International Moves
There has never been a better time for lawyers qualified in Commonwealth countries, in particular Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and Asia, to experience working in a different jurisdiction.
Hays Legal gives you an insight into the legal jobs available as well as answering questions on some of the practical aspects of making a move.
Alternatively, find out more if you are currently in the UK and interested in moving to Australia.
Relocation experts
Our team of experts are on hand to advise on international relocations. Please click on the links below for a profile of each specialist international consultant, and their contact details.
London - Permanent positions
London & Offshore
Andrew Waters
Senior Consultant
Europe & Asia Pacific
Jonathan Warmington
Consultant
Middle East
Maria Coombe
Consultant
In-house
Nick Creed
Business Manager
London- Temporary and paralegal positions
Helen Godwin
Business Manager
Salary information
It wouldn't be out of the question for you to earn up to twice as much in London as you did back home! As far as law firms are concerned, it does depend on the size and location of the firm and, to an extent, the area in which you specialise.
The other point to note is that firms will deduct 1-2 years from your experience to reflect the fact that in some jurisdictions you only do one year of articles (as opposed to two years if you train and qualify in the UK) and to allow for the knowledge you will have to build now that you are working in a different jurisdiction. Salaries in other jurisdictions vary enormously.
In-house salaries tend to see lower basics but the additional benefits, which may include car allowances, bonuses or stock options, do add up!
Once you've arrived...
Travelling to the other side of the world to start a new chapter in your life is, without doubt, extremely exciting. But it can also be a pretty daunting experience so here is some London-specific information and useful links to help you settle in quickly and give you an idea of what to expect once you're here.
If you are considering a move to another jurisdiction outside the UK, please contact our International team for more information on a particular location.
Finding somewhere to live
Getting around London
All work and no play?
Practical Information
Case study - London Law Firm
Case study - International Law Firm
Case study - In house
Case study - Legal Administrator
Finding the right legal job
Since the beginning of 2004 the London market has enjoyed increased activity levels and confidence. There has also been further growth in a number of other international jurisdictions, so it's the right time to think about moving overseas.
Firms are again looking to recruit from other Commonwealth jurisdictions (in particular Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and Asia) which have traditionally produced lawyers with the quality of experience and the kind of work ethic which transplant well into the international legal marketplace. Here's what you'll need to know to set the wheels in motion...
From home...
If you want to find a job in your preferred location before you leave home, ideally you should contact us a few months before you are looking to move. Our consultants are experts in their respective markets, and will guide you through the whole process advising on your CV, roles available in each location and the interview process.
Once you've arrived...
If you can't get a job whilst you are still at home, you may still choose to move abroad in any case and find a position when you arrive. This mostly happens in the London market, rather than other international locations.
It tends only to be the large UK firms who interview lawyers by video conference and pay relocation expenses, in particular the top 5 "Magic Circle" firms and a handful of the US firms in London. If you have exhausted these options, or if you want access to a wider range of firms you will find it easier to be on the ground in London and therefore be able to interview with firms face to face.
You should still contact us prior to your arrival, with the aim of getting some interviews set up for as soon as you arrive where possible. As the process can take a while, we are also able to talk to you about contract and temporary positions to tide you over whilst finding a permanent role.
Essential Information
Before jumping on the next plane and heading off to pastures new, there are a few practical considerations to bear in mind.
Visas
If you do not hold a valid British passport, you will need a visa to work in the UK. The most common visas are:
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Working Holiday Visa
This Scheme entitles a Commonwealth citizen aged between 17-30 to come to the UK for an extended holiday of up to two years.
With effect from 8 February 2005, the essential elements of the working holiday visa are:
- Work must be incidental to holiday, ie, work must not be the main reason for your visit
- The visa is valid for 2 years, but you must not work for more than 12 months in total
- You must not further your career or set up your own business
- You must intend to leave the UK at the end of your working holiday.
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Right of Abode/Ancestry Visa
If your parents or grandparents were born in the UK, you will be entitled to a different type of visa.
The Ancestry Visa (grandparents) is valid for 4 years. You will need to show on application that you intend to work or look for a job in the UK. At the end of the 4 years, you can apply for permanent residency but will need to show that you have been employed in the UK for 4 years, without a break.
Right of Abode (parents) means you are entirely free from United Kingdom immigration control. You do not therefore need permission to enter the UK and can live and work here without restriction.
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UK Highly Skilled Migrant Programme Visa
Since 28 January 2002, the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme has provided talented people with exceptional skills the opportunity to come to the UK to seek work. This has become one of the most popular methods of immigration to the UK for Skilled Workers, allowing you to live and work in the UK without an employer needing to sponsor your UK HSMP Visa.
The HSMP is a point based system of skilled immigration where you qualify for points in areas such as your education, work experience, recent earnings and even your age. The advantage of the permit is that you can come to the UK to search for work rather than having to wait for an offer of employment or the need for an employer to sponsor you.
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Sponsorship
Many firms and companies are prepared to consider sponsorship for high calibre candidates. The employer will need to show that they have tried to recruit within the UK market first, so your particular skill will need to be niche or in a particular area of high demand. You are unlikely to obtain sponsorship for temporary work given the expense involved.
Whichever visa applies to your personal circumstances, you must obtain it before you travel to the UK so do not make any travel arrangements before it has been granted. For full information on these visas, plus the many other types available, visit www.homeoffice.gov.uk.
Documentation to bring with you
In order to speed up the process of securing a role, getting a bank account and mobile phone, finding somewhere to live, in fact, pretty much all of the major details you will have to take care of, you need to have the following paperwork with you:
- Passport, including details of your visa
- Educational transcripts (originals)
- Professional certificates (originals)
- References - from your bank and former/current employers (at least two years' worth if you are seeking temporary employment)
- Bank statements
