Reports released by public relations firm Wriglesworth Consultancy and recruiter Hays Legal in Hong Kong have confirmed what professionals may well have suspected recently – lawyers, in particular Australian lawyers, are aware of the strengthening Asian economies and are taking advantage of the situation to advance their careers.

According to the report, released in late January, “overseas candidates who possess Asian language skills are in high demand. There are increasing numbers looking to relocate back to Asia as they are aware of the strong position that they are in.”

The report, prepared by the UK-based international consultancy, confirmed that 2,200 Australian lawyers are looking to emigrate this year, with Singapore and Hong Kong two of the three key destinations listed, along with London. The main motivation behind Australians wanting to move overseas was attributed to a sluggish local legal sector, with just 2.5% growth reported.

There has been a year-on-year increase in the percentage of Australian lawyers emigrating for employment, increasing by 25% from 1,720 in 2005-6 to 2,150 last year. And recent figures show an increase of 3% in emigrating lawyers is expected from 2008-2009 numbers.

This trend is compounded by the fact that the larger Australian law firms, including Mallesons, have been cutting their non-partner lawyer numbers since 2009. Mallesons slashed its staff by 23% to maintain its profit margins. The result has been that ambitious lawyers are seeking to keep their careers advancing by searching out opportunities abroad.

According to the latest quarterly report from Hays Legal, a number of lawyers looking for experience in the Asian financial hubs are Asian residents, or Australians of Asian descent with connections in the area, who want to return home to take advantage of their position in the market.