For many Canadian lawyers, New York represents the most natural international career move.
The two markets are closely connected. Transactions frequently span both jurisdictions, and Canadian lawyers are widely respected by US firms for their training, commercial awareness, and ability to work on sophisticated cross-border matters.
At the same time, moving from Bay Street to New York BigLaw comes with some important differences. From compensation and billable expectations to qualification requirements and visa pathways, there are several factors worth understanding before making the transition.
To help provide clarity, we have created a dedicated guide for Canadian lawyers exploring opportunities in the New York market.
The Canada → New York Career Guide
Our Canada to New York Salary & Recruitment Guide brings together the key insights lawyers often ask about when considering a move.
Inside the guide you will find:
Market insights
- Which Canadian law firms New York firms most commonly hire from
- The experience levels that typically attract interest from US firms
- Practice areas currently in demand
Qualification and visa requirements
- The TN visa process available to Canadian lawyers
- New York Bar requirements and typical timelines
Salary comparisons
- Toronto top-tier salary benchmarks
- The New York Cravath salary scale
- A side-by-side comparison of compensation progression
Billable hour expectations
- Typical billable targets at Canadian top-tier firms
- How these compare with New York BigLaw requirements
Relocation considerations
- Typical relocation support packages offered by firms
- Key cost-of-living considerations when moving to New York
Download the Full Guide
If you are a Canadian lawyer exploring opportunities in New York, this guide provides a clear overview of the market and the practical steps involved in making the move.
Download the full guide here:
📥 Canada to New York Salary & Recruitment Guide
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