Traditionally, legal and compliance contract positions are sometimes filled by overseas people. Working in the British legal sector is an excellent way to gain experience in your industry within a different cultural setting. Many positions are in large firms, offering many opportunities to broaden your horizons while travelling and enjoying the vibrant British social scene.
During tougher global economic times, the legal employment market may not be as buoyant, but experienced legal secretaries, clerks, paralegals, and solicitors can often find great opportunities.
...everything is going great I accepted a position in London … I feel like I got a head start on other job hunters.
Contents
Can I secure a position before leaving home?
For both professional and legal support positions, it is uncommon for travellers to secure a job before arriving. This is because employers prefer to meet you face-to-face for an interview before taking on the risks of hiring a new employee. However, there is much you can do before departure to make the employment process faster and less stressful upon arrival like learning how your experience could fit the UK market.
What types of Legal jobs are available?
Legal jobs are available in both professional and legal support capacities.
Legal Support Jobs include Secretarial, Administration, Law Clerks, Legal Researchers, Practice Managers, Office Managers, Legal Accounts personnel and Legal receptionists. Legal Support people are placed in top law firms of all sizes and specialties as well as in corporate organisations.
Professional Legal Jobs in the UK law professionals are placed in major law firms and corporate organisations as well as medium-sized, boutique and niche practices. Those looking for contract work (due to visa restrictions) might find opportunities in firms seeking temporary legal assistance, such as in document review or administrative legal services.
Where are the Legal jobs in Britain?
Historically, there has been a high demand for contractors in the banking, finance, and commerce industries in the city area. At present, there is still steady demand in finance as well as in tech, media and entertainment, leisure, and renewable energy sectors. Experienced legal professionals with strong backgrounds in these fields will have better opportunities.
Outside of London, there are also opportunities in other national and regional centres such as Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Liverpool, and Edinburgh. People from overseas often are turn to these areas for the “real England.” These centres can also be somewhat insulated from the London or ‘City’ slowdown as the British economy expands.
Did you know…
A “Magic Circle Firm” is the term used for the top 5 International law firms.
What is the difference between Temporary, Contract and Permanent legal opportunities?
The temporary or contract job market is the quickest and most common way for travellers to find work. The temporary and contract job market can also be a way to eventually secure a permanent position.
Especially for legal support roles like secretaries, there is a trend for Legal firms to offer a three-six or twelve-month contract rather than a temporary job. The difference is that temporary jobs are even shorter in duration, which can suit a traveller’s schedule well. On the other hand, growing numbers of fixed-contract employees can enjoy better working conditions like holiday pay and sickness benefits.
Contract legal jobs are paid on a pro-rata salary basis, so the salary tends to look like a permanent salary when you see a job advertised.
About 30% of all lawyers are in fixed contract positions.
Of course, there are also excellent permanent job opportunities in legal work. Keep in mind that your ability to consider a permanent employment option is often determined by your UK visa, and of course how itchy your travelling feet are.
How much will I earn / salary/wages in a legal job?
Examples of jobs and contract rate ranges for Legal Support jobs in London:
| Position | Per Annum |
|---|---|
| Legal Secretary | £ 20,000 - 45,000 |
| Legal Receptionist / Admin | £ 21,400 - 27,900 |
| Legal Assistant | £ 20,200 - 49,900 |
| Trainees - Year 1 | £ 31,600 - 39,800 |
| Trainees - Year 2 | £ 35,900 - 41,300 |
| Paralegals | £ 22,900 - 32,500 |
Working out what you would earn depends on several factors, including your experience, specialized knowledge, and technical skills. For example, if you are a legal secretary with one to two years of solid experience and are tech-savvy with skills in organizing computer files, preparing presentations, creating and editing spreadsheets, and typing documents, you could earn $40,000 per annum if you are employed by large firms.
As with all positions outside of London you can expect to earn less than your London-based counterparts however this is balanced by the reduced cost of living.
Examples of jobs and associated pay ranges for Professional Legal jobs in London:
| Position | Salary Range Per Annum |
|---|---|
| Lawyer (1st year) | £ 54,000 – 95,000 |
| Lawyer (5 yrs experience) | £ 105,000 - 340,000 |
| Lawyer (7 years experience) | £ 120,000 - 370,000+ |
You can expect salary gain as you earn more post-qualified experience (PQE). There is quite a large variation in salaries and contract rates amongst professionals in the city of London. Generally, Corporate and Commercial Lawyers have the highest salaries, with Banking and Finance third highest. Most top-tier firms offer additional benefits aside from the high salary offer.
Will my overseas qualifications be recognised?
Degree, diploma and certificate qualifications in law or legal support fields gained in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa or Canada are generally recognised. However, to practice as a lawyer you would need to be admitted to the Roll of Solicitors of England and Wales. In addition, your experience gained thus far in your career will be regarded highly; though once you gain UK experience on your CV you will be more ‘on par’ with the local competition.
What is the professional body for solicitors in England and Wales?
The Law Society is the professional body for solicitors in England and Wales.
How do I make the best use of my experience and qualifications?
For a legal support position in the UK, experience in a legal setting is a plus, but some entry-level roles may be open to candidates with a strong academic background or transferable skills. In a secretarial or administrative role, you need to be tech-savvy and have an understanding of legal jargon, a professional manner and the ability to work long hours sometimes under pressure is also frequently required. While the British legal system shares some similarities with Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada, be prepared to learn the significant differences in procedures and regulations.
In professional legal positions such as solicitors and paralegals, there are excellent opportunities, particularly in contracting and temporary work based on associates with 2+ years of experience.
It’s important to distinguish between being a solicitor and a barrister. Solicitors handle legal work outside the courts, while barristers represent clients in higher courts. If you’re seeking to practice law in the UK as a solicitor, getting admitted to the Roll of Solicitors is mandatory.
For admission to the Roll of Solicitors of England and Wales, you will need to pass Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and meet a two-year experience requirement. The two-year experience requirement can often be waived in some cases and reduced in others. Of course, you can find employment immediately in support roles. For more information about SQE, visit the Solicitors Regulation Authority website.
Do I need a Visa to work in a Legal profession?
Yes, unless you have a British or other EU passport, UK Ancestry rights, or are married to a British national you will need a work visa. A Tier 5 Youth Mobility visa is a good option to get temporary legal work. With this visa, you can undertake contract or temporary positions that are incidental to your 2 year working holiday, such as legal research or other legal assistance work. You are not meant to further your career using this visa (but of course in practice, any experience you get will look good on a resume). See UK Visas for more details on specific visas.
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