How to Attract Top Performing Legal Assistants in Perth

Kim Padmore • January 30, 2019

When our Legal candidates come and register with people2people for a new career opportunity, there are a few common themes amongst Legal Assistants and what their pull factors are.

The role of the Legal Secretary has evolved a lot, most firms have even changed the job title. More commonly the role is now a “Legal Assistant” a “Legal EA” or in many global firms a “Practice Assistants” to highlight the broader focus that the position now includes. Whilst the role title varies, for most firms the duties of the role are very similar.

Candidates now look for more than just what’s involved in the day to day responsibilities. It’s important to highlight all the things that your law firm offers outside of just the position description.

Some of these things might sound small or it’s assumed that all firms offer the same, but not all firms are made equal!

Talk about all your selling points; things like do you offer ongoing training? Opportunities for career progression or promotion? Fresh fruit in the office? Biscuits in the kitchen? Casual dress days? Friday night drinks? Gym/health discounts? Christmas bonuses? Social events? Flexible working? Birthdays off? Ice creams in summer? Morning teas? Trips away? Modern technology or things that will aid the potential candidate to do their job? Not all candidates want to work in the Perth CBD, some Legal Assistants would prefer to work closer to home. Do you offer parking? Are you close to public transport?

All these things can really make a difference, especially if a candidate has more than one offer on the table (and high calibre Legal Support candidates often do).

It’s also important to know the most common push factors and why people actually leave in the first place. Majority of the time employees leave due to lack of career progression/their role becoming stagnant, lack of communication from fee earners and not feeling respected or appreciated.

If you want to find out what other law firms are offering in terms of salary or employee benefits in the PERTH market give me a call today, obligation free!

people2people is specialised in accounting, admin and secretarial, customer service, executive, legal support, human resources, marketing and communications, property, sales, supply chain and operations. If you are looking for temporary, contract or permanent staff in Perth, in Australia or in New Zealand, contact us on 1300 121 727 (AU) or 0800 727 968 (NZ).


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In business since 2002 in Australia, NZ, and the United Kingdom, people2people is an award-winning recruitment agency with people at our heart. With over 12 offices, we specialise in accounting and finance, business support, education, executive, government, HR, legal, marketing and digital, property, sales, supply chain, and technology sectors. As the proud recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Large Agency and Excellence in Candidate Care Awards, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through a people-first approach.


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