A Young Lawyer's Guide to Legal Practice Specialisations in Australia

In this article we provide an overview of practice areas in Australia for young lawyers looking to explore areas of specialisation. Read on to discover which areas are often in demand and why you might consider them for your future legal career. 

As an expert legal industry recruiter, with more than 50 years serving the industry, we have witnessed firsthand the shifting landscape of legal careers in Australia. The Lawyers we meet with on a daily basis are constantly looking to evolve, challenge themselves, and find the right fit where their expertise aligns with demand. 

Particularly for young lawyers, understanding the various practice areas and opportunities for specialisation can be essential in positioning yourself for career advancement. This guide explores key legal practice areas, offering insight into trends, future opportunities and discussion around why you might consider it. 

A note to readers: we have focused on the areas of law we recruit for, as this is where our expertise lies.

1. Corporate and Commercial Law

Corporate and commercial law remains a cornerstone of the Australian legal industry. As businesses navigate regulatory complexities, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance issues, the demand for skilled corporate lawyers continues to grow. This area is ideal for young lawyers starting their career who enjoy problem-solving, negotiating deals, and advising businesses on critical legal issues.

This area of specialisation is particularly suitable for those wanting to eventually transition out of private practice and into corporate counsel roles. 

Why Consider Corporate and Commercial Law?

• There is ongoing high demand particularly in metropolitan areas like Melbourne.
• Corporate and Commercial Law provides the opportunity to work with multinational corporations and high-growth industries both here and overseas.
• Career paths can range from mid and top tier law firms to in-house corporate roles, offering diverse opportunities.

2. Employment and Industrial Relations Law

With Australia's evolving workplace and industrial laws and the current government focus on employee rights, employment law can be an increasingly dynamic practice area. Young lawyers looking for opportunities in this field should be prepared to advise on workplace disputes, Fair Work compliance, and enterprise bargaining. Lawyers with this expertise are often sought out for advice by businesses large and small.

Why Consider Employment and Industrial Law?

• Growing demand across industries as businesses navigate changes in legislation- particularly the new changes to the Fair Work Act as part of the new ‘Closing Loopholes’ laws.
• There is an opportunity to specialise in niche areas like workplace discrimination or employee benefits.
• Roles in Employment and Industrial Law can span from private practice to advisory roles in government or corporate sectors.

3. Family Law

Family law in Australia covers a wide spectrum, including divorce, child custody, and property settlements. Lawyers in this field often deal with emotionally charged cases, requiring both legal skills and high levels of empathy.

Why Consider Family Law?

• Post Covid there is significant demand for these skills, particularly in family-focused legal firms and suburban practices.
• This area of practice gives a young lawyer the opportunity to make a significant and value adding impact in the lives of individuals and families.
• Lawyers who thrive in mediation and negotiations may find family law a fulfilling career specialisation area.

4. Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Litigation and dispute resolution are central to the legal profession and this specialisation often involves navigating court appearances or liaising with barristers, as well as arbitrations and mediations. 

These days many businesses and individuals seek to avoid lengthy court battles due to the cost and investment of time required. We have seen an increased demand for alternative dispute resolution specialists over time.

Why Consider Litigation and Dispute Resolution?

• Litigation offers a challenging, high-paced environment for those who enjoy courtroom advocacy.
• Increasing need for specialists in arbitration and mediation, reflecting a shift toward alternative dispute resolution methods.
• Litigation and Dispute Resolution offers broad opportunities across private practice, government, and corporate roles.

5. Property and Construction Law

As Australia continues to experience growth in cities, urban development and significant infrastructure projects, property and construction law remains a vital and evolving practice area. Young Lawyers looking to specialise in this field should be prepared to advise on issues such as property transactions, development approvals, and construction disputes.

Why Consider Property and Construction Law?

• Significant demand in metropolitan areas such as Melbourne.
• Opportunities to work with developers, contractors, and government agencies.
• Property law provides an avenue for those interested in both legal practice and the real estate or construction industries.

6. Intellectual Property (IP) Law

As the digital age transforms industries, intellectual property law has become a sought-after practice area here in Australia. IP lawyers work with businesses to protect trademarks, patents, copyrights, and other intellectual property rights.

Why Consider Intellectual Property Law?

• Rapid growth driven by innovation in technology, media, and sciences.
• IP lawyers are in high demand by tech companies, startups, and creative industries.
• Opportunities to work at the intersection of law and technology, making IP Law ideal for those with a passion for innovation.

7. Environmental and Planning Law

Environmental law appeals to many young lawyers. As businesses slowly increase their focus on sustainability, and mandatory corporate reporting evolves, environmental law has accordingly gained importance in Australia. Lawyers in this area advise on regulations surrounding environmental protection, land use, and planning disputes, ensuring compliance with Australia's complex environmental framework.

Why Consider Environmental and Planning Law?

• Growing demand due to climate change policies and urban development regulations.
• Opportunities to work with government bodies, non-profits, and large corporations.
• Environmental and Planning Law is ideal for those passionate about environmental issues and sustainability.

8. Taxation Law

Taxation law involves advising individuals and businesses on matters of tax compliance, planning, and disputes with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Given the complexity of Australia's tax regime, tax lawyers are often in high demand, particularly as businesses seek to optimise their tax strategies.

Why Consider Taxation Law?

• High demand in both private practice and corporate roles, particularly in large accounting firms and multinational corporations.
• There are opportunities to specialise in areas like international tax, GST, or superannuation law.
• Taxation Law is ideal for those with a detail-oriented approach and an interest in finance.

9. Healthcare, Personal Injury and Medical Law

Healthcare and medical law cover a range of areas, including medical malpractice, healthcare regulation, and public health policy. With Australia’s aging population and the ongoing challenges posed by the healthcare system, this area is continuing to grow. 

Why Consider Healthcare, Personal Injury and Medical Law?

• Increasing demand due to the complexities of healthcare law and the growing focus on medical litigation.
• Opportunity to work in regulatory roles, advising hospitals, healthcare providers, or medical research institutions.
• Lawyers interested in healthcare reform or patient advocacy may find this field particularly rewarding.

Charting Your Next Move

When you are starting out in your legal career and deciding where you should focus your talents, often the key to thriving in Australia’s legal market is adaptability. Our team of experienced legal industry recruiters often advise lawyers to assess not only their skills but also their areas of interest and even their passions.

Identifying a practice area that aligns with both your strengths and the market’s demand can be the stepping stone to a fulfilling and long-lasting career.



If you're considering making a change, now is the perfect time to explore your options and position yourself in a high-demand practice area. Legal specialisation can open doors to new challenges, greater career satisfaction, and, ultimately, professional success.

Should you like a confidential discussion about your next legal industry career opportunity please get in touch at [email protected]. We are specialists and recruit Lawyers, Support staff and HR professionals in Melbourne, Australia.