Thinking of moving to a land Down Under? Why Australia could be a hotspot for Scottish lawyers in 2026

For Scottish lawyers seeking compelling work, strong possibilities for progression and an enviable work-life balance, a move to Australia could be the answer. International recruiter Glenn Johnston gives an on-the-ground perspective.

Back in 2019, I wrote an article setting out why UK-qualified lawyers, particularly Scots, should consider making the move to Australia. Re-reading it now, the world feels very different. The legal market has evolved, mobility patterns have shifted and global uncertainty has changed how lawyers think about career moves. 

On a personal note, as I write this it marks one year since I returned to Australia after five years back in the UK. Being back on the ground has given me a much clearer sense of what has changed, and why Australia remains such an appealing option for UK lawyers in 2025.

Lifestyle still matters, but the context has shifted

The lifestyle advantages I spoke about in 2019 still hold true. Australia remains one of the easiest places in the world to settle into, especially if you are coming from the UK. The weather, the coastline, the food culture, the space, the directness, the social ease and the general sense of safety all still create a very livable environment. 

What has changed is the way people value those things. Post-Covid, lawyers I chat to are far more conscious of work-life balance, outdoor living and overall wellbeing. The ability to meet friends by the water or plan a weekend without checking the weather app three times has become more meaningful. The cities have their differences, but each offers a version of the lifestyle many UK lawyers realise they want once they arrive: Sydney’s beaches, Melbourne’s arts and food culture, Brisbane’s growth and sunshine, Perth’s natural beauty and Adelaide’s calm and affordability.

Yes, costs have risen, and Sydney in particular can feel expensive, but the salaries (and the higher percentage of take-home pay – looking at you, UK tax trap!) usually offset this. Most UK lawyers find themselves living within a comfortable distance of the office and enjoying a noticeably higher day-to-day quality of life. I am currently navigating this environment with two young kids in tow; I can confirm that the lifestyle upside is real.

The Australian legal market today: deeper, broader, more confident

Australia’s legal market has become more sophisticated and globally connected in the past decade – in the past 12 months alone, we’ve seen tie-ups between HSF and Kramer, A&O and Shearman & Sterling, and Ashurst and Perkins Coie (not to forget the recent opening of King & Spalding’s Sydney office). 

Corporate, finance, projects, regulatory, tech and disputes practices have all grown, and the flow of cross-border work has increased in both directions. Energy transition, private capital, infrastructure investment, cyber, ESG (environmental, social and governance) and contentious regulatory work are all major drivers of demand. UK lawyers tend to integrate quickly because the work is familiar and the quality is high.

There is also a very real talent gap emerging at the mid-level, which simply wasn’t a feature of the market last time around. The post-Covid outflow of Australian lawyers (mainly to London and New York) created a sizeable hole in the 3-6 PQE bracket, and those departures have not been replaced at the same rate. The return flow has been slower than expected, and many firms are operating with thinner mid-bench teams than is ideal. This shortage has opened the door wider for UK lawyers who can step in with solid transactional or advisory experience and contribute from day one.

At the same time, firms here have become more confident and more internationally minded. They know the market is competitive. They know high performers have options (especially overseas). And they know UK lawyers bring real commercial value, both in terms of training and deal exposure. Many find they progress more quickly in Australia because the teams can be leaner, and strong contributors stand out early.

Compensation and progression: still a major draw

The salary point I made in 2017 remains true, but the gap now feels even clearer. Top Australian firms pay at a level broadly comparable to the upper mid-tier in London, but without London’s intensity, cost structure or commuting grind. For many Scottish lawyers, the uplift in quality of life far outweighs any marginal difference in headline pay. 

Most firms will still credit UK lawyers with an additional year of PQE (to compensate for the fact Australia doesn’t have a traineeship system). A blend of relocation allowances, visa sponsorship and support with requalification remain standard. 

The visa environment has tightened at the margins, but experienced lawyers continue to be classed as essential and the pathway to permanent residency remains straightforward for most (me included!).

Looking back and looking forward

When I first wrote about Australia in 2017, the message was essentially that the move was more achievable and more rewarding than many international lawyers realised. That hasn’t changed. What has changed is the context around it: the global environment is more unpredictable, mobility is more valued, the mid-level talent pool in Australia is tighter and lifestyle has become a genuine career factor rather than a nice bonus.

Having returned a year ago, I can say with more confidence than ever that Australia remains a compelling option for Scottish lawyers who want high-quality work, real career progression and a better day-to-day existence. The market is hungry for good people, the cities are thriving and the opportunities are genuine.

Glenn Johnston is a Scottish-qualified lawyer and the founder of international recruitment firm Braemar Legal. He was previously a director (and head of international) at Montgomery Advisory in Sydney and London. For a confidential chat about the practicalities of making the move Down Under, contact Glenn directly.