Australia In-house Legal Salary Guide 2024-2025

The past 12 months have presented significant challenges for many Australian and global companies as both the employer and employee navigated high inflation rates and a rising cost of living. The rate of hiring in-house legal talent has slowed, as companies become more cost-conscious enhancing the now age-old adage of a more-for-less focus, and the corresponding hesitation to invest in additional legal headcount. However, the shifting regulatory environment, advancements in AI and data technologies, and the growing expectation for legal teams to contribute strategically to business success all highlight the ongoing demand for top talent and the continued challenges in attracting and retaining key lawyers with regard to compensation and benefits.

The talent war was more evenly balanced than in previous years, good lawyers received strong offers, but salaries well exceeding market rates or internal benchmarking were very rare.

Taylor Root’s in-house salary guide provides the legal industry in Australia with a comprehensive analysis benchmarking junior counsel, legal counsel, senior counsel, and general counsel salaries, bonuses and long-term incentives.

What’s included in the report?

The 2023 Taylor Root salary guide has been compiled by our team of legal consultants, with the assistance of our valued candidates and clients, and contains valuable insights into the legal landscape across Australia.

Whether you are an experienced General Counsel looking to benchmark your salary, or a junior lawyer considering your first in-house role, we hope you find the information contained in our salary guide useful. If you require bespoke salary advice or benchmarking for you or your team, please get in touch with one of our specialised in-house legal Taylor Root consultants.

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