Current State of the London Market Forum

[Anonymous User]

My girlfriend is a US/UK citizen and dual-qualified attorney. I am currently a junior associate in transactional practice at a top west coast firm. We are exploring a lateral move to London so we can be closer to her family as we enter the next chapter of life.

Does anyone have a pulse on the market for US attorneys in London? Are firms generally busy and in need of bodies? Are COLAs still a thing? I've searched loads, but TLS London threads are generally dated. Thanks in advance for any info.

[Anonymous User]

I’m a capital markets associate at a US firm in London. There’s lot of good info on here if you search around a bit.

Most of the work here for US qualified attorneys is high-yield debt, though you will likely work on other types of capital markets transactions (IPOs, EMTN programmes, etc.) as well. Check Chambers for the rankings. Most of these firms are hiring and/or willing to review the CV of someone coming from a good firm in the US.

COLAs still exist. Lowest I’ve heard of is $50k at one of the magic circle firms and highest is $100k at Kirkland. Most firms fall somewhere in between.

[Anonymous User]

Not OP, but also really interested in this. I appreciate both OP's question and the response.

Question with regard to COLA: do firms tend to have one single COLA figure across the board for all class years, or separate COLA figures depending on seniority?

[Anonymous User]

Not OP, but also really interested in this. I appreciate both OP's question and the response.

Question with regard to COLA: do firms tend to have one single COLA figure across the board for all class years, or separate COLA figures depending on seniority?

I’m the anon above. COLA is the same across class years but note that it’s usually phased out after a certain number of years, which will vary depending on firm.

[Anonymous User]

How does this work, is it 100K COLA per annum for a few years or is it 100K spread out over a number of years?

I’m a capital markets associate at a US firm in London. There’s lot of good info on here if you search around a bit.

Most of the work here for US qualified attorneys is high-yield debt, though you will likely work on other types of capital markets transactions (IPOs, EMTN programmes, etc.) as well. Check Chambers for the rankings. Most of these firms are hiring and/or willing to review the CV of someone coming from a good firm in the US.

COLAs still exist. Lowest I’ve heard of is $50k at one of the magic circle firms and highest is $100k at Kirkland. Most firms fall somewhere in between.

[Anonymous User]

OP here - thanks all. Most of the London offices of US firms just have an email drop for applying rather than specific job postings. Is the best way to work with a recruiter? Or apply directly? Or reach out to partners?

[Anonymous User]

Junior transactional associate about to move to London, too. Super interested in this topic and would appreciate any info/insight on hours expectation in London, and exit options for US JDs working in big law's London office.