London

One of the world’s most influential centres of business, politics and culture, London is a teeming metropolis of 12 million plus inhabitants. London is located in the southeast of the UK on the River Thames and is serviced by five international airports.

Legal Market

As a major financial hub and the European base for many multinational corporations, London has arguably become, the legal capital of the world. It draws lawyers from all over the globe who seek the experience of working on some of the most complex and exciting deals conceivable. Corporate, all aspects of finance, capital markets, real estate, competition, litigation, IP/IT, tax and pensions are all important practice areas.

2010 has seen the London market return to hiring mode and the City firms are gearing up across their transactional teams.

Remuneration

Salaries are very competitive in London; a newly qualified lawyer at a “Magic Circle” or “Silver Circle” firm can expect to be paid between £63,500and £66,600. A 2 year pqe lawyer upwards of £74,000 (september qualifiers), 3 years circa £84,000 with salaries increasing to well over £100,000 for senior associates. Many US firms in London pay the sterling equivalent of New York salaries – up to £94,000 for newly qualified lawyers. Salaries are under constant review, with most changes in May, so expect these figures to increase each year. Bonus schemes, generous relocation packages and assistance are also on offer.

Visas

Please note that this is a brief overview and should not be relied upon as legal advice. To work as a lawyer in the UK, you will need a visa – assuming you don’t have a UK or other EU passport or UK ancestry rights (i.e. parents or grandparents born in the UK). If your spouse has a visa to work in the UK, or has a right to work through citizenship or ancestry rights, you may also be entitled to work through your spouse’s work entitlement. Law firms in the UK can apply to sponsor a lawyer to work, a Tier 2 visa. Recent changes to immigration policies in the UK mean that each firm has their own quota of Tier 2 visas that they are able to grant. Alternatively, you may qualify for a visa in your own right, a Tier 1 (this used to be called the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme visa) through the UK Home Office. Please note there have been recent announcements that the Tier 1 route may be closing from April 2011, all the more reason to get on and make a move!

Re-Qualification

Law degrees from Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are generally recognised in the UK, but overseas lawyers will need to be admitted to the Roll of Solicitors of England and Wales.

To practice as a solicitor in the United Kingdom, you will need to have two years practical experience in at least three common law areas, gained within the last five years. You will also need to pass the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test (QLTT), which consists of four heads, being Property, Litigation, Professional Conduct & Accounts and Principles of Common Law.

Most of the lawyers we work with are only required to take the Professional Conduct and Accounts head.

The rules regarding requalification are also changing post April 2011. Please contact the Law Society of England & Wales for further details.

Lifestyle

London is home to some of the world’s best architecture, fashion, theatre, literature and historical and contemporary art. Gallaries such as the Tate Modern draw huge crowds. Influenced by modern European ways, café life is booming and London has a host of superb restaurants. The English pub is still an institution, where many Londoners go to connect after work. London’s nightlife is legendary and the UK is a huge exporter of cutting-edge music of all types, venues include the O2 (dome) and many more. Sport is popular too with soccer, cricket, rugby and tennis drawing millions of spectators. Most of the City firms offer gym memberships as part of their benefits packages. The Olympics arrive in summer in 2012.

The UK is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and picturesque countries in the world. Although a relatively small landmass, the variety of landscapes and scenery is breathtaking. Mainland Europe is within very easy reach and the highly competitive airline and travel industries makes weekend trips to cities such Amsterdam, Paris, Barcelona, Seville, Rome and Prague very affordable and accessible.

Useful Links

Legal 500
Chambers directory
Roll on Friday
The Lawyer

The Home Office
Law Society of England and Wales

Rightmove
Propertyfinder
Primelocation

Loot
Gumtree

I-resign.com (for a tax calculator)

Transport for London

The Times
The Financial Times
The Guardian
The Telegraph