27 August 2024
The 2024 ALPMA Summit + ALTACON, 11-13 September, went off with a 🎆 bang! 🎆 Check out the photos, research and 2025 dates.
The 2024 ALPMA Summit + ALTACON, 11-13 September, went off with a 🎆 bang! 🎆 Check out the photos, research and 2025 dates.
Location
Australia
Report released on
26 April 2022
The 2022 Australian ALPMA HR Issues & Salary Survey was conducted through early 2022, for release in April 2022.
In 2022, 280 law firms (representing 9,045 staff) participated in our Australian survey making it the most comprehensive, independent HR and remuneration study (including actual salaries paid) within the legal industry.
This 100+ page report includes detailed information on:
Wage growth in the legal industry accelerated, outstripping the national average |
2021 Legal Industry Salaries: Up 5.1% 3.2% for solicitors & lawyers. 4.4% for paralegals & law clerks.Beating 2021 annualised national wage inflation of 2.3% |
Employment in the legal industry bounces back strongly after COVID-19 |
41% of participating firms reported employment growth in 2021
64% expect to increase staff over the next 12 months |
Attracting, developing and retaining quality staff are the key challenges of 2022 |
With staff turnover rates returning to pre-pandemic levels (21% in 2021), recruitment is the area that HR professionals anticipate spending most of their resources in 2022. |
Use of financial bonuses increases, and incentives more common than ever before, although firms still pay bonuses selectively |
86% of firms stated they offered some form of bonus, benefit or incentive to their employees in addition to their salary (up from 79%)
Only 38% make bonus payments available to all staff (down from 47%) |
Increase in benefits focused on flexibility and improving mental wellbeing |
93% of participating firms continue to allow their employees to work from home in 2022
More firms are providing benefits that encourage a better work-life balance (such as wellbeing programs and leave entitlements) |
Despite focus on gender equality in diversity and inclusion programs, little is being done to address the perceived gender pay gap in the industry. |
Only 6% of respondents believe there is a gender pay gap within their own firm - down from 9% in 2021
Of the 25% of firms who conducted a gender pay gap analysis in 2021, only 68% reported that there was no gender pay gap at their firm – down from 74% in 2021. |
The discussion of the findings of the survey were conducted at the 2022 HR Day Workshop – Refocus, Re-engage & Retain, available via ALPMA's On-Demand Learning Centre.
If you have any questions about the research or need assistance, please contact our research team.