2022 ALPMA Australian Legal Industry HR Issues & Salary Survey

Wage growth in the legal industry accelerated, outstripping the national average

Employment in the legal industry bounces back strongly after COVID-19

64% expect to increase staff over the next 12 months

Attracting, developing and retaining quality staff are the key challenges of 2022

Use of financial bonuses increases, and incentives more common than ever before, although firms still pay bonuses selectively

Only 38% make bonus payments available to all staff (down from 47%)

Increase in benefits focused on flexibility and improving mental wellbeing

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.

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.