BCG Attorney Search is the nation's largest and most geographically diverse recruiting firm specializing exclusively in permanent attorney placements. BCG Attorney Search currently has more attorney openings, in more practice areas and locations-including in countries across the globe-than any other legal recruiting firm. Whether you want to practice in the United States, Australia, the UK or any other country, BCG Attorney Search is where you should start your search. Question I am a fourth-year lawyer who is considering working overseas, especially in Australia. What are the kinds of challenges that North American lawyers need to consider when trying to find employment as a lawyer in Australia and abroad?
Area of Practice In recent times, the increasing amount of privatization and the ease of capital transfer globally have driven much of the demand for American lawyers overseas. Many foreign companies are obtaining capital in ways that require a great deal of familiarity with the American legal system. Accordingly, the areas of practice that have attracted foreign law firms’ interest in American lawyers overseas are primarily corporate, commercial, securities, capital markets, M&A, project finance, and derivatives work. Other areas to consider are international arbitration, FCPA and money laundering. Given the expansion of many international law firms to locations throughout the world, one of the easiest ways to secure a job abroad is by seeking work at one of these law firms. While many of these firms staff local offices with local lawyers, they also often have opportunities for US lawyers who can help bridge gaps in cross-border deals and help explain to overseas clients the intricacies of US law and how it applies to their business goals. American lawyers who have been trained in the corporate and finance departments of large American law firms also have an aptitude for deal management that countries with less globalized practices appreciate. Most top international law firms limit their hiring to candidates with top credentials from US schools and firms, but if you can find one of these positions it is an excellent way to live abroad and still make your legal education work for you. This article first appeared on LawCrossing, Also appear on Slideshare. LawCrossing is the world leader in “pure� monitoring and reporting of legal jobs, through its active and growing research into all legal employers throughout the world.