Labour market data is painting a clear picture of how Australia’s legal profession is evolving, and what that means for both lawyers considering their next career step and for firms looking to hire.
According to the ABS Labour Force, Australia (August 2025), the national unemployment rate nudged up slightly to 4.3%, with participation steady at 66.9%. Employment overall rose to 14.6 million people. While the ABS data doesn’t break down the legal profession in its headline release, the broader labour force numbers signal a market that’s holding steady: still tight, but with just enough movement to create opportunities for both candidates and employers.
For a closer look at the legal profession itself, Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) provides some telling numbers. Their occupational profile for solicitors (ANZSCO 2713) shows around 99,500 solicitors employed nationwide, with employment growth averaging about 3,600 new positions each year. The profile highlights that around 61% of solicitors are female, with a median age of 37 and median weekly earnings of about $1,828. Interestingly, about 13% of solicitors work part-time, pointing to the growing importance of flexible work options in the legal space.
The 2024 National Profile of Solicitors adds even more detail (even though the data is a little dated). Compiled by Urbis for the Law Society of NSW, the profile shows there were 97,500 practising solicitors in Australia in 2024 – up 47% since 2014. Private practice remains dominant, employing 64% of solicitors, while the proportion of solicitors in rural or regional areas has slipped from 12.5% a decade ago to just 8.8%. The gender balance has tipped further, with 56% of solicitors now female, compared to 44% male.
So, what does this all mean?
For candidates, it’s clear that the legal profession continues to expand, with steady demand across private practice and in-house roles. If you’re considering your next move, the data suggests that opportunities are abundant, particularly if you’re open to flexible work or relocation.
For clients, the growth trajectory and the demographic trends point to both opportunities and challenges. The profession is attracting and retaining more women, but regional coverage is thinning, which could make it harder to secure talent outside metro areas. With median earnings sitting around $1,828 a week, competitive salaries are important, but so too is culture, career progression, and flexibility if you want to attract and keep the best people.
If these numbers have you thinking about your next career move (or how to strengthen your team) get in touch with Elias Recruitment. We’re here to connect great lawyers with the right opportunities, and to help firms find the talent they need in a changing market.
Jason Elias