief overiew of what income taxes you can expect to pay.

Item London Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Perth

Rent (2 bed flat pcm) £1,500 £1,400 £1,200 £1,200 £1250

Daily Travel Card £8.40 £7.00 £5.00 £5.00 £4.50

Litre of petrol £1.35 £0.90 £0.90 £0.90 £0.90

Small bottle of beer £3.50 £3.50 £3.00 £3.50 £3.50

Pub Meal (2 courses) £15.00 £18.00 £15.00 £18.00 £18.00

Litre of Milk £1.00 £1.30 £1.30 £1.30 £1.30

Loaf of Bread £1.00 £1.50 £1.50 £1.50 £1.50

Daily Newspaper £0.60 £0.80 £0.80 £0.80 £0.80

Taxable income Income tax

$0 - $6, 000 0

$6,001 - $37,000 15c for each $1 over $6,000

$37,001 - $80,000 $4,650 plus 30c for each $1 over $37,000

$80,001 – $180,000 $17,550 plus 37c for each $1 over $80,000

$180,001 and over $54,550 plus 45c for each $1 over $180,000

In addition to the above rates there is a Medicare levy of 1.5% which is a compulsory public healthcare contribution.


Lawyer experiencesIn order to give candidates a better insight into what life is like in Australia and what you can expect from a move there we have asked some of our past candidates who have made the move to relay their experiences

Perth

Relocation“The move over to Perth was surprisingly easy. Blakes arranged my visa and provided a relcoation allowance which I used to ship my belongings, arrange flights and pay for a relocation agent to assist in finding a place to rent. The whole process took about two months.

Once in Perth, there was quite a lot of form filling to do in relation to things like tax and health care, but that’s all straightforward too.

Finding a place to live can be tricky as the rental market can be competitive given the number of people moving here. It helps to do some research about the areas you might want to live in and contacts within the firm helped a lot in that regard.”

Work“The quality of work in Perth is excellent. I’ve worked on a number of multi-billion dollar projects in sectors that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to be involved in in England and have been given a lot of responsibility. The

diversity of the work is also much broader than you would tend to find in an English firm.

The working environment and hours are similar to English firms, but the atmosphere is more relaxed. Most firms will expect you to re-qualify in Australia and it typically takes a couple of years to do so.”

Financially“In terms of pay, the salaries are probably on a par with what you would find in London. However, the cost of living in Perth is quite high - especially for things like rent and eating out. The salaries essentially reflect the cost of living over here.

The first few months can be quite expensive whilst you get set-up buying furniture etc, so I would definitely recommend bringing some funds with you.”

Associate from a London City firm now with Blake Dawson

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Melbourne

Regarding relocation“The move was a very easy one to make. All expenses (up to an agreed cap) are reimbursed by the employer so you can get proper removalists to pack up your place in England and ship your belongings out to Australia. There is a lot of form filling to do, for example, visa, Inland Revenue etc, but once you get your head around it it’s all quite straightforward. It only took about two months in total to obtain the visa. My firm paid for the process and an agent dealt with it. As far as finding a place to live is concerned, that was very easy, but I was lucky and knew which area I wanted to live in. It helps to do a bit of research before launching into house hunting. The domain.com.au website is invaluable to look at before you arrive.”

In terms of the work“The quality of the work I have done here has been exceptional. I have played a much bigger part on the transactions I have worked on than I did in London and been given a lot more responsibility. I’ve also been involved in more diverse transactions due to the broad nature of the department I work in. Unlike London firms where each specific work group is strictly delineated, here the groups are more general allowing you to do one type of work one day and something different the next. Particularly at Allens, the commitment to quality and excellence is as strong as any firm in London, the precedent system is good and the know-how well organised and available.

You get your own office, albeit a small one. And my commute to work is great - only 15 minutes by bus, or a 30 minute walk through the park compared to up to an hour on the tube in London.”

Magic Circle solicitor now with Allens Arthur Robinsontaylorroot.com


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Sydney

“The work environment is a bit more relaxed and informal than in London and generally I think people work slightly shorter hours.

FinanciallyThe first few months are pretty expensive as you have to pay a rental bond and set yourself up with furniture and household goods etc, so I would definitely recommend bringing over some funds to cover these expenses. I live in a lovely apartment with an unspoilt view of the harbour, definitely better than my view in south-east London.

The CommuteI swapped a journey on the bus and the tube for a ferry ride through the most beautiful harbour in the world - it feels wrong to describe it as a commute. If there are dolphins or whales in the harbour they even slow down so you can watch. It’s a great way to relax on the way home from work and you can always sit out on the deck of the ferry, phone home and have one of those “I’m looking at the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, what are you doing?” conversations!”

Former Magic Circle firm in London now in Sydney

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Taylor Root is a member of The SR Group

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Contact For more information on living and working in Australia or if you are interested in relocation to the region please contact one of our specialist consultants in your local office.

Formed in 1989,Taylor Root is one of the world’s leading specialist legal recruitment firms. We have offices in London, Sydney, Melbourne, Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai. We recruit for the best law firms, companies and financial institutions across the globe.

As a partnership, our offices work closely and our staff liaise with each other on a daily basis. Our global reach enables us to act quickly on current information and inform our candidates about relevant employment opportunities as soon as they arise. Most of our consultants have practised as lawyers in jurisdictions including the UK and Australia. We have recruited lawyers for the Australian market for many years and we are extremely familiar with the characteristics and attributes our clients seek in lawyers they wish to recruit. As recruiters, and due to our own past professional experiences in the law, we are in a strong position to advise you about the realities of moving to and working in Australia.

In the last 12 months we have run successful campaigns in London for several leading Australian law firms. These include Allens Arthur Robinson, Freehills and Corrs Chambers Westgarth and involved their offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. In addition, Taylor Root has successfully placed overseas lawyers and Australian returners in all of the top-tier, boutique and leading national firms.

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