The war for talent remains the biggest challenge for Australia’s top law firms, with the Law Partnership Survey showing the cost of retaining and attracting staff in a tight labour market is outstripping fears about a slowing economy.

Concern has not abated since the previous survey in July and the majority of the 50 survey respondents expect personnel costs, which have risen by 10 to 15 per cent over the past 12 months, will put significant pressure on their bottom line.