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).

Find the job you love I Find the right talent
Get in touch with people2people

Australia   I   United Kingdom

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.



Share insights

Recent articles

By Liz Punshon September 11, 2025
Brooke Lord and Guy Davy join Liz Punshon to explore how Australia’s job market is recalibrating in 2025. They discuss internal mobility, AI integration, and the critical importance of adaptability in a market moving from volume to value.
By Kalinda Campbell September 9, 2025
Kalinda Campbell leads a deep dive into the legal landscape with Damian Gordon and Emma Elliott. They unpack how law firms are using flexibility, leadership development, and tech adoption to retain talent and future-proof their practices across Australia and New Zealand.
By Bianca Luck September 4, 2025
Leanne Allen and Chris Yam join Bianca Luck to explore the future of finance in 2025. They examine how teams are balancing stability with innovation, why upskilling beats offshoring, and how finance professionals are being asked to become both analysts and storytellers.
By Aiden Boast September 2, 2025
Nicole Clarke and Karl Sullivan join Aiden Boast to explore the future of marketing in 2025. From AI and predictive analytics to immersive tech and human storytelling, they unpack what it takes to build a modern, high-performing marketing team across Australia and New Zealand.
By Leanne Lazarus August 28, 2025
Leanne Lazarus is joined by Adeline Rooney and Samantha McCall to explore how HR teams across Australia and New Zealand are embracing personalisation, AI, and employee-centred strategies. From microlearning to remote workforce tools, they unpack what’s redefining success in 2025.

Latest Media Features


Get in touch

Find out more by contacting one of our specialisat recruitment consultants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Contact us