In-House Jobs in London? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Might be a bit of a long shot here, but anyone have information on what in-house positions are available for US-qualified lawyers in London? Or are US-qualified lawyers mostly stuck with law firms?

Also, I've heard that whatever in-house positions there are require the England and Wales bar. Does this sound correct in people's experience?

Thanks.

[Anonymous User]

I know one person who works in-house in London. Worked at a v5 in NYC and client was hiring for NYC office. Spent a couple of years there and then transferred over to the London office.

[Anonymous User]

I know someone who works in-house in London too. Started at a NYC firm —> firm’s London office —> in house in London.

So anecdotally, it happens.

[Anonymous User]

I know someone who works in-house in London too. Started at a NYC firm —> firm’s London office —> in house in London.

So anecdotally, it happens.

After about a year in London, V10 corporate, I started receiving regular in-house recruiter e-mails, and I suspect it would not be all that hard to go in-house. I am only US qualified. Quite a few of my colleagues have gone in-house in London, and it's mostly to big employers in finance. I think it makes a very big difference to already be present here (i.e. not applying from the States). As a practical reality you're typically paid more as a US attorney compared to your UK colleagues, but less than your US colleagues in the States. That creates a dynamic where you're only worth the cost if you're fulfilling a narrow and specific need that US attorneys are required for, which can be limiting in terms of career growth. As a professional matter people are very likely to return to the States absent a personal motivation to stay in London (typically spouse/family).

[Anonymous User]

OP here. I appreciate the responses! (I'm already in London biglaw, and have no interest in going back to the States.)