London Expat Package Forum

[Anonymous User]

Pretty sure that’s the case. I think the key is to be JD holder, rather than just being in London, but in my experience firms are keen to convey that you are not “part of the London office”, you’re being temporarily housed there for visa reasons. Would seem unlikely they’d want to provide a pay premium in that context. Also, firms really have license to mess with the COLA in all sorts of ways. Reduce it, deny it, pro rate it, offer benefits in lieu. My firm’s COLA policy is basically a one line handbook entry that says “the firm may provide a cost of living adjustment on terms determined by the firm” or something to that effect. I remember reading these forums years ago before going to London and being psyched about the extra cash, but now on the other side, I really can’t emphasize enough to students or associates contemplating the move that firms hate COLA, want to get rid of it, will probably do so gradually, and partners talk about it in those terms, so it’s really not a thing to stake your future on. Nice while you can get it, though.

Interesting. What if you're a JD holder but in the London office because you couldn't get the visa?

I'm the above quoted post. I can only speak for knowing one person at one firm, but that associate was a non-US citizen/green card holder, didn't get his visa to stay remain the States, and so had to go to London for work authorization reasons. He didn't receive the COLA, because he wasn't a "London hire". If he had applied for the London office out of law school, or maybe if he'd applied to move to London once he already had US work authorization, I suspect it would have been different.

This is very useful information. I am assuming he was a JD and not an LL.M. Also, not super important but can you tell me if this was a US firm or an MC firm?

[dc2445]

To add:

(i) in my experience, the V1-10 firms with London offices offer similar COLAs. Anywhere from 60K to 100K based on the sterling exchange rate at the time. These COLAs do not phase out at more senior associate/counsel levels.

(ii) US firms not at the top of V rankings and English firms do offer COLAs to US law attorneys but at less attractive levels than the V1-10. These COLAs often phase out in 3-4 years.

(iii) As others have said, you get much more for your rental money in London. And flats are generally furnished.

(iv) supermarket food is much cheaper than in NY and selection is better.

(v) total taxes are lower especially if compared to NYC. Remember, you do not pay any US state or city tax when living there. The UK tax bands are higher but total tax without a US state or local tax is lower.