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Global Job Hotspots 2011: United States
Realistically, the only other legal market in which Australian lawyers have a chance of landing a job is sunny California.
Realistically, the only other legal market in which Australian lawyers have a chance of landing a job is sunny California.
Further, like those lawyers looking to work in New York, simply waltzing into a position in California is not an option. Foreign lawyers must sit the California Bar Exam in order to work along the West Coast, and failure rates are notoriously high.
However, for exceptional candidates who can demonstrate top-notch academics and significant experience in a top-tier Australian or global firm, jobs are available.
At the end of 2010, the most active cities in terms of hiring were Los Angeles, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Orange County and San Diego.
The hottest practice area at the moment is undoubtedly Intellectual Property, and candidates with a background in electrical engineering, computer science or physics - or a very a strong background in IP litigation - will be ahead of the field.
The good: It's California. It's sun, surf and sand. And with salaries much higher then in Australia, enjoying all it has to offer would not be difficult.
The bad: Obtaining the relevant visa can be a headache and hiring foreign lawyers is seen as an expensive process for employers.
Realistic option? No, it's better to wait until the Californian economy bounces back. With such high unemployment rates and the difficulties associated with qualifying, there are greener pastures elsewhere.
Click on the images below to discover the 2011 legal job hotspots for Australian lawyers:
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