It will be emerging markets and the resource-rich economies in the region that will be driving the legal job market more than the mature markets over the coming years – according to Allen & Overy’s new Asia-Pacific corporate head Gary McLean.

McLean says the industry will see the creation of new roles in markets such as India and Indonesia, as a result of growth in natural resources and financial services in these places. “There will be new roles opening up in these markets, which have not previously been well served by international law firms,” he said. “As these markets develop and become more mature, the demand for quality lawyers will increase.”

In contrast, roles for lawyers in mature markets like Hong Kong are only now returning to pre-crisis levels and are expected to remain soft in the short term. “I think people will naturally be a little bit cautious about what to project beyond [6 to 12 months in these markets] because in the past firms have completed massive expansions and then have had to contract,” said McLean.

McLean says that in terms of legal work countries with a strong resource base, such as Australia and Indonesia, have particularly strong prospects.

 - Annie Dang

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