The SSQ Podcast

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/]

Episode 2: From GC Roles to Contracts - What Legal Teams Look For

Thinking about going in-house? Wondering whether interim work is worth it? Curious how overseas lawyers can break into London?  Host and Senior Director Ben Quarry is joined by Interims Director Isobel Lovell and In-House Manager Poppy Taylor for a deep dive into the other half of London’s legal market. From 4–8 PQE sweet spots and how GCs really hire, to why some teams lean heavily on flexible talent, Poppy and Isobel share real-world insight from thousands of conversations with lawyers and clients. We explore: - When lawyers are best placed to move in-house - Why some practice areas transition easily and others don’t - How secondments transform your chances to join target sectors - The rise of senior interim lawyers (including ex-partners) - How overseas candidates can thrive in interim roles - Why maternity covers are a better choice than people assume 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/]