Australian law firms are seeking out kiwi lawyers to cross the Tasman and offering pay that is up to 50 per cent more than local rates.

A recent report said that Recruiter Sam Bookatz planned to to 'take a crop of commercial lawyers' home with him.

"If I could bring 20 lawyers back with me I think that would be a major achievement."

"We're losing lawyers to the UK and the US, and we don't have enough to begin with, so we're turning to new Zealand and that's why I'm here," Bookatz said.

The industry is preparing for poaching. Canterbury law firm Buddle Findlay specialises in the type of lawyer Aussie wants and partner Mark Odlin expects his staff to be shoulder-tapped.

"Oh it is a little bit frustrating, but again, it's been recognised as a common career progression for a long time, so we're quite relaxed about it, we certainly don't encourage it," Odlin says.

However, it's not just a problem that New Zealand law firms are facing as Australian law firms are also facing poaching from US and UK law firms where pay can be even greater - as much as double what commercial lawyers in Sydney or Melbourne are earning.

And law firm rates in the US and with US-based law firms in London continue to take a 'sky's the limit' approach to payment of salaries and bonuses.

The major US law firms in The City offer their rates for commercial lawyers from both Australia and New Zealand.

American law firms with London offices have fired the latest salvo in a pay war by giving newly qualified solicitors in the City more than £153,000.

Last month US-based Vinson & Elkins announced starting pay of £153,400. That is a 4 per cent rise in a year, taking the Texans to the top of the pay league table for London firms.

The battle for legal talent continues - and both Kiwi and Australian lawyers are set to benefit - subject to moving and facing the pressures of Big City legal work.