International legal recruitment
Relocating to Australia? We’ll guide the move.
We support lawyers relocating from the UK, US, Asia, Europe, the Middle East — and Australians returning home — with informed, discreet guidance across private practice, in-house, and contract roles.
Your move
Clarity before you arrive.
Relocating to Australia as a legal professional requires more than simply applying for roles. It involves understanding qualification pathways, visa options, firm sponsorship, salary expectations, and timing the market correctly.
At Wolf & Williams, we specialise in supporting international and returning lawyers across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. We provide full market coverage before you land – so you arrive informed, prepared, and positioned well.
We also maintain an active “Australians Abroad” network, keeping lawyers updated on market trends and demand areas before they decide to move.
Where you may fit
Private practice, in-house, and contract options.
We represent every major Australian and international law firm, as well as leading in-house legal teams across multiple sectors. Whether you are seeking a permanent role, exploring contract work while requalifying, or mapping long-term career options, we can advise on the full landscape.
For foreign-qualified lawyers, we provide practical guidance on requalification, sponsorship realities, and which firms and teams are actively open to international hires.
Top-tier, international, national, and boutique firms
In-house roles across major industries
Contract and interim roles (often ideal during transition)
Access to off-market and mapped opportunities
Market demand
Where opportunities are strongest.
Relocating lawyers currently find demand across:
- Corporate / Commercial & M&A
- Regulatory, Banking & Financial Services
- Investment Funds
- Construction & Infrastructure
- Renewable Energy
- Insurance & Risk
- Litigation & Disputes
- Privacy, Cyber & Technology
Demand fluctuates — timing matters. We encourage early conversations to assess where your experience aligns with current hiring cycles.
Compensation insights
Understanding salary, benefits, and timing.
Salary levels depend on:
- Admission status in Australia
- Practice area and seniority
- In-house vs private practice
- Firm type (top-tier, international, boutique)
- Permanent vs contract engagement
For high-demand profiles, sign-on bonuses between $10,000–$20,000 are not uncommon. Major firms may offer relocation support including flights, visa sponsorship, and temporary accommodation.
We typically recommend speaking with us 6–8 months before relocating, particularly given notice periods and admission timelines.
Admission process
Understanding qualification pathways.
If you are foreign-qualified and wish to practise Australian law (NSW example):
- Submit credentials to the Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB) for assessment.
- The LPAB assesses whether your qualifications are substantially equivalent.
- You may be required to complete bridging units (e.g. Constitutional Law, Ethics).
- Once approved, apply for admission to the Supreme Court and obtain a practising certificate.
Some lawyers begin working in contract or consultancy roles while admission is pending, depending on employer requirements.
(We advise on broader state pathways where relevant.)
Flexible entry
Contract roles during relocation.
Many returning or international lawyers use contract or interim roles as a strategic entry point. These positions offer:
- Immediate market exposure
- Strong daily rates
- Flexibility during admission
- Pathways into permanent roles
Our dedicated contract recruitment team can support this pathway.
Your next step
Relocating to Australia? Let’s make it seamless.
FAQs
Relocating Legal Professionals.
Can UK (or other foreign) lawyers practise in Australia?
Yes, subject to admission through the relevant state authority. Alternatively, foreign lawyers may practise foreign law under specific registration pathways.
What visa is commonly used?
Many firms sponsor overseas lawyers under the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa, which may lead to permanent residency.
Do I always need additional study?
Not always. Some lawyers require minimal bridging units depending on equivalency assessments.
What sectors are hiring?
Corporate/M&A, financial services, construction, energy, disputes, and regulatory areas remain active — particularly for internationally experienced lawyers.
How do Australian salaries compare to the UK?
UK salaries are often higher in GBP terms, but Australian compensation remains competitive locally, with strong lifestyle and balance considerations.