London

One of the world’s most influential centres of business, politics and culture, London is a teeming metropolis of 12,000,000 or more inhabitants speaking over 300 languages. 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 become, arguably, 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, IP/IT and tax are all important markets here.

Remuneration

Salaries are very competitive in the City; a newly qualified lawyer at a “Magic Circle” or “Silver Circle” firm can expect to be paid between £55,000and £65,300. A lawyer with two full years of experience will be paid between £65,000 and £85,000, with salaries increasing steadily to over £200,000 for senior associates. Some firms pay “mid-Atlantic” rates, where newly qualified lawyers would be paid between £67,000 and £90,000 and those at the two-year level between £81,000 and £102,300. Many US firms in London pay the sterling equivalent of New York salaries. For a newly qualified lawyer these range from £80,000 to £93,000. At the two-year level the range is £85,000 to £116,000. Salaries are under constant review, so expect these ranges to increase in with each year. Bonus schemes and generous relocation packages 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 will also be entitled to work through your spouse’s work entitlement. Law firms in the UK are very used to applying for visas for their overseas lawyers and will usually provide the necessary sponsorship. The process is relatively straightforward and takes a few weeks to process. Alternatively, you may qualify for a visa in your own right under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme through the UK Home Office.

Requalification

Law degrees from Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are generally recognized in the UK, but overseas lawyers will need to be admitted to the Roll of Solicitors of England and Wales. This process is relatively painless and Marsden will gladly guide you through it.

Lifestyle

London is home to some of the world’s best architecture, fashion, theatre, literature and historical and contemporary art. Influenced by modern European ways, café life is booming, and gone are the days when steak and kidney pie was the only item on the menu. That said, the pub is still an institution and pubs are where many Londoners go to connect and enjoy hundreds of delicious domestic beers. London’s nightlife is legendary, and the UK is a huge exporter of cutting-edge music of all types. Sport is popular too, with soccer, cricket, rugby and tennis drawing millions of spectators. The UK is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and picturesque countries in the world. Although a small landmass, the variety of landscapes and scenery is breathtaking and very accessible. 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 and Prague very affordable.