Jurisdiction: Offshore

Learn about our international reach in legal recruitment.

Offshore

For many years, Agnew O'Brien has been a trusted partner in guiding legal professionals to rewarding positions both domestically and internationally. Our team possesses deep knowledge and experience in the jurisdictions we operate in, ensuring comprehensive support for candidates throughout the recruitment process. What we don't know immediately, we swiftly uncover to equip our candidates with all the information needed for informed decision-making.

Offshore Legal Market Evolution:

The offshore legal market has witnessed substantial growth in the past 5-10 years, with firms expanding beyond their traditional Caribbean and Channel Islands bases. This expansion now spans Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Globally recognised offshore law firms, including industry leaders, provide a platform for diverse opportunities in locations such as Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands (BVI), the Cayman Islands, Jersey, and Guernsey.

Qualifications and Opportunities:

Overseas applicants seeking these opportunities are required to be admitted in a qualifying Commonwealth jurisdiction. A robust academic background and a stable career history with recognized onshore/offshore law firms are essential. Lawyers considering relocation should possess a strong technical skill set and substantial experience across various practice areas, including Corporate/Commercial, Banking/Finance, Investment Funds, Litigation/Disputes, Insolvency & Restructuring, Trust/Private Client, Employment & Pensions, and Regulatory & Compliance.

The growing Crypto/FinTech industry, a frontier of considerable expansion, sees offshore law firms actively participating in this evolution.

Rewards and Lifestyle:

Financial rewards rival those of leading international law firms, often coupled with the allure of very low or zero personal tax rates. Commitment to living and working offshore is rewarded with excellent work opportunities, responsibilities, a thoughtful work/life balance, and genuine, achievable career progression.

Key Locations:

Explore opportunities in the following Caribbean & Channel Islands locations:

Bermuda

  • Bermuda is Britain's oldest, smallest and most affluent British Overseas Territory. Possessing a sub-tropical environment, it has a distinctive blend of British and American culture which supports a thriving ex-pat community.
  • International business accounts for 85% of the island’s GDP. Insurance and other financial services are key pillars of the island’s economy with the jurisdiction continuing to attract new reinsurer captives, insurance-linked funds and funds investing in insurtech products and blockchain technologies. Other important strands of legal work in the region include SPACs, asset-backed securitisation transactions, insurance securitisations through catastrophe bonds, and international debt listings.
  • Lawyers looking to work in Bermuda must have a Commonwealth qualification to practice Bermuda law (England & Wales, Australia, New Zealand and Canada being the most common) and are generally required to have at least three years post qualified experience.
  • Compensation is competitive, though can vary, and generally includes a high basic and bonus / commission arrangement plus relocation, temporary accommodation and other benefits. Firms pay their lawyers in Bermudian Dollars (which is pegged to the United States Dollar on a 1:1 basis) while there is a payroll tax of 5.5%.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI)

  • The BVI is a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean. Possessing a sub-tropical climate, the BVI is well known as a superb location for sailing and waters sports enthusiasts with fantastic beaches and other outdoor attractions. Possessing a small but friendly ex-pat community there is a full range of sports facilities and clubs available that will appeal to both families and singles.
  • The BVI is recognized as a leading offshore hub, with approximately 500,000 foreign businesses incorporated in the BVI and around 40% of all offshore companies in the world BVI registered.
  • The territory maintains innovative and modern statutes dealing primarily with company, banking, trust, insolvency and insurance laws, with a large number of firms in the region heavily involved in insolvency proceedings, M&A deals, work involving digital assets and cryptocurrencies, as well as matters concerning closed-end funds and incubator funds.
  • Lawyers looking to relocate to the BVI must be England & Wales / Northern Ireland qualified with at least 3yrs PQE (although technically relocators can be admitted in the BVI from NQ upwards).
  • Salaries are competitive if slightly below those in other offshore jurisdictions (such as Cayman & Bermuda) while the cost of living is lower in comparison (c20%). Packages include basic salaries and bonus / commission (at a prevailing tax rate of 8%) plus relocation, temporary accommodation and other benefits.

