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THE property and construction sector is emerging as a hiring hotspot for lawyers, according to the latest Hays Quarterly Report.
Hays researchers expect that until March 2017, property and construction lawyers will be in the highest demand, alongside property paralegals and other banking and finance professionals.
This is due to the high number of construction and infrastructure projects taking place in eastern states and the acceleration of certain property markets, namely Sydney.
Aside from the property and construction realm, the report also shows a shortage of candidates in areas including planning and environmental law, public sector policy making and family law.
In response to an increased turnover rate in larger firms, insurance litigation specialists are in high demand as well.
When looking at in-house and private practice markets, temporary and contract opportunities continue to drive in-house work, whereas vacancies in private practice remain high.
Skill shortages across certain fields are putting the pressure on private employers, in many cases urging them to consider candidates from interstate.
Private employers are also looking to retain staff through flexibility, turning to four-day weeks, distance options and other unconventional perks to attract a more invested workforce.
While the eye of the average jobseeker appears fixed toward flexible in-house work, the report says lawyers are still open to the idea of a long-term contract which will give them experience in an area of interest.
In 2017, Hays urges all jobseekers to go the extra mile when it comes to the application process, as relevant experience may no longer be enough to secure the dream job.
Hays says applicants should build a strong story, present a consistent personal brand and look for ways to add value to a potential employer in other words, go above and beyond the job description.
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