Top 10 Australian Law Firms Hiring Indian Lawyers in 2025: Opportunities for Legal Talent from India

Introduction: Bridging Legal Expertise Across Continents

The Australia-India relationship has never been stronger, fueled by booming trade volumes exceeding AUD 30 billion annually, strategic partnerships in critical minerals, and collaborative ventures in renewable energy and digital innovation. As Australian businesses deepen their footprints in India—and vice versa—the demand for lawyers with dual cultural and legal acumen has skyrocketed. Indian lawyers, armed with knowledge of common law systems, regulatory nuances, and emerging markets, are increasingly sought after by Australia’s elite law firms. These professionals not only bring specialized India-facing expertise but also enhance diversity, fostering innovative problem-solving in cross-border deals.

In 2025, amid post-pandemic recovery and geopolitical shifts, top Australian firms are ramping up recruitment of Indian talent, offering roles in M&A, dispute resolution, intellectual property, and corporate advisory. Whether you’re a qualified advocate from Delhi or a Mumbai-based corporate specialist eyeing global mobility, this article spotlights the top 10 firms leading the charge. Drawing from recent hires, practice expansions, and diversity initiatives, we’ll delve into each firm’s legacy, core strengths, and why they’re prime destinations for Indian legal minds. This isn’t just about jobs—it’s about building bridges in a dynamic legal landscape.

1. Ashurst: Pioneers in India-Focused Cross-Border Deals

Founded in 1822 as one of London’s oldest firms, Ashurst has evolved into a global powerhouse with a strong Australian presence across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Boasting over 3,000 lawyers worldwide, the firm excels in energy, infrastructure, and financial services, advising on multibillion-dollar transactions like the AUD 16 billion acquisition of a major Australian port by an Indian conglomerate. What sets Ashurst apart for Indian lawyers is its dedicated India practice, established in 1994—one of the earliest by any international firm—focusing on inbound and outbound investments, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution tailored to India’s evolving FDI landscape.

Ashurst’s commitment to Indian talent shines through high-profile hires, such as the 2024 appointment of Kalpana Unadkat and Shishir Mehta as Co-Heads of the India practice. Both former partners at top Indian firms like Khaitan & Co, they lead a team navigating complex deals in data centers, renewables, and private equity, leveraging India’s digital boom. Mehta, in particular, represents international clients on financing and M&A involving Indian entities, drawing on his deep-rooted expertise in cross-border matters. The firm actively recruits dual-qualified lawyers (India and Australia/UK) via its global mobility programs, offering visa sponsorship and cultural integration support. For Indian applicants, Ashurst’s emphasis on sectoral opportunities—like advising on India’s USD 1 trillion infrastructure push—makes it a launchpad for senior roles, with recent openings in Sydney for India-specialist associates.

2. King & Wood Mallesons (KWM): Asia-Pacific Powerhouse Embracing Tri-Qualified Experts

A merger of Australian icon Mallesons Stephen Jaques and China’s King & Wood in 2012, KWM operates as a truly integrated firm with 2,700 lawyers across 30 offices, including key Australian hubs in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. Renowned for its dominance in capital markets, private equity, and tech M&A—handling deals like the AUD 5 billion listing of an Indian tech unicorn on the ASX—KWM’s strength lies in its seamless Asia-Pacific connectivity, making it ideal for lawyers bridging India-Australia corridors.

KWM’s appeal to Indian lawyers stems from its promotion of multilingual, multi-jurisdictional talent, exemplified by Parnika Chaturvedi’s 2019 elevation to Of Counsel in its global disputes team. A tri-qualified lawyer (England & Wales, India, California), Chaturvedi specializes in international arbitration under ICC and LCIA rules, advising on construction and joint ventures with Indian stakeholders. The firm values such profiles for their strategic edge in high-stakes disputes, often involving Indian corporates in Australian courts. Recruitment focuses on ambitious mid-level lawyers with 5-10 years’ PQE, offering rotations across Dubai, Hong Kong, and Australian offices. In 2025, KWM’s expanded India desk seeks experts in anti-corruption and sanctions, underscoring its proactive hiring amid rising Indo-Pacific trade tensions.

3. MinterEllison: Intellectual Property Trailblazers with Chemistry-Meets-Law Innovation

Established in 1825, MinterEllison stands as Australia’s largest independent firm, with 1,000+ lawyers across Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. It leads in government advisory, infrastructure, and IP, powering projects like the AUD 10 billion Snowy 2.0 hydro scheme and patent strategies for pharma giants entering Indian markets. The firm’s collaborative culture and focus on work-life balance—evidenced by its top rankings in best workplaces surveys—make it a magnet for diverse hires.

A standout for Indian talent is Partner Shyama Jayaswal, whose dual expertise as a lawyer and patent attorney sets her apart. With honours degrees in organic chemistry and law, Jayaswal advises on patent litigation for clients like Pfizer and Mylan in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, often involving Indian IP filings under the Patents Act. Her work spans cross-border enforcement, blending Australian and Indian regulatory insights. MinterEllison recruits Indian lawyers through targeted graduate programs and lateral hires, prioritizing those with STEM backgrounds for its life sciences practice. Recent initiatives include scholarships for Indian LLMs, positioning the firm as a nurturing ground for rising stars in IP and tech disputes.

