[kristinah77]

I'm considering a move to HK. I'm a licensed attorney in the states and work for one of the big law firms. There is the potential for a transfer to our HK office, but I am considering moving on from here (maybe another firm, maybe a career change). What is the job market like? Do I have a shot of getting a job in HK if I don't have much business experience? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[penguinsix]

Take the transfer!

Well, let me rephrase that, if you can, take the transfer, and if you really can't stand the place, look for a job WHILE you have a job. It will make things quite a bit easier if you have some way into the country (and possibly a package).

Do you speak the language? That is a big help at the firms. You also have to remember that while there are a number of US firms here, I think UK firms dominate (and the lower salaries that they provide). Another annoying thing about US firms is that many of your clients are US-based and you have early morning (or late night) conference calls with the states.

The HK bar association has a magazine you should look at. Lots of listings in the back for head hunters. I really think it would be better for you to have a job and look for one than to just take the plunge (it seems to be a universal thing about law firms--they always question why someone doesn't have a job).

[kristinah77]

Thanks Peguinsix. That is sort of what I figured, I've just not sure if I want to continue to practice - as ridiculous as it sounds I don't want to have my firm pay for me to go over and then leave the firm. I have some silly loyalty issues that I am really trying to work through!! Thanks for the advice.

K

[penguinsix]

Firms send attorneys to HK all the time and then close the office 6 months later, leaving the expats stranded (yea, it happens). If you can get them to pay for your trip on their nickel, take it.

Practice in HK is a bit different than the US. Your office will be smaller and you'll likely get more exposure to higher profile deals and clients. You'll kind of be on the cutting edge of new growth, and that can actually be rewarding in such as a way that you might want to continue practicing.

I have several friends who came from big firms in the US where they were little more than copy editors at $300 an hour and within a few months they are the lead on a number of deals in HK.

Basically, I guess I'm saying "give it a shot" and if you don't like it, find a new job from your firm paid-for apartment in HK :-)