As we moved through 2022, more and more Australian lawyers crossed the Pacific to advance their careers in the U.S. - but why?
Here's a little look at why California might be a great option for you...
Lifestyle ✅
While New York still very much leads the way in terms of Aussie expats, we've noticed a shift towards California post Covid, due to the lure of the sunny beaches in LA and the cultural hub of San Francisco. California is now home to many Aussie lawyers, including four Partners, all wanting to push their practice to the next level while maintaining that laid-back quality of life we're accustomed to in Australia. It shocks some, but it's quite true that you can have a New York practice with a California lifestyle.
Sophisticated Work ✅
Given the recent changes in the tech space, and California historically being known as the tech hub and nothing else, international lawyers are surprised to hear that the Californian legal market is quite sophisticated and centred across many thriving sectors. In fact, Private Equity, Real Estate, Construction & Entertainment are all thriving sectors in the market. On the private equity and funds front, many of the large tech buyout funds have been set up with help of the West Coast offices (hello, Thoma Bravo's recent $32.4 billion raise). So, the work is absolutely sophisticated.
Top firms willing to invest in talented Australian lawyers ✅
Firms with most Aussie lawyers in California include Kirkland & Ellis, King & Spalding, Allen & Overy, Baker McKenzie, Dechert LLP, (Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in New York).
Diverse and forward-thinking ✅
- California is home to approximately 40 million residents, which is about one-eighth of the U.S. population and more than the entire population of Canada.
- The majority of California's residents belong to ethnic minority groups; in fact, one out of every four Californians was not born in the U.S.
- It is the first state to reach $1 trillion in GDP.
- California is truly a hub of innovation and inspires the brightest minds; many innovations were created here, including wetsuits, skateboards, Barbie dolls, Apple products, Frisbee, and even the internet.
International recruitment will be moving slowly this year so you will need to set your expectations and plan well in advance. Timing will be key. Let's chat about your options for a move. We're here on the ground, with offices in LA, New York and Sydney to work around the clock for you.
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