Introduction

A move to the Channel Islands: FAQs

A move to the Channel Islands: FAQs

A move to the Channel Islands: FAQs

What is the work like?

 

When speaking to trainee solicitors considering a move on qualification, we are often asked the same questions.  Here we answer a few of those FAQs and interview lawyers who have relocated to Jersey and Guernsey to join offshore law firms.

Is the work up to scratch?

Offshore firms hire top-class lawyers because they do top-class work.  Jersey & Guernsey are world class financial centres and the law firms advise on the offshore elements of the very same cross-border transactions/ cases that you would find in any major City or international law firm.

“The quality of the work here is much higher than in my previous role; higher value deals, higher value clients” (Corporate Associate - Jersey)

“People might be surprised by the quality of work we do here, I know I was.” (Banking Associate - Jersey)

What is the work like?

You will advise on smaller elements of a greater number of deals/ cases.  Your challenge will be juggling multiple, often varied and complex matters.  The work is of high value and is intellectually challenging but lacks the lengthier document heavy matters that are more typical onshore.

The leading Channel Islands law firms are staffed by lawyers who have credentials every bit as strong as those in your average City law firm – indeed, many of them come from that background.  You will be working far more closely with, and learning from, some of the very best.

Working in these smaller teams, you will experience greater responsibility and client contact far earlier in your career than is typical onshore.  In turn, this allows junior lawyers to progress quickly.

“I’m doing better work, earning more money and going home earlier. I’m very happy here!” (Trusts Associate - Guernsey)

Ask the lawyer - we interview an associate who we recently assisted in their move to Jersey.

How does your role as a lawyer differ to that you had previously?

"The commercial aspects are very much the same, but obviously the legal/statutory basis is quite different.  In Jersey specifically, there is a far fewer volume of statute and case law to draw on."

What are the hours like at your firm?

Very good.  I arrive most days at 9 am and leave around 6 pm.

What professional challenges did you face when settling into your new role?

I went from running my own case load and having a knowledge of the law to assisting others and starting from scratch from a legal standpoint.  That being said, the level of support has been excellent.

We have been helping NQ lawyers relocate to the Channel Islands for almost 20 years.  Without exception, the feedback has been positive.  If you have any questions or would like to find out more, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our International team.

Jason Horobin - ddi: 01206 233 514 / email: [email protected] / LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonhorobin

Charlotte Hooper - ddi: 01206 233 515 / email: [email protected] / LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlottehaxell

Jason

About The Author | JASON HOROBIN

Jason has specialised in international legal recruitment since September 2000 and leads the international team at Origin Legal.  He has helped hundreds of lawyers, from NQ to Senior Equity Partner, to make career-defining and life-changing moves to more than twenty jurisdictions worldwide.

[email protected]

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