The SSQ Podcast

The most valuable lawyers in Australia right now?

Head of SSQ's Australia office Kumara Mallikaaratchi joins host Ben Quarry in this episode of The SSQ Podcast, for a discussion about the forces reshaping the Australian legal market. Together they explore how the rapid growth of renewable energy is driving demand across the profession, why challenger firms are increasingly competing with traditional market leaders, and how changing client expectations are influencing partner moves and firm strategy. Watch for more on: - Australia's renewable energy boom - Partner remuneration and equity structures - Why energy lawyers are in such high demand - How lawyers can accelerate their careers when returning to the Australian market Drawing on years of experience advising partners and firms across Australia, Kumara shares insight into one of the most active and evolving sectors in the legal market today. Find us at ssq.com [https://ssq.com/] and subscribe to us here or on our other socials below for more legal recruitment and market insights: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ssq/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ssqlegal/]

Dubai is no longer the whole story: Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and the new Middle East legal market

In this episode of The SSQ Podcast, host Ben Quarry is joined by Saad Akhtar from SSQ’s Dubai office for an in-depth look at the rapidly evolving legal market across the GCC. Together they discuss: - Why Abu Dhabi and Riyadh are now some of the fastest-growing legal markets globally - How the Middle East legal market has evolved far beyond construction and energy - The rise of sovereign wealth funds, private credit, tech and AI in the region - What international candidates consistently get wrong when interviewing for Middle East roles - Why more lawyers are relocating permanently rather than treating the region as a short-term step Drawing on more than a decade in legal recruitment and six years in the Middle East, Saad shares practical insight into what firms are really looking for - and how lawyers can position themselves in an increasingly competitive market. Find us at ssq.com [https://ssq.com/] and subscribe to us here or on our other socials below for more legal recruitment and market insights: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ssq/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ssqlegal/]

Developing a global legal career: international relocation

In this episode of The SSQ Podcast, host Ben Quarry is joined by James Newton, Head of SSQ New York, and Kumara Mallikaaratchi, Head of SSQ Australia, for a conversation on international relocation and global legal careers. Drawing on their own experiences of building careers across London, New York, Australia and beyond, they explore what it really takes to move jurisdictions — and why successful relocations require more than just a strong CV. They discuss: * The balance between professional ambition and personal lifestyle when relocating * Why different markets offer very different experiences * The realities of moving to a new jurisdiction, from bureaucracy to culture  * How to approach relocation strategically, looking at short-term and long-term goals * The importance of adapting to new markets rather than trying to replicate what worked elsewhere  *  How SSQ’s global network helps lawyers and firms navigate international moves  From launching offices in new jurisdictions to advising lawyers on cross-border careers, this episode offers a practical, honest look at what international relocation really involves. Find us at ssq.com [https://ssq.com/] and subscribe to us here or on our other socials below for more legal recruitment and market insights: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ssq/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ssqlegal/]

From Sydney to the world: how lawyers build global careers

In this episode of The SSQ Podcast, host Ben Quarry is joined by Kumara Mallikaaratchi, Head of SSQ Australia, to explore how Australian and New Zealand lawyers build international careers — and what really determines whether a relocation succeeds. Kumara shares insight from launching SSQ’s Sydney office and from more than a decade advising lawyers on moves to London, New York, the UAE and beyond. Together, they discuss why Australians are uniquely mobile, how market conditions shape relocation opportunities, and why global career moves require far more than simply sending a CV to overseas firms. Together they explore: - Why Australians are among the most internationally mobile lawyers - Which jurisdictions and practice areas travel best - Why some firms consistently hire Australian lawyers (and others don't) - How SSQ’s global network gives candidates an advantage - What lawyers should realistically expect from elite US and UK firms - Why timing, fit and long-term thinking matter more than ever Drawing on thousands of real-world conversations, Ben and Kumara share the perspective SSQ uses every day to help lawyers and firms navigate an increasingly global legal market. Find us at ssq.com [https://ssq.com/] and subscribe to us here or on our other socials below for more legal recruitment and market insights: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ssq/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ssqlegal/]

Episode 3: Big Law vs Magic Circle vs Boutiques: what's your legal career fit?

In this episode of The SSQ Podcast, Ben Quarry is joined once again by Valentina Dunn, Co-Head of SSQ’s Private Practice Associate team, for a deep dive into the London legal market.  Together they explore: - US firms and the Cravath lockstep: pay scales, bonuses, sector focus and work expectations - Magic Circle & Silver Circle: how they compare on hours, pay and breadth of work - Boutiques: conflict-free models, specialist litigation practices, media/entertainment, sports and more - Why lawyers often only see a small corner of the market from inside their own firm - How SSQ’s insight across every segment of the market helps candidates make better decisions - How partner moves, team launches and international growth shape hiring trends Find us at ssq.com [https://ssq.com/] and subscribe to us here or on our other socials below for more legal recruitment and market insights: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ssq/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ssqlegal/]