As a long-established legal recruiter in Queensland, I’ve had countless conversations with law firms and corporate clients about what makes a standout lawyer in today’s market. Whether you’re in private practice or transitioning into an in-house role, the skills that will set you apart extend beyond technical legal expertise. 

Here’s what hiring managers are really looking for—and how you can position yourself for career success.

Private Practice

Beyond Technical Excellence

For lawyers in private practice, technical skills are of course fundamental. You’re expected to have a solid understanding of the relevant legislation in your area of specialisation and how it operates within your industry. Firms assume that you bring this knowledge with you and that you’re proactive in keeping it up to date. Some firms will even test these skills whilst they are recruiting through technical interviews, case studies, or client scenario exercises.

Having said that, being a technically proficient lawyer isn’t enough to make you stand out from the crowd.

Here is what truly sets candidates apart:

●       Time Management & Time Recording

Efficiency and productivity hinge on your ability to accurately track and manage your time. Many lawyers hesitate to record time that isn’t directly client-related, but firms often see it differently. Understanding a firm’s time recording philosophy will help you maximise efficiency and profitability.

●       Client Relationship Management & Business Development

As you progress in your career, firms expect you to nurture relationships and generate business. A happy client is a returning client, and lawyers who proactively engage with clients beyond transactions—providing holistic, strategic advice—become indispensable. Developing a pipeline of work makes you more valuable in the market, increasing your earning potential and career mobility.

●       Leadership & Communication

Leadership and communication skills are essential for lawyers at every stage of their career. Effective leadership ensures that legal teams function efficiently, while strong communication skills enable lawyers to convey complex legal issues clearly to clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. Whether presenting legal arguments, negotiating deals, or mentoring junior lawyers, the ability to lead and articulate ideas persuasively is crucial. These skills also foster trust and credibility, making clients more likely to return and refer others.

A cautionary word to the wise:

Some firms have historically struggled to retain talent and have resorted to premature promotions to keep staff engaged. A word of warning that without the skills to match the title, lawyers can find themselves set up to fail when they go on to make a career move. If you’re stepping into a senior associate role, ensure you fully understand the expectations and develop the leadership and business acumen to succeed. Firms should consider investing in career development opportunities for lawyers they are considering promoting, as this will give them the skills they need to operate at a higher level.

In-House Counsel

For those moving in-house, technical expertise alone won’t cut it. Businesses want legal leaders who can navigate complex regulatory landscapes while contributing to strategic decision-making. They often want you to be a business leader first and a highly competent lawyer second.

Here’s what corporate employers are looking for:

●       Leadership & Stakeholder Management

Senior Legal Counsels and General Counsels need to think like business leaders. This means not only managing legal teams but also engaging with internal and external stakeholders to align legal strategies with broader business objectives.

●       Strategic Influence

Understanding the industry landscape, regulatory environment, and relevant economic trends is a highly sought after skill. For example, lawyers in infrastructure-heavy organisations must grasp challenges related to construction sector compliance, industrial relations, unions, and supply chain disruptions. The ability to provide strategic legal solutions tailored to these complexities is highly valued.

●       Adaptability & Decision-Making

In-house lawyers often operate across multiple legal areas—from compliance to procurement to workplace relations and more! They also must navigate any ‘grey areas’ of law, balancing legal risk with commercial realities. We are finding that lawyers are increasingly needing the skills to consider ethical considerations and to enable decision-making in situations where precedents or even legislation does not yet exist.

Skill Shortages & Emerging Legal Specialisations

Queensland is experiencing a talent shortage in several key legal areas, creating amazing opportunities for lawyers who want to future-proof their careers.

High-Demand Areas:

●       Construction & Projects Law

This is a continuing area of growth, particularly given Queensland’s infrastructure boom.

●       Workplace & Employment Law

Consistent demand as businesses navigate changing workplace regulations.

●       Native Title & Cultural Heritage Law

Urban expansion and renewable energy projects are driving demand for specialists in this niche area.

●       Renewable Energy Law

As sustainability initiatives grow, so does the need for legal expertise in this space.

Emerging Areas:\

●       Cybersecurity, AI & Privacy Law

As businesses become more data-driven, these fields are rapidly expanding.

●       Technology, Medical & Health Law

Regulatory and ethical considerations in these industries continue to evolve, creating new legal challenges.

Bridging the Skills Gap

One of the biggest gaps in the market right now is at the senior associate, special counsel, and partner levels, particularly when it comes to business development skills. Many lawyers still don’t fully grasp that their role involves more than just servicing clients—they need to build, nurture and maintain long term client relationships that are portable and can follow them throughout their careers.

Confidence and commercial maturity are key. Lawyers who push past imposter syndrome and trust in their ability to build a practice will stand out. If you’re looking to position yourself for long-term success, focus on building strong client relationships, developing strategic business acumen, and staying ahead of emerging legal trends in your area of industry specialisation so that you can add value to your clients and organisation.

—---------------

The legal profession in Queensland continues to evolve, and lawyers who want to stay ahead must continuously refine and build on their technical, business, and leadership skills. Whether you’re in private practice or considering a move in-house, developing the right mix of expertise, commercial awareness, and relationship management will set you apart in this competitive market.

If you’re thinking about your next career move in 2025 and want to position yourself as a top candidate, then take a moment to define your ideal role. What does it look like? Who are you working for? What type of role puts a spring in your step? Our easy-to-use Legal Career Opportunity find will help you articulate exactly what you are looking for.

At Alex Correa Executive we are committed to helping you define your ideal, whether that be your next step or negotiating your next salary review. With a personalised recruitment approach and extensive networks in the legal industry across Australia, we empower you to consider what your ideal looks like. The legal market is full of opportunities—you just need the right strategy to make the most of them.