A significant problem for Australian and New Zealand firms is the “overseas experience.” Professionals, after completing college and working in their career for a couple of years, go for a “walkabout,” usually heading for Canada or England. Australian and Kiwi firms go to great lengths to maintain ties to these people so that they will eventually return to their old firm. 

White & Case is turning the tables a bit with a display ad we came across in a Sydney legal publication:

While we are not aware of any firms installing the concept as a formal program, we know of a number of law firms that use contacts with employment agencies in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand to recruit secretaries, paralegals and other skilled staff for positions on temporary work visas. Firms find that the visiting workers have stronger skills and are more motivated than available U.S. workers …and they have cool accents.