The Cayman Islands

  • The Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory in the western Caribbean Sea possessing a tropical climate that offers a wonderful island lifestyle that will appeal to both individuals and families. With a plentiful selection of bars and restaurants, great medical facilities, schools and shops, most needs are catered for.
  • A stable and attractive offshore legal market, renowned in particular for its vast pool of investment funds which creates lots of work in the structuring / establishment / regulatory space, the region is increasingly prominent for SPAC work, cryptocurrencies, global insurance and reinsurance issues, and big-ticket M&A deals. Dispute resolution also continues to be at the heart of many firms’ practices; commercial disputes involving insolvencies, funds, trusts, insurance matters, fraud and asset-tracing issues dominate.
  • Lawyers looking to relocate to Cayman will need to be Commonwealth qualified (England & Wales, Australia, New Zealand and Canada being the most common) with at least 3 years PQE (soon to be raised to 5yrs PQE).
  • Salaries are paid in United States Dollars and are very competitive, although will vary from firm to firm and include basic and bonus / commission elements plus relocation, temporary accommodation and other benefits. There is no income tax payable (0%).
  • All overseas individuals are required to possess a work permit to live and work in Cayman while a legal spouse can be dependent on their partner’s work permit. Unmarried partners however are not permitted to live on the island without their own job and work permit.

Jersey

  • Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands, a self-governing dependency of the United Kingdom combining a mix of British and French cultures. Offering inhabitants an attractive outdoors lifestyle, excellent work/life balance and vibrant social scene, Jersey will appeal to both individuals and families.
  • Firms range from the larger, international offshore firms to high profile domestic and boutique practices, all of whom handle a wide range of interesting and profitable work.
  • The climate is generally slightly better than the mainland United Kingdom. Overseas lawyers will need to complete 2 years working on island and a number of exams before requalification to practice in Jersey, if so wished, which is of particular importance to litigators wanting to appear before the courts.
  • Those looking for partnership will be required to be admitted to practice in Jersey. Work permits will not be required if UK or EEA passport holders. Commonwealth citizens may be exempt, if qualified for a UK ancestry visa while all other professionals will need to obtain a skilled worker visa to take up employment on the island. This is however usually straightforward.
  • Paid in Jersey Pounds (pegged 1:1 with £GBP) salaries are competitive, although will vary from firm to firm and generally include basic, bonus and other benefits (including relocation assistance and temporary accommodation where required). Income tax is set at 20%.

Guernsey

  • Guernsey, the second largest of the Channel Islands, a self-governing dependency of the United Kingdom combining a mix of British and French cultures. Offering inhabitants an attractive lifestyle and work/life balance Guernsey will appeal to both individuals and families, though notably “quieter” than Jersey.
  • Firms range from the larger, international offshore firms to high profile domestic and boutique practices, all of whom handle a wide range of interesting and profitable work.
  • The climate is generally slightly better than the mainland United Kingdom. Overseas lawyers will need to complete 2 years working on island and a number of exams before requalification to practice in Guernsey, if so wished, which is of particular importance to litigators wanting to appear before the courts. Those looking for partnership will be required to be admitted to practice in Guernsey.
  • Work permits will not be required if UK or EEA passport holders. Commonwealth citizens may be exempt, if qualified for a UK ancestry visa while all other professionals will need to obtain a skilled worker visa to take up employment on the island. This is however usually straightforward.
  • Paid in Guernsey Pounds (pegged 1:1 with £GBP) salaries are competitive, although will vary from firm to firm and generally include basic, bonus and other benefits including relocation assistance and temporary accommodation. Income tax is set at 20%.

We have also worked extensively in other jurisdictions where offshore law firms operate, such as Dublin, Luxembourg, Isle of Man, United Arab Emirates, Turks & Caicos and Mauritius, while they are also active in larger markets, such as London, Hong Kong & Singapore (refer to United Kingdom & Asia jurisdiction information).

Recent Testimonials:

“I have had a great experience with James and not only because I am now a partner at a major law firm: James has an excellent knowledge of the market, is a good listener and assisted with all aspects of the recruitment process. He has been patient and effective – in other words, a great professional.”

