Returning to New Zealand or Australia for Your Legal Career After a Fun Summer
The northern hemisphere summer is winding down. For many, it has been a time of holidays, long days in the sun, and catching up with family and friends. As the school term begins and the office routine resumes, the “back-to-work” reality sets in. For New Zealand and Australian qualified lawyers working overseas, it often sparks a bigger question: should you stay, or is it time to think about returning to New Zealand or Australia for your legal career?
From Summer Fun to Career Reflection
After months of relaxation, many lawyers start reflecting on their careers. The contrast between the northern hemisphere’s structured autumn and the NZ/Aus summer mindset creates space to consider next steps. Some explore promotions or new roles overseas. Others begin weighing up the benefits of returning to New Zealand or Australia for their legal career, where warmer months are starting and the legal market is active.
The Recruitment Push in the Northern Hemisphere
September also marks the start of the legal recruitment run through to Christmas. Law firms ramp up hiring for new projects and year-end demands. For NZ and Australian qualified lawyers, this is the prime time to explore opportunities. However, it also forces a decision: continue overseas, or leverage international experience back home.
Moving Back to NZ or Australia
For those considering relocation, the timing could not be better. Firms in Australia and New Zealand actively value lawyers who return with global experience. Because the southern hemisphere summer is approaching, moving home now allows you to settle in and hit the ground running for the new calendar year, often in more senior or specialised roles.
Balancing Career and Life Goals
The back-to-work period is not just about deadlines; it is about perspective. Lawyers returning from a fun summer often ask themselves:
- Where do I want to be in the next 2–5 years?
- Is my career growth better served overseas, or by returning to New Zealand or Australia for my legal career?
- How do my family and lifestyle goals influence this decision?
By taking stock now, you can make strategic moves that balance professional ambition with personal priorities. Therefore, whether you stay overseas, seek a new role, or relocate internationally, your decision will be intentional.
In Conclusion
The end of summer is a natural time for reflection. For NZ and Australian qualified lawyers overseas, it is also the moment to evaluate career and life plans. Are you ready to embrace the next challenge where you are, or is it time to head home and start the year with a fresh legal adventure?
If you are considering returning to New Zealand or Australia for your legal career and would like a confidential chat about your next steps, I would be happy to support you, just as I have with many others.
For those interested in the Australian legal jobs market, we have partnered with the longest-standing and largest legal recruitment firm in Australia. They have access to every law firm and opportunity that matches your goals.
Most recruiters based in Australia or New Zealand can only offer a limited view of the market because their networks are smaller and their relationships are newer. In contrast, our partnership provides full access to the breadth of the Australian legal market.
Why Work With Us?
- We bring 10+ years of experience in the legal field.
- We have job opportunities in New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and Ireland, and connect you with highly experienced legal recruiters on the ground in each location.
- Most of our placements are not advertised. We offer tailored career advice and manage your job search from end to end.
Salary Guide:
Whether you’re benchmarking, or exploring your next career move, the Tyler Wren Legal Salary and Benefits Guide gives you the data and insights you need to make confident decisions.
Click here to download your free copy https://tylerwren.co.nz/salary-guide/
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