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From Australia and New Zealand,, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the US, London remains a top destination for lawyers looking to build an international career.
The appeal is easy to see. The scale of work, the calibre of firms, and the exposure to global clients make London one of the most dynamic legal markets in the world. Beyond the work itself, there’s a real energy to the city, its pace, diversity, and concentration of business, that continues to draw talent from across jurisdictions.
But while the opportunity is real, so is the competition.
For those considering the move, understanding how the market works, and how overseas experience is assessed, is key to navigating it successfully.
Where overseas lawyers are getting traction
Not all profiles translate equally well into the London market.
From what we are seeing, the lawyers who move most successfully tend to sit within:
- M&A
- Private Equity
- Leveraged and Acquisition Finance
- Funds (particularly fund formation and secondaries)
- Capital Markets
Firms are typically looking for candidates who can step into international work quickly. This usually means experience at a top-tier firm, exposure to cross-border matters, and a strong understanding of deal dynamics.
Understanding qualification: the SQE
The SQE is now the standard route to qualification in England and Wales, but it is often misunderstood by overseas lawyers.
If already qualified in another jurisdiction, it may not be necessary to complete every stage. In some cases, exemptions apply, particularly for lawyers from common law jurisdictions. Irish-qualified lawyers, for example, benefit from a full exemption route.
The key is to check early. It is not uncommon for candidates to spend time and money preparing for exams that may not be required.
Learn more about excemptions here.
Understanding PQE: how experience is assessed
Another important consideration is how experience translates into the UK system.
In England and Wales, lawyers qualify after completing a two-year training contract. As a result, firms often apply a “PQE discount” of up to two years when assessing candidates from jurisdictions such as Australia and New Zealand.
In practice, firms will adjust experience to align with the UK qualification structure. This is largely unavoidable. In rare cases, some firms may apply only a one-year adjustment, particularly where candidates have strong pre-qualification experience or significant deal exposure, but given the salary scale, you will typically still be earning more than you were in Australia.
As a general guide, most opportunities for overseas lawyers sit within the 2–6 years’ UK-equivalent PQE range, where demand is strongest.
The reality of the London market
London offers significant opportunity, but it is not an easy market to enter.
Candidates are typically competing against:
- UK-trained lawyers from a wide array of firms
- Lawyers with established London experience
- Other highly qualified international applicants
That said, firms do recognise the value of overseas experience and actively hire from outside of London, particularly when the M&A and private equity markets are busy.
More recently, we’ve seen candidates with niche finance experience or those involved in sector-specific M&A deals receive particularly strong offers. It’s important to clearly highlight any specialist expertise, as this can significantly strengthen your position in the market.
Moves from the US, are more complex. Securing an applicable visa route is essential, and this is not always straightforward. Firms will typically only consider US-qualified lawyers where there is a clear business case and visa pathway already in place.
Private practice vs in-house
Many overseas lawyers consider moving directly into an in-house role.
While possible, this is less common than expected.
Law firms are generally better equipped to assess international candidates. They understand different training systems and regularly hire from overseas markets. In-house teams, by contrast, tend to prioritise candidates whose experience is immediately recognisable within the UK context.
As a result, the more typical pathway is:
- Moving into private practice in London
- Building UK experience and networks
- Transitioning in-house at a later stage
For most, this is a two-to-three-year progression rather than an immediate move.
Timing your move
One of the most common mistakes is leaving the process too late.
The lawyers who secure roles most effectively tend to:
- Start conversations with recruiters at least six months in advance
- Prepare a UK-ready CV and deal sheet
- Understand market dynamics and hiring cycles
- Be clear on their motivation for moving to London, as this will be tested in interviews and needs to be well thought through
Working with recruiters
Recruiters play an important role in navigating the London market, but a considered approach is key.
Before sharing a CV, it is advisable to have an initial conversation. Understanding a recruiter’s focus, client base, and how they position candidates can make a significant difference.
