The offshore jurisdictions including The Channel Islands are well known for offering lawyers great work/life balance, active social communities, and an overall high standard of living. They also provide fantastic working opportunities for lawyers that are looking to take their career in a new direction, working with an extensive and ultra-high net worth client base. These clients produce complex, challenging, and interesting work for their lawyers.
The islands
Jersey and Guernsey (the Channel Islands) are a British Crown Dependency located off the north-west cost of France between the Bay of St Malo, the Isle of Wight and the English coast of Bournemouth. They are known for idyllic scenery and picturesque landscapes: rugged beauty and soft sandy beaches. The weather is temperate, boasting mild winters and warm sunny summers.
It is a straightforward process to obtain a registration card to live and work in Jersey, which you and your employer will manage. You need to exchange your driving licence for a Jersey licence. Similarly in Guernsey every person working must hold a Resident Certificate or an Employment Permit (Right to Work Document), which again your employer can arrange for you. After 6 month you will need to exchange your driving licence.
Guernsey has a first-class healthcare system funded through income related contribution schemes and after 6 months you get free healthcare on Jersey. In addition, it is typical for employers to offer private health insurance. It is worth noting for families that there is excellent quality education at both primary and secondary level across the islands. There are also several private schools/colleges.
Both islands are renowned for their tight-knit, friendly communities, offering an attractive quality of life. People often walk or cycle to work or drive a very short distance. They both have lots of popular high street shops, major department stores and of course numerous restaurants. Also renowned for their golf courses and water sports of all types, the islands offer lots for anyone who enjoys the outdoors and is keen to exercise easily after work.
The islands are also easy to get to. From Jersey it takes only an hour to get back to most major UK airports and there is a ferry to and from France. Flights to Guernsey operate from city and regional airports, taking only 45 minutes from Gatwick. Ferries operate to Guernsey from Portsmouth all year round, which takes 3 hours.
Who are the key players and what are they looking for?
The leading offshore law firms all have headquarters in Jersey and Guernsey. These include Bedell Cristin, Carey Olsen, Collas Crill, Ogier, Appleby, Mourant Ozannes and Walkers Global. We are also seeing newcomers to the market and some specialist firms that are more well-known and top ranked in some areas of law such as Baker & Partners and Dickinson Gleeson. The lawyers working here have qualified and practised in various jurisdictions including, the UK, Ireland, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Popular areas of specialism that these law firms are seeking include predictably Corporate, Banking & Finance, Funds and Dispute Resolution. However, this is not an exhaustive list.
Salaries (and low tax)
The top offshore firms, who we work with in both Jersey and Guernsey, pay salaries which are comparable with London as well as generous bonuses. Combined with the 20% income tax rate, this can mean there is a very compelling financial draw to working in the Channel Islands.
See below for a guide to salary levels:-
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NQ £75,000 - £80,000 1PQE £78,000 - £83,000 2PQE £80,000 – £85,000 3PQE £83,000 – £87,000/90,000 |
Opportunities right now!
We have roles available on both islands of Jersey and Guernsey, so if you are looking for a unique opportunity to take your career in a different direction, please contact Iain or lee in our London and International team -
IainMillard@chadwicknott.co.uk or Leewalker@chadwicknott.co.uk.