4. Corrs Chambers Westgarth: Tech and Projects Specialists Valuing Long-Term Talent Pipelines

Tracing roots to 1867, Corrs is a mid-sized elite firm with 500 lawyers in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, excelling in technology, energy transition, and complex projects—think advising on AUD 4 billion solar farms with Indian funding. Its pragmatic, client-centric approach has earned accolades for innovation in digital transformation and ESG compliance.

Corrs demonstrates its openness to Indian lawyers through homegrown success stories like Arvind Dixit, a Partner who joined as a graduate in 2005 and now leads tech law advisory. With over 20 years in IT, IP, and data protection, Dixit counsels on cross-border contracts involving Indian software firms and Australian telcos, recognized in Chambers for his sector depth. The firm’s graduate intake—diverse and merit-based—often includes Indian-origin candidates, supported by mentorship and pro bono opportunities in Indo-Australian trade. In 2025, Corrs is hiring for its projects team, seeking Indian-qualified lawyers to handle FDI approvals and joint ventures, reflecting its growth in renewables.

5. Maddocks: Corporate Advisory Experts with In-House Global Flair

A progressive firm since 1889, Maddocks employs 700 lawyers across Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, shining in private equity, consumer brands, and foreign investment—facilitating deals like the sale of an Australian hospitality chain to Indian giant OYO. Its modern vibe, with flexible work models, appeals to ambitious professionals navigating international waters.

Partner Rahil Patel embodies Maddocks’ global outlook, drawing from his stint as general counsel in Southeast Asia for a PE-backed consumer business. Specializing in M&A, incentives, and governance, Patel advises Indian investors on FIRB approvals and venture deals in fintech and agribusiness. The firm recruits laterally from India via networks like the Australia India Business Council, offering visa pathways and cultural onboarding. Current openings target mid-senior Indian lawyers for its international practice, capitalizing on bilateral CEPA enhancements.

6. Allens: Linklaters-Allied Giants in Asia Connectivity

As part of the Linklaters alliance, Allens (est. 1826) commands 1,200 lawyers in major Australian cities, dominating M&A, antitrust, and Asia deals—like the divestment of a logistics arm to Indian buyers. Its Hanoi and Singapore outposts amplify cross-border prowess.

Allens hires Indian lawyers for its Asia service, valuing expertise in equity/debt markets and regulatory harmonization. Though specific names are emerging, the firm’s diversity reports highlight South Asian representation in 15% of senior roles. Recruitment via LLM sponsorships and global secondments targets Indian PQE 3-8, with focus on infrastructure tying into India’s USD 1.4 trillion National Infrastructure Pipeline.

7. Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF): Global Network with Dedicated India Synergy

HSF, formed in 2012, deploys 5,000 lawyers worldwide, including robust Australian teams in Sydney and Melbourne, leading in disputes, energy, and life sciences—advising on arbitration under India’s Arbitration Act for Australian miners.

The firm’s India Group coordinates 100+ specialists across offices, fostering hires with Indian market savvy for enforcement and compliance. HSF’s inclusion programs prioritize international mobility, recruiting via targeted India roadshows. In 2025, it’s expanding its disputes bench with Indian-qualified arbitrators.

8. Clayton Utz: International Trade Navigators Seeking Borderless Expertise

With 1,700 lawyers since 1833, Clayton Utz thrives in litigation, trade, and arbitration from coast to coast, guiding clients through WTO disputes involving Indian exports.

It attracts Indian lawyers for its international trade practice, emphasizing risk mitigation in supply chains. Lateral hires with Indian bar experience are common, supported by arbitration training—ideal for those eyeing cross-border enforcement.

9. Gilbert + Tobin (G+T): Tech Disruptors Championing Diverse Innovation

G+T, a boutique heavyweight since 1988, fields 300 lawyers in Sydney and Perth, acing tech M&A and funds—like structuring Indian VC investments in Aussie startups.

The firm’s agile culture hires Indian talent for IP and digital disputes, leveraging diversity quotas. Recent intakes include South Asian associates, with mentorship for FIRB navigations.

10. Norton Rose Fulbright: Life Sciences Leaders Promoting Sector Specialists

A global behemoth with 3,500 lawyers, Norton Rose Fulbright’s Australian arm (Melbourne/Sydney) excels in corporate, pharma, and energy, promoting talents like Rohan Sridhar to Partner in 2025. Sridhar, focusing on life sciences commercialization and privacy, exemplifies the firm’s uplift of Indian-origin experts in regulatory deals.

Conclusion

As India and Australia chart a shared future through enhanced CEPA and green corridors, these top 10 firms represent more than employers—they’re gateways to influential careers blending heritage with horizon-expanding challenges. From Ashurst’s trailblazing hires to Norton Rose Fulbright’s sector-savvy promotions, opportunities abound for Indian lawyers ready to adapt, innovate, and thrive. Polish your CV, network via LinkedIn and AIBC events, and pursue Australian qualifications through PLT programs. The legal bridge between nations awaits—cross it boldly in 2025.