By Annie Dang

Legal recruiters say Singapore is currently in need of talented banking lawyers.  And due to the current shortage of skilled and experienced candidates in specialty areas such as banking, demand for Australian and international lawyers wanting to move to Singapore is strong, said Jasmine Sim, a legal consultant for recruiter Robert Walters.

“In the banking industry where specific knowledge of certain products is required, [Australian and international] lawyers are often a good option for the global banks,” Sim said. “There is no requirement for them to be locally qualified. Due to the fact that many banks are moving their structured product businesses into the region, lawyers with good international exposure are ideal.”

According to Sim, Singapore’s current shortage of skilled banking lawyers underpins continued job opportunities for Australian lawyers. This is despite the fall in demand for international lawyers seen across the board last year. The city’s location and quality of life, as well as Asia’s excellent economic performance, are other major reasons why Australian and international lawyers may be attracted to working across this market, Sim said.