Vietnam and Indonesia are currently seeing a lot of job market activity – particularly in insurance, dispute resolution and projects. This is due in most part to an increase in the number of large energy and infrastructure projects taking off in the region, and the subsequent financing on these projects. Several law firms are currently looking to take on expatriate lawyers in these areas – among them Herbert Smith and Allen & Overy.
Recruiter Taylor Root’s associate director Karlie Connellan confirms the rise in demand for lawyers in these markets, stating that its Hong Kong office has recently been involved in a number of in-house mandates in Vietnam, while its Singapore office has recruited for roles in Indonesia, particularly in corporate and energy practices. Connellan says both these jurisdictions are also targeting lawyers coming out of Australia. “There is [definitely] renewed interest in foreign lawyers with three or more years experience in a top-tier firm throughout the Asia region,” she said.
At the same time, Asia is increasingly on the radar of UK and Europe-based lawyers looking to relocate to expand their legal experience. “We are seeing an increase in the number of CVs [received] from London, the Middle East and Russia,” said Allens Arthur Robinson’s head of people and development for Asia, Melanie Turner. “A lot of expatriate lawyers there are looking to move back to Australia via Asia, or looking to move to Asia itself.”
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