The September 2025 issue of Major, Lindsey & Africa‘s Asia Pacific Legal Market Summary highlights several regional hiring trends and partner moves across key jurisdictions. Below are the major takeaways for the Asia-Pacific legal sector.
Regional Hiring & Market Trends
Hong Kong
Recruitment is robust across all levels, driven by strong deal flow and demand in IPOs, corporate M&A, funds, and finance. PRC firms are aggressively hiring in Hong Kong, heightening competition, particularly for candidates who are fluent in Mandarin, have international training experience, and possess drafting experience. Recent re-entry of U.S. firms into Hong Kong signals renewed confidence in the locale as a growth hub.
China (Beijing / Shanghai)
Hiring remains steady. Growth is seen in capital markets, arbitration, and investigations, with firms open to relocating talent from Hong Kong and Singapore. Demand is strongest for mid-level lawyers with Mandarin fluency and international exposure, especially in FCPA investigations and litigation. Chinese firms are also expanding beyond China into Asia and the Middle East, pushing for a globally capable bench.
Singapore
Activity continues across various areas, including funds, M&A, disputes, and finance. Hiring is disciplined: firms seek Singapore-qualified lawyers, particularly those in mid-career, with senior-level moves being more selective.
Interim legal roles are on the rise, particularly in financial services, fintech, energy, and regulatory sectors. These are typically designed for 3–8 PQE lawyers, focusing on managing projects and regulatory change in a cost-sensitive environment.
South Korea
The legal market is stable but cautious. International firms are essentially maintaining their positions, though two have recently opened corporate roles, a rare opening for foreign-qualified entrants.
Korean conglomerates’ business strategies and bilateral trade friction (e.g., U.S.–Korea tariff issues) add uncertainty, but select opportunities may arise.
Japan
Tokyo remains fairly active ahead of year-end. Private equity investment continues to drive demand for bengoshi associates in corporate and finance.
Foreign-qualified lawyers are being considered mainly for M&A and capital markets roles. Hiring is selective, with an emphasis on candidates from top international firms who possess strong language skills and relevant experience.
Australia
The Australian legal market is in good health, especially since the new financial year began. Demand is strongest for associates and senior associates with public M&A, IPO and capital-raising experience. Private M&A, private equity, banking & finance, regulatory, real estate, energy & infrastructure, and commercial litigation are also active areas. Sydney leads the job market, followed closely by Melbourne and Brisbane.
Follow the link to review the article and partner moves across the jurisdictions.
Ashish Raivadera
Ashish Raivadera is a Managing Director in the Partner Practice Group of legal recruiting firm Major, Lindsey & Africa. Based in Singapore, Ash helps partners, partner groups and law firms navigate the delicate process of lateral hiring.
Related
