As a legal recruitment firm, we’ve been active in both the Offshore and US legal markets for a number of years – having great success in both.
At the beginning of 2022, we landed on the ground in New York and launched our new office in the heart of Manhattan. It’s been an excellent start to the year, and our consultants there have enjoyed meeting both clients and consultants in person, despite the freezing weather!
Typically, when talking about the Offshore market, we mean placing candidates from the UK/Ireland/or a Commonwealth country somewhere in the Caribbean, Asia, or The Channel Islands. However, our service isn’t limited to that. We’ve also successfully placed candidates from Offshore jurisdictions back into an Onshore market. So, to shed a bit more light on this area, I have written this quick market update to help out those looking to return home or move to the US after enjoying a few years of island life.
Lawyers have had/have a perception that it is difficult to move back Onshore. However, over the past few years, our experience has proven that to be an outdated school of thought, with many of our clients, particularly in the US, proving positively receptive to Offshore lawyers.
As a company, we have always been open to speaking to candidates in the Caribbean looking to return home to the UK/Ireland/Australia etc. And have worked hard to find them a good fit. However, in recent times, particularly since being in New York, we have seen a pick-up in the interest of Caribbean-based lawyers.
Practice Areas/ Skill In-Demand
Corporate transactional lawyers will always be the most sought-after in the US, as it is the most transferable specialism. Also, those offshore lawyers who have worked alongside US lawyers on transactions and, as a result, kept their finger on the pulse with Onshore developments will be looked on favourably. Therefore, we highly recommend staying up-to-date with these developments if you wish to make a move in the near future.
It is also fair to state that particular specialisms are more transferable and thus more desirable than others. Nevertheless, if you are a high-performing lawyer with the right motivations, we will always help provide you with options.
Factors to consider
There are certain limitations within US immigration laws that we cannot help or change. However, if you are an Australian or Canadian lawyer based Offshore seeking a move to the US, we can certainly help provide you with some options.
It’s worth also noting that you are not limited to New York. We are also extremely busy in San Francisco and Houston, Texas, quite interestingly. Houston has become a real hotspot, undoubtedly largely thanks to it being somewhat of a cultural melting pot and the considerably lower cost of living.
Discover more about a move to Texas here.
We've also had the privilege of sitting down with a BigLaw attorney who shared his remarkable journey of successfully transitioning his career from Australia to the Cayman Islands, and eventually to Kirkland & Ellis in New York. Listen to his full story here.
If you have considered a move to the US or, are simply curious to find out more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on info@sonderconsultants.com. The US market is booming, and this is reflected in the most rewarding salaries and benefits packages our consultants have seen. We would be more than happy to talk you through target firms, salaries, and the intricacies of a move to your preferred City.
”If your world doesn’t allow you to dream, move to one where you can.”
– Billy Idol
