Advice for Trainees and new Associates.
THE MARKET IN 2026
After many years in offshore and international legal recruitment, we know very well the advantages of an overseas career move. That a great many newly or recently qualified lawyers wish to follow this path is no surprise, particularly when the domestic market is tough at this level.
Whilst we would love nothing more than to be able to offer a wide range of junior roles, the truth is that currently opportunities really are quite limited until you reach the hallowed ‘mid-level’ turf of two or three years’ PQE.
As we write this, 2026 is shaping up to be another tricky year to qualify. Retention levels in London look likely to remain relatively low, which in turn means that the big firms will try to fill any junior international roles with internal applicants, and conflict in the Middle East has softened demand in one of the key markets. Offshore, Channel Islands firms remain active, but with some having moved to increase their own trainee cohorts, it looks likely that their demand will also be down on previous years.
It’s not impossible. We place NQs every year in offshore or international roles, so it is certainly worth registering an interest. But it’s not easy, so if you’re approaching qualification, it is advisable to have other irons in the fire.
On a positive note, demand for more experienced lawyers remains consistent so even if your overseas move isn’t on the cards immediately, take the right steps now and it is perfectly feasible that you could be heading off in a couple of years’ time.
The tips below are designed to aid those looking now, but also to inform lawyers who wish to position themselves well for a move in the future.
WHERE COULD I GO?
In the offshore market, your options are limited to the Channel Islands (Jersey and Guernsey), or the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Both the Cayman Islands and Bermuda have minimum PQE requirements (five and three years respectively) for work permit purposes. Note that although BVI is technically possible, opportunities at NQ level are rare here.
In the onshore world, it’s feasible for a junior role to come up anywhere the firms have offices, but by far the likeliest are in the jurisdictions with systems based on English law; the Middle East, Asia (particularly Hong Kong and Singapore), and possibly Australia and New Zealand. Openings in Continental Europe are rare.
WHAT DO FIRMS LOOK FOR?
There is no one answer but there are some common trends. Tick all these boxes and you’re in pole position; hit three or four and you’re in with a shout; even a couple, such as Mandarin and strong academics, might open doors.
Your current firm. As a rule, the bigger its reputation the better. International roles usually go to applicants from big UK, US or Global law firms. Top-tier boutique experience can also be attractive, and the offshore firms are happy to look at people from leading UK regional firms.
Your practice area. Research locations well in advance to find out which practice areas are in demand and steer your training/experience in the right direction. Corporate, Banking & Finance and Dispute Resolution travel anywhere; Energy, Projects, Construction, TMT, Shipping and Insurance are in demand in the Middle East and Asia but less so offshore. Funds and Trusts/Private Client, tend to fit particularly well offshore.
International experience/languages. Relevant language skills or prior experience of living in your target market, for example a secondment, are major assets, but a lack of it need not rule you out. If you don’t have connections to the area, be ready to explain in detail, why you are interested, as firms will need to be convinced that you are committed.
Academics. As with top firms in the UK, they tend to look for 2:1 or above. If your academics fall short of this but you tick every other box it may not hold you back but be prepared to justify why.
Relevant sector experience. Energy, projects or construction sector experience can be a major asset in the Middle East and Asia. Financial services experience likewise offshore. Think about the client base in your target market and aim to develop relevant sector experience.
Personal characteristics. You are likely to work in a smaller team, have greater client contact, and more responsibility sooner. Hiring Partners for international roles will invariably look for team players with initiative and strong communication skills, who exhibit an adaptable ‘can do’ attitude to business.
Commitment. Hiring Partners are looking for people who are determined to make this move and who intend to stick around. With a tough domestic market, they will be alert to the possibility that junior lawyers are applying out of necessity, using the international option as a stepping stone to returning to London as soon as they have some experience.
WHAT IF I DON’T MEET THE CRITERIA?
It’s not impossible but neither is it easy to make an international move as an NQ or in your first year post-qualification. Many roles require experience, and those that don’t are often filled with internal applicants. If you’re not one of the lucky ones, don’t give up. It may be that you need to get a little post-qualification experience first or it may just require a bit of patience until the right role comes up.
Equally, it may be the case that you would benefit from an interim step. Training at a good regional firm in Manchester may not be an immediate ticket to your dream life in Dubai for example, but it may get you a foot in the door at a big name like DLA or Eversheds. A couple of years on and you will be in a far stronger position.
HOW WILL IT IMPACT MY CAREER?
International experience has never been more respected than it is now.
There may have been a time when a stint overseas was seen in the City as being akin to a working holiday, but Global law firms now view it as a major asset. Making the move early allows you to take on more responsibility and progress far quicker than might be the case in a large team at HQ and gives you plenty of time to decide where your longer-term career lies before issues like Partnership arise.
Early experience in the offshore sector is well-respected in the city as well as offering the perfect platform for building an international career within the offshore sector.
WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT?
Get some advice as early as possible. Reading this is a good start! Whether moving overseas as a junior or later in your career, it will be harder to achieve if your experience is not entirely relevant.
If you’re a trainee, establish which practice areas are relevant to the jurisdictions you have set your heart on, so you can try to target those seats.
If you’re approaching qualification, you may be considering different practice areas. Assess how your options might align with a move into the international sector.
And, if you’ve recently qualified, it will be useful to establish whether your current role is a good platform for an international move and if it isn’t, what interim steps you may need to take.
CONTACT
Our team has been helping lawyers to make career defining and life changing international moves since 2000. For more advice on any aspect of an international move:
Connect with Jason Horobin, Charlotte Hooper, or Lexi Nemeth
Message us at [email protected]or call +44 (0)1206 326 902
We produce a comprehensive suite of resources to assist you in your international move. Check the resources page of our website for more advice on your CV (including a template), interviews and guides to many of the key markets where opportunities exist.