A good recruiter should also give you a deeper understanding of the market, helping you see opportunities you may not have previously considered. London is a unique market in that there are a wide range of firms, each offering different structures, cultures, and career paths. The right guidance can open up options at top-tier firms that you may not have realised were achievable.
When giving consent to share a CV, clarity is important. Candidates should know where their CV is being sent and for which role. Reputable agencies will typically confirm this in writing.
Most recruitment in London operates on a contingent basis, meaning multiple agencies may be working on the same role. In this environment, speed and positioning are critical.
Why CV ownership matters
Once a recruiter introduces a candidate to a role, they represent that candidate for the position.
Submitting a CV to the same role through multiple agencies can create conflicts, reflect poorly on the candidate, and in some cases result in the application being rejected.
A simple approach is best: be organised, be selective, and maintain visibility over where your CV is being submitted.
The importance of network
UK-qualified lawyers typically build networks through training contracts and early career progression.
Overseas lawyers do not have this advantage.
Building connections, through recruiters, industry events, and professional groups, becomes an important part of understanding the market. It also provides insight into how firms hire, what they value, and how opportunities arise.
What can make the move harder
There are a few common missteps that can significantly impact your chances of securing a role in London.
Leaving your firm before finding a new role can raise concerns around timing and positioning. Similarly, relocating to London without a job in place is rarely viewed positively by firms.
The reality is that firms want to see strong, in-demand candidates making a considered move, not those already on the ground without a clear plan.
A more effective approach is to visit London, use the time to meet recruiters, build connections, and get a feel for the market. This allows you to position yourself properly while still employed, which ultimately leads to stronger outcomes.
Relocation support
When the process is handled well, the move to London can feel pretty seamless.
Firms, alongside a strong recruiter, will support you at every stage, from interviews through to relocation. Packages vary, but we typically see support in the range of £2,000 to £10,000 depending on the firm and level.
We’ve seen firms fly candidates over for interviews, provide temporary accommodation while they get settled, and help with the practicalities of moving to a new city.
In one case, we even helped coordinate the relocation of a candidate’s dog, Dexter, making sure every detail of the move was taken care of.
The key point is this. When firms want you, they make the process work.
Salary Vs Cost of living
London salaries are among the highest in Europe, particularly at US firms, but they come with a correspondingly high cost of living.
Compared to other European cities such as Dublin, Amsterdam, and Paris, London offers stronger earning potential, but at a higher price point. Against markets like Sydney or Toronto, salaries are typically higher, though so too are living costs. At the top end, US firm salaries in London can rival New York, but differences in tax and cost of living will impact overall take-home.
- Cost of living in London is 11.2% higher than in Sydney (excluding rent)
- Cost of living including rent is 14.0% higher in London
- Rent prices in London are 18.6% higher
- Restaurant prices in London are 17.2% higher
- Grocery prices in London are 18.3% lower
- Local purchasing power in London is 3.7% higher
(Source: Numbeo)
For many lawyers, the move is viewed as a long-term investment. While the upfront cost is high, the career upside, from the quality of work and international exposure to faster progression and stronger long-term earning potential, tends to outweigh this over time.
What success looks like
There is no single route into the London market.
Some lawyers secure roles at top-tier firms within a short period. Others take longer to find the right opportunity.
The difference is rarely capability.
More often, it comes down to:
- Strategy
- Flexibility
- Market awareness
Successful candidates tend to remain open on firm type initially, take a pragmatic approach to their first role, and focus on long-term progression.
Final thought
London remains one of the most attractive legal markets globally for overseas lawyers.
However, it rewards those who approach the move with preparation and intent.
The process is rarely immediate, and it is not without challenges. But for those who plan effectively, position themselves clearly, and remain flexible, it can be one of the most valuable steps in a legal career.
Starting early is key. The lawyers who invest time in understanding the market before arriving are typically those who achieve the strongest outcomes.
