Adelaide's legal market?

[rk25]

Hi all

Long time reader, very few times poster and all of that. It's actually the first time I've even been on the General Discussion board. Have been living in Melbourne for the past few years and use this site as a way to keep up to date with local footy scores and news, and occasionally the SA Politics board.

Anyway, I'm hoping there are a few lawyers on this site who might have some info on the legal market in Adelaide. I came to Melbourne straight out of uni so I never really got a hold of all the info and gossip from SA legal circles. My wife and I are thinking of perhaps coming back in 1-2 years time and there's precious little information out there. I actually have a couple of relatives in Adelaide firms, but really don't want to ask them for info for fear that we'll set off the families and get them too excited (or scared) while we make up our minds - we don't need that pressure. Similarly, I don't want to ask for any info from a recruiter who will just p*ss in my pocket to make a quick buck.

Anyway, I'm generally after the market salaries for the top firms in the city - Minters, Finlaysons, JWS, Kelly & Co, Piper Alderman, Thomsons, Cowell Clarke, etc. I'm at one of the better known national firms in Melbourne and know I'll have to take a pay cut to come back, but want to get some sort of idea as to how much. That will let us make a decision about whether it's worth it when cost of living (ie property) is taken into account.

So, legal eagles, give me your best guess. Happy to hear what associates, senior associates, salary partners and/or equity partners can expect in the City of Churches... for those who really are in the know, I'm a transactional lawyer rather than a litigator, but more than happy to take general figures!!!

Not expecting much, but here's hoping...

[Squawk]

Hi - I think it's a difficult question in many respects as it very much depends on your area of expertise. I hear you re 'transactional', but that is very broad! Salaries also relate to experience - not just in terms of years, but what you have done in that time.

I understand Phillips Fox is a very good employer - wasn't one on your list?

Another option would be to try and get into the Crown's Commercial section. The Crown is a good place to have on your resume in many respects as the work is unique and varied, and there is a lot more diversity than in a private firm. You needn't been an advocate in there - you can simply do 'desk'work.

You could also try and PM "SimonH" - he may have a better idea about the Adelaide market but he has been interstate himself.

[Footy Chick]

Where's good ol' Shrek when you need him..

[rk25]

Hi - I think it's a difficult question in many respects as it very much depends on your area of expertise. I hear you re 'transactional', but that is very broad! Salaries also relate to experience - not just in terms of years, but what you have done in that time.

I understand Phillips Fox is a very good employer - wasn't one on your list?

Another option would be to try and get into the Crown's Commercial section. The Crown is a good place to have on your resume in many respects as the work is unique and varied, and there is a lot more diversity than in a private firm. You needn't been an advocate in there - you can simply do 'desk'work.

You could also try and PM "SimonH" - he may have a better idea about the Adelaide market but he has been interstate himself.

Squawk, thanks for the response. I hear exactly what you're saying regarding experience and practice area. I purposely avoided going into that too much, given I was really just expecting a couple of vague replies and didn't want to complicate things.

Phillips Fox don't exist anymore. Nationally they have merged with an international firm and are now DLA Piper and the Adelaide office is no longer part of that group. They've merged with another local firm and are now called Fox Tucker. In any event, although I have a reason for them not being in my list of firms (nothing to do with the people or quality of work, more to do with my skill set and experience), I'd still be interested about salary ranges at any other large commercial firm in Adelaide, including FT!

Likewise, the Crown Solicitor is not for me. My experience is that, at least in the area I practice in, a good portion of relevant work is given to large private firms.

If it assists (keeping in mind, especially for other posters, that I don't want to confuse the matter too much), I am a 5-6 year pqe Senior Associate at a "top-tier" firm working in Projects, Infrastructure and Resources - ie drafting contracts to develop mining projects, roads, railways, hospitals, stadiums, etc.

Having said that, if anyone knows what a commercial litigator at a 4 year level (as an example only) is roughly earning, I can do the necessary adjustments from there to hazard a good guess.

[Psyber]

I'm not a lawyer but a medico, but I mix in legal circles more than medical ones because I did a fair bit of medico-legal consulting.
I've forwarded your enquiry to a few senior lawyers I know well and see regularly in Adelaide and asked if they can put me on to someone who can help you with the information.

If they come up with anything I'll PM it to you.

[rk25]

Many thanks Psyber. Much appreciated.

[Psyber]

Reply from one source so far - PM sent.

[overloaded]

Can anyone tell me what the charge 'Grossly indecent act' entales. My mate is up on it and wont tell me what it is for?

[Q.]

Can anyone tell me what the charge 'Grossly indecent act' entales. My mate is up on it and wont tell me what it is for?

"Your mate"...sure thing buddy.

[rk25]

Can anyone tell me what the charge 'Grossly indecent act' entales. My mate is up on it and wont tell me what it is for?

Not my area at all but have cut and pasted from the legislation and PM'd you.

[BIG SEXY]

sounds like something id do after a bottle og bundy...windmill, wristwatch, baby bird etc!

[Lightning McQueen]

Can anyone tell me what the charge 'Grossly indecent act' entales. My mate is up on it and wont tell me what it is for?

"Your mate"...sure thing buddy.

LOL.

[oldfella]

http://www.lawhandbook.sa.gov.au/ch10s06s06s02.php