Glass

The BVