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Global Job Hotspots 2011: United Kingdom
Most Australians think of London when they consider a move to the UK but there are a few other options for Australian lawyers.
Most Australians think of London when they consider a move to the UK but there are a few other options for Australian lawyers.
For those looking to move to the UK but want something a little different to the London life, Scotland or Wales provide an alternative.
"Most Australians like to come to London for the bright lights and access to the rest of Europe for travel, but if someone wants to work in a smaller town (and likes cold weather), they may fancy Scotland or Wales," says J Legal's Dezz Mardigan.
"Salaries are significantly less than London but then again the cost of living is a lot less too."
According to Legal 500, the impact of the credit crunch was particularly felt by the Scotland market, resulting in extremely challenging conditions throughout 2009. And thanks to its reliance on financial services, Edinburgh suffered more than most.
"The Scotland market is a tough one. It's quite closed. It's relatively self-contained and whilst you do find Australian and New Zealand lawyers there, it's never going to be the obvious move. London, the Middle East and Asia are always going to win over," Mardigan says. "There is a relatively small spread of firms and they really want people with connections to the area."
Given the smaller salaries coupled with a relatively closed market, Scotland or Wales may not be the best move for Australian lawyers. However, if that and the cold weather is not a deterrent, Scotland is a good place for oil and gas/projects lawyers, according to Mardigan, thanks to the North Sea activity.
The good: If you're looking for UK experience that's a bit different to London, Scotland and Wales are viable options. Cost is living is relatively low as well.
The bad: The salaries are not as strong as London and the weather is very cold.
Realistic option? Maybe for those lawyers looking for a particular lifestyle and an experience outside of London.
Click on the images below to discover the 2011 legal job hotspots for Australian lawyers:
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