When you think about it, it’s surprising that a lawyer, supposedly the most risk-averse of professionals, might be undecided about which far-flung offshore centre to up sticks and move to. But it’s actually pretty common — and perhaps it reflects that this is often a move driven by a desire for change, something all the islands offer in spades.
Perhaps it is also partly explained by their apparent similarities. From the outside, Jersey looks much the same as Guernsey. And from afar, BVI, Cayman, and Bermuda — well, they’re all sunny with nice beaches, right?
That’s a legitimate starting point. But once you get into the nitty-gritty of your search, you’ll need to form at least an order of preference, if not an outright choice. After all, it’s mostly the same firms across the islands, and hiring partners are more likely to see “I’m open to anywhere” as a lack of commitment rather than praising your flexibility.
So, where should you go?
The answer is subjective, of course — only you can decide which location best fits your priorities. But here are a few things to think about:
Proximity to home. Buoyed by the excitement of a new life, this can seem irrelevant now — but how often do you plan to visit relatives (or hope they’ll visit you)? If you’re in London, the Channel Islands have an instant advantage. Further afield, you might weigh up Bermuda’s direct flights against Cayman’s connections or BVI’s remoteness.
Proximity to other locations. Island life is great, but “rock fever” is real. Sometimes you’ll need a quick escape. For New York and the East Coast, look at Bermuda. For easy weekends in Miami, focus on Cayman. For Puerto Rico or Central America, BVI fits. If you’re more European in outlook, Jersey or Guernsey are your spots.
Practicalities. Where can you practice with your qualifications and PQE? Does the housing stock suit your lifestyle? Are the schools right for your kids? If you’re outside town, what about roads, parking, or public transport? And don’t forget finances — a higher salary can soon be offset by a steep rent bill if you need a larger family house.
Lifestyle and community. In common with ex-pat communities everywhere, people find all the islands are welcoming and sociable, but what about your own interests? A good golf course, a local football team, arts and culture, nice restaurants – they differ more than you might think. Over time, those things matter.
Career. Last but certainly not least, is this the right market for the kind of work you do now and aspire to do in the future? Do the firms’ client bases appeal to you? Is there enough headroom in the market for you to grow? One of the most important questions you can ask yourself is this ‘When the novelty wears off, will this still feel like a good career move?’
By now, you might be thinking, “I was after an answer and all I got was a load of questions.” Fair comment, but there isn’t a one-size-fits-all conclusion. So, what next?
You could research every detail, construct a points system, and crunch the data to find your perfect destination. Or… you could give us a call, spend 20 minutes chatting through what really matters to you, and walk away with, if not a final answer, at least a clear order of preference.