Arbitration Partner

London

“James is a thoroughly professional and dedicated legal recruiter who thoroughly understands the offshore sector. He handled my search expertly, introducing me to multiple firms across the Caribbean, while advising on the merits of each opportunity and location. James was consultative and empathetic in his approach with a genuine focus on what was best for my career. I would recommend any lawyer looking to move internationally to speak with James.”

Barrister

British Virgin Islands

“James, has vast experience with the off-shore legal market. I used him in relation to my move from London to the Cayman Islands and highly recommend him. Not only does he have great knowledge of the off-shore market but due to his regular contact with law firms he is able to provide an insight into their way of thinking/ mind set . This is valuable when tailoring a CV, preparing for interview and reviewing an employment contract. James is also very pleasant and approachable.”

Structured Finance Counsel

Cayman Islands

“James assisted me with my move from New Zealand to Australia, securing multiple interviews and offers. He actively supported me from start to finish, working with me closely on the preparation of my CV and how to address different interview scenarios, as well negotiating my package and assisting with my exit. A genuine, 360-degree, consultative service from a recruiter who really knows his market.”

Insurance Associate

Sydney

“I wasn’t confident in using a smaller, “boutique” legal recruitment consultancy like Agnew O’Brien when embarking on my move, as felt larger agencies would have greater market penetration, despite some previous bad experiences. I was however recommended to James who quickly dispelled any hesitancy I had. Following a comprehensive and honest assessment of my career to date, business case and expectations, James picked up the phone to a some of his established clients and opened multiple doors. The process was handled with subtly and consideration from start to finish, resulting in receiving a great offer from a firm I had always regarded very highly. Thank you, James!”

Employment Partner

London

“I was given James’ name by a colleague who had worked with him previously. It was instantly apparent on speaking with James, that I was in safe hands. He clearly addressed the pros and cons of my proposed move from London to Hong Kong and what was realistically achievable. James was able to present a number of interesting opportunities that accurately matched my skill sets and ambitions for the future, one of which I ultimately accepted. Professional, personable and dedicated to his candidates, James is a legal recruiter of the highest calibre.”

Senior Banking Associate

Hong Kong

“On my qualification with a Magic Circle firm in London, my ambition was to relocate to Asia. I contacted Agnew O’Brien to see if they could assist with my search, as I noticed they had multiple vacancies advertised. They quickly established what options were open to me and secured several interviews with topflight international law firms, guiding me through the process and offering practical and timely advice along the way. I am now with a leading international law firm in Singapore and very happy. I would strongly recommend Agnew O’Brien to any lawyer looking to make a move internationally.”

Junior Banking & Finance Associate

Singapore

“James is an extremely capable recruiter with a friendly bedside manner. Insightful and proactive, he quickly located an opportunity that fitted my experience and career aspirations and guided me through the process step by step. Always on hand to answer any questions and quick to address any potential road bumps, it was an absolute pleasure to work with him and I couldn’t recommend James and his team highly enough to anyone looking to move offshore.”

Senior Disputes Counsel

British Virgin Islands

“James is an excellent recruiter. He is friendly, personable and is extremely knowledgeable on the Cayman Islands legal recruitment market. James has great connections with senior personnel across Magic Circle and mid-sized Cayman law firms and secured interviews for me and a role within an offshore Magic Circle law firm where there was no publicly advertised role. James’s experience of the Cayman legal market enabled him to deal with the entire recruitment process from initially connecting me with law firms, advising on the interview process, advising on options available post-interview and working with me all the way with me to address work permit issues. James clearly demonstrated that he is willing to go the extra mile for his clients. I would certainly recommend James as a recruiter to any onshore or offshore corporate lawyer seeking a private practice role in the Cayman Islands.”

Senior Regulatory Associate

Cayman Islands

“James has been the best recruiter I have ever met. He really took a definite interest in my candidacy and provided important insights on the recruitment process during our discussions. Apart from his professional skills, he is personable, friendly and supportive. Most importantly, he was capable of correcting my approach where needed and how to overcome weaknesses which may have adversely affected the interview procedure.I cannot thank him enough for always replying to my emails, hearing me out and offering ideas on how to handle various situations. Once again, thank you James!”

Corporate Associate

Hong Kong

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