Perth

Facts
With a population of nearly 1.5 million, Perth is the fourth most populated urban area in Australia. It is also the fastest growing major city in Australia, with an estimate growth rate of 2.1% (2006). This growth is primarily due to the booming Western Australian economy which is largely driven by demand for the region's mining resources from China and other Asian countries.

Perth’s nearest neighbouring city with a population of over 1 million is Adelaide, the capital of South Australia.

Lifestyle
Perth is renowned for its excellent beaches and relaxed outdoor lifestyle.  The locals enjoy a vast array of activities including swimming, surfing,  camping, canoeing, bushwalking and sailing. Another popular local attraction is Rottnest Island or “Rotto” as the locals call it.  Apart from being the indigenous home of the Quakka, the Island is only a 40 minute ferry ride from Perth and is a haven for divers, surfers and day-trippers; however, Rottnest is also a very popular holiday destination

Perth has a thriving social culture which is fuelled by a vibrant range of restaurants, cafes, shopping, nightlife and entertainment venues.  The locals are also keen supporters of AFL, rugby union, soccer and basketball to name a few.  

Western Australia is blessed with some of the best wine regions in Australia.  Margaret River is well-known around the world for its high quality wines, however, the Swan Valley, once a well kept secret, now boasts a growing number of outstanding restaurants and vineyards all within 30 minutes drive from Perth.  The Swan Valley also plays hosts to a range of entertainment and festivities throughout the year including the very popular “Spring in the Valley” food and wine weekend, “Shiraz & Seafood long lunch weekend” plus a range of outdoor concerts at various vineyards.

Perth enjoys a wonderful temperate climate with average temperatures ranging between 17 degrees in the winter months through to high 30’s in the height of summer.  Due to the low rainfall in the summer months, Perth is fortunate to be able to host a variety of outdoor activities and entertainment, such as, ballet under the stars, concerts in Kings Park and the Zoo plus a variety of outdoor cinema venues.     

The Legal Market

Private Practice
The Perth legal market is recognised as a competitive market by the other leading Australian cities.  Average salaries have been climbing for the last few years and are now amongst the most competitive in the country.  In addition to salary, the Perth legal market also offers outstanding quality and stimulating work across a number of legal sectors, particularly energy and resources, flavoured corporate advisory and general commercial work.  The quality of the energy and resources work continues to attract lawyers from overseas and with a strong economic forecast for WA this should continue to be a high demand area for sometime. 

The majority of Australia’s leading firms have significant offices in Perth, however, there are also a number of established independent local firms which have excellent reputations and also offer stimulating and quality work. 

In addition to the quality “local” work, many Perth firms are also enjoying an increasing flow of significant “international” work from a number countries including:  China, Asia, UAE, Europe, South Africa, South America etc. 

To discuss opportunities, or for more general advice about the Perth legal market, please contact one of Perth consultants or email perth@hughescastell.com