Can I relocate to London or New York?

A question I am often asked is whether it is possible for a French-qualified lawyer to relocate permanently to London. The short answer; yes, but not easily.

Factors that determine the likelihood of such a move include your qualifications, seniority, your current and previous firms, and the practice area you specialise in.

Qualifications:

For London, your chances are greatly improved if you are dual qualified, particularly if one is an England & Wales qualification. Other commonwealth qualifications (e.g. Canada, Australia) also make it more feasible. A New York qualification does increase your prospects but to a lesser extent as, although it is based in common law rather than civil, it is more distinct.

In terms of relocating to New York, a US qualification is greatly desired. It is crucial to note, however, that not all US qualified lawyers can practice in New York. American attorneys are qualified to practice in the State for which they are registered. These states have reciprocity with other states, but not all. New York has reciprocity with 40 other jurisdictions, including Washington D.C. and Illinois. California, the other big jurisdiction, is not included, so will not be of much use.

Current Firm:

You will have the best chance of making it to London or New York if you are currently working at a top international firm or one of the premier domestic firms in Paris. The reason for this is that US/UK firms will have greater confidence that you are used to working on international deals, speaking and drafting predominantly in English, and that you can manage the pace and style required.

Practice Area:

The practice area you are specialised in makes the biggest difference, in my view. This is because demand for European qualified lawyers derives either because of the international nature of the work or because the practice area is so niche that there are not enough candidates to be sourced in the domestic market. In London, for instance, typically the most likely areas in which a European qualified lawyer would be considered, would be:

• International projects related,

• Competition (especially from Brussels, but also Paris)

• Funds (especially from Luxembourg, but also Paris)

• Niche financial services like Securitisation.

The Secondment Route

Secondment opportunities provide probably the best route to another jurisdiction. In doing a secondment, you have the opportunity to prove to that office that you would be a valuable permanent addition to their team. So, where to go to maximize your chances of getting a secondment?

The Magic Circle firms are well known for granting secondment opportunities in the medium to long term, typically when an associate is in around their 5th year. Usually, French Magic Circle associates will go to London, New York or Frankfurt.

Some premier domestic firms are also very good at providing secondment opportunities, and often within a faster timeline then Magic Circle firms. They benefit from relationships forged after the domestic firms are contracted on the French aspect of deals with firms not based in Paris.

The most prolific example is Bredin Prat. Bredin is a member of The Best Friend Network, which includes Hengeler Muller in Germany, BonelliErede in Italy, De Brauw Blackstone in the Netherlands, Slaughter and May in London, and Uria Menendez in Spain and Portugal. They have shown in recent years to have friends elsewhere too; Cravath and Davis Polk in New York and Anderson Mori in Tokyo, for instance, with secondments being secured with both firms in recent years.

Gide has offices in London and New York, and numerous Paris associates are seconded internally for six months at a time. They have also been known to secure secondments with friendly firms elsewhere too, such as Kirkland & Ellis in New York. Darrois, meanwhile, has a close connection to Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, perhaps the most prestigious firm of all. Every year, one or two associates head out west to join them.

In terms of US firms, there are three or four firms that have a notable track record of allowing secondments abroad. Notably, last year, a mid-level finance associate at an elite US law firm had their secondment to the London office made permanent.

In sum, it is possible to make such a move, but to maximize your chances, you will need to be fully informed and clever in the way you go about it.

If you would like further information on such opportunities, do feel free to reach out, I will be happy to advise.