A combination of strong post GFC activity and a booming export industry in Shanghai has added extra appeal to an already attractive market for foreign qualified lawyers. The market is especially receptive to those with expertise in associated areas including maritime, corporate, M&A, ECM and finance according to those firms recruiting for clients based in Shanghai."It's a very exciting time for lawyers in Shanghai," said Dezz Mardigan, private practice manager for recruitment firm JLegal.

Law firms with offices in Shanghai, and other mainland centres such as Beijing, have been growing their practices to satisfy the increased demand in the area. For example, Mallesons Stephen Jaques has grown from 30 lawyers across its Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong offices to more than 120 – including a doubling of the staff in its Shanghai office.

Firms in Shanghai are generally looking for ex-Chinese nationals who have studied abroad and want to return, however foreign nationals with adequate Chinese language skills will also be considered, according to Mardigan.

There is also a burgeoning in-house market according to Karlie Connellan, senior consultant with Taylor Root.  “The in-house market in Shanghai and Beijing is something we are developing,” she said. “We are receiving some inquiries from international organisations seeking in-house lawyers.”

Connellan also noted that salaries tend to be higher in Shanghai than Hong Kong or Singapore. “The majority of expats live in communities, which can be expensive. Tax rates there are also higher, but the overall cost of living is lower,” she added.

There are also other factors such as a smaller office size and the ability to work on novel transactions to attract talented lawyers, according to Hayden Flinn, a staff partner with Mallesons based in Hong Kong. “As a lawyer you deal with new situations, particularly in Asia, because the transactions have not been done before,” he said.” You are forging new boundaries, which you often don’t get to do in an established market, it’s very exciting.”