The number of vacancies in the corporate and M&A sectors has jumped while roles in the property sector have slumped, the Elias Legal Jobs Index has revealed.
Overall, the number of vacancies dropped last quarter, consistent with the dip in hiring over the holiday period, yet corporate and M&A vacancies increased by two per cent.
“Adjusting for the traditional wind down towards Christmas it does indicate a meaningful upward trend,” legal recruiter Jason Elias told
Australasian Lawyer.
Elias said he expects the upward demand to continue over the course of the financial year.
He puts the increase down to a boost in business confidence, following the change in government leadership.
“The change in Prime Ministership has had a positive effect on business confidence which manifests itself in increased opportunities for lawyers and consequently more legal jobs,” Elias said.
“
Malcolm Turnbull's business background and emphasis on innovation has pushed some of the right buttons and it appears more deals are in the pipeline across the economy.”
The index found more opportunities for Sydney lawyers with around half of the overall jobs advertised in the city. Elias said the results suggest that Sydney firms are ramping up their hiring to prepare for deals this year, across experience levels but younger lawyers in particular.
“The key interest is in lawyers with at least three years relevant PQE to junior band of Senior Associates,” Elias said.
