Glass

The Channel Islands are located in the English Channel, just off the coast of Normandy, France. They comprise the Bailwicks of Jersey and Guernsey, both of which are Crown dependencies, although not part of the United Kingdom. The two islands have a combined population of 158,000. Financial services has been the major economic driver since the 1960s, with both Jersey and Guernsey recognised as offering institutional investors efficient, high quality offshore legal services.

The Firms

The Channel Island legal community has developed and evolved considerably in recent years. The tranditional Channel Island powerhouses - Ogier, Mourant, Carey Olsen and Ozannes have been joined by other multi jurisdictional offshore firms such as Appleby and Walkers.

The core practice areas for the Channel Islands firms tends to centre on; funds, corporate, banking, trust and litigation. However the firms are full service, offering property, employment, IP and private client services.

The Channel Islands attracts high calibre lawyers with significant experience from the City, as well as those from the islands. Clients would include all the major multinational financial institutions and corporate, as well as high net worth individuals and families.

Remuneration

Whilst the salaries for the firms are perhaps slightly lower than top City law firms, this gap is made up in real terms by the lower income tax (roughly 20%) payable.

Due to their excellent client base and how well they are run, the partnerships tend to be very profitable, with profits per equity partner comparing favourable with most leading City law firms.

Entry Requirements

Work permits for employment in the Channel Islands are generally not required for UK, EEA or Commonwealth citizens (provided the Commonwealth citizen is subject to the "UK ancestry exemption"). Otherwise, lawyers will need a "Skilled Worker" permit (firms will normally arrange for any necessary work permits to be put in place).

Whilst Channel Islands law is based on the English legal system which makes it straightforward for commonwealth qualified lawyers to transfer, litigators who wish to appear in court must become qualified Jersey/Guernsey advocates. In order to qualify, you must reside on the island for two years in Jersey and three years in Guernsey and take a set of local exams. The major firms will provide seminars and study leave to enable you to obtain this qualification.

Lifestyle

Both Jersey and Guernsey boast outstanding schools, hospitals, restaurants and other amenities. The islands have beautiful beaches and a warmer climate than the United Kingdom.

Whilst lawyers work hard, the hours are better than in the City law firms. The commute times are obviously considerably less than in busier cities, so Jersey tends to attract lawyers who are looking for a better quality of life for themselves and their families, without compromising on the quality of their practice, or younger lawyers looking to enjoy outdoor pursuits in their increased free time. Both France and England are just a short flight or ferry away and the islands definitely benefit from having more of a European feel than the mainland.