Asia

The largest and most populous continent, Asia also houses a rapidly growing and increasingly complex economy. With so many languages, cultures, mythologies, literatures, religions, art forms and political histories, Asia is an endlessly fascinating destination for the culturally curious.

Legal Market

As a huge economic centre, Asia – especially Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore – offers a lot of complex and challenging legal work. Banking and finance are important here, as well as capital markets, corporate, project finance, energy and dispute resolution.

Remuneration

Compensation packages are very generous, so lawyers can afford to live centrally and explore the extraordinary world at their doorstep.

Visas

Though Asian destinations welcome overseas lawyers, they all require your employer’s sponsorship before you start work. Requirements vary from country to country; while Singapore doesn’t even require a visa, Hong Kong has a strict application process and even performs spot ID checks in the street.

Re-qualification

Again, requirements vary. While you will not be required to join the Bar in Tokyo or Singapore (because you will not be advising on local law) you must meet certain criteria. In Hong Kong, however, you must pass the Overseas Lawyers’ Qualification Examination, which tests your knowledge of conveyancing, civil and criminal procedure, commercial and company law, accounts and professional conduct, and common law.

Lifestyle

Within city limits the possibilities for eating, drinking and having fun abound. Asian big cities offer many of the cultural pass-times of Western cities – galleries, shopping, art, music, nightclubs etc., but with a delightfully different aesthetic and sense of humour.

Out of the city, there is a whole other world of experience waiting for the adventurer. Asia is possessed of an incredibly diverse history of folk. From all-night shadow plays and trance ceremonies of Bali, to the snake wines and fried scorpions of provincial China, there is much to be discovered for the Westerner in Asia.