Private Client in the Channel Islands – Opportunities in Jersey and Guernsey

Private client recruitment across Jersey and Guernsey remains an active area of my practice. Having made a number of placements across both islands in recent times, I am continuing to work with firms looking to strengthen their teams, from junior Associates through to Senior Associates, Counsel and Partners.

For lawyers considering a move from the UK, Australia or New Zealand, there are some interesting opportunities, particularly for those looking to develop a more international private client practice.

Where is the work?

Both Jersey and Guernsey have well-established private wealth sectors, with law firms advising high-net-worth individuals and families, professional trustees, family offices and institutional clients across multiple jurisdictions.

Much of the current activity centres on the establishment, administration and restructuring of trusts and foundations, international estate and succession planning, and increasingly complex family wealth arrangements.

Family governance and intergenerational wealth transfer are particularly relevant areas. As families and their assets become more internationally dispersed, lawyers are often dealing with structures involving several jurisdictions, different legal systems and competing family interests.

Contentious private client work is also an important part of the market. Trust and fiduciary disputes, contested succession matters and court applications involving trustees and beneficiaries all feature within the practices of several leading firms.

Where are firms hiring?

There is demand at both ends of the experience spectrum, although requirements differ between practices.

At the junior and mid-level, there are opportunities for lawyers with good foundations in trusts, estates and succession planning, including those who have not previously worked offshore. A number of firms are prepared to consider applicants qualified in other common-law jurisdictions, particularly where their existing experience is readily transferable.

At the senior end, firms are generally looking for greater technical depth, the ability to manage complex matters independently and experience dealing directly with sophisticated clients and professional advisers. Existing Jersey or Guernsey law experience can be particularly important for some appointments.

There is also an interesting crossover between traditional private client advisory work and trust litigation, with opportunities for lawyers from both backgrounds.

Why consider a move?

For lawyers practising in the UK, Australia or New Zealand, the Channel Islands offer an opportunity to develop specialist expertise in offshore trusts and international private wealth matters, often within smaller teams where direct partner and client contact is a regular feature.

The quality and international nature of the work can be particularly appealing. Lawyers may find themselves advising on matters involving families, assets and advisers across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and beyond.

Remuneration can also be attractive, particularly when viewed alongside the islands’ personal tax regimes. There are, however, practical considerations, including housing costs and the relevant employment and residency requirements.

Lifestyle is another factor, and one that should not be underestimated. Both islands offer a different pace of life from larger commercial centres, with good access to the coast and outdoor activities. They are also relatively small communities, and relocating should be a considered personal decision as much as a professional one.

For the right lawyer, however, a move to Jersey or Guernsey can provide an excellent combination of interesting international work, professional development and a change in lifestyle. You are also a short hop away from the UK and European mainland.

I remain active across private client recruitment in both jurisdictions, working with lawyers at different stages of their careers. Anyone interested in exploring the market is welcome to contact me directly for a confidential discussion.

James O’Brien
Agnew O’Brien | Global Legal Recruitment
james@agnewobrien.com

Featured image: St Helier Harbour, Jersey, at dusk. Photo: Travis Leery / Unsplash (Unsplash License).