Australian Law Firms Embrace Team-Based Partner Hires to Strengthen Competitive Edge

In the evolving landscape of Australian legal recruitment, law firms are increasingly opting to bring on board teams of partners rather than individuals. According to data collected by the recruitment firm Major Lindsey & Africa, out of 193 lateral partner moves among the top 50 commercial law firms in Australia in 2024, there were 22 instances where teams consisting of two or more partners made the transition together. The firm’s Sydney-based managing director of the partner practice group, Tom Stretton, notes that this trend underscores a mutual advantage, providing a sense of security both to the teams making the move and to the firms hiring them. Such strategic moves are aimed at ensuring that these partners bring their ongoing relationships and clientele along, enhancing the competitive edge of the hiring firm. There’s safety in numbers for both the firms and the partners.