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Channel Islands
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| Background Information |
The Channel Islands are located in the English Channel, off the French coast. They comprise Jersey Island and Guernsey Island, both dependent on the British Crown.
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Law Firms
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The legal markets in Jersey and Guernsey are dominated by a select number of firms.
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They tend to focus on the financial services industry. They do of course provide legal services for the local market, but for overseas lawyers, corporate or finance law are the key specialisations.
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The quality of work on offer and calibre of your potential peers is excellent. The work will be of an international nature, and will stem from a world-wide client base. Channel Island firms tend to be involved in first rate financial and corporate matters.
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Work Permits
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Work permits for employment in the Channel Islands are generally not required for UK, EEA or Commonwealth citizens. Otherwise, lawyers will need a “Skilled Worker” permit (firms will normally arrange for any necessary work permits to be put in place).
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Re-Qualification
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In relation to both Jersey and Guernsey, it is not possible for a lawyer to appear before the courts unless they are a locally qualified lawyer. Litigators wishing to move to the Channel Islands and appear as advocates must re-qualify.
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| Remuneration & Benefits |
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Salaries in the Channel Islands at the junior level tend to be slightly lower than in London in comparison to, say, the ‘Magic Circle’ rates - although the salaries are regularly commensurate with London City rates and sometimes higher. However at the more senior end, you can expect to have a very competitive level of remuneration. The following are approximate salaries for corporate or finance lawyers:-
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- 3 PQE - around £60,000
- 4/5 PQE - £65,000 to £80,000
- 6 PQE - £80,000 to £90,000
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Tax is significantly lower and is capped at 20%
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| Outside the Office |
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With around 90,000 people in Jersey and 65,000 in Guernsey, both islands have a serenity that cannot be found in bustling cities. Each has a good number of bars and restaurants, usually focused on the shorefront areas. Activities on the island are numerous, but tend to centre on outdoor pursuits and, in particular, water sports.
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| If you are interested in working as a Lawyer in the above jurisdiction, please
contact us for a confidential and detailed discussion. |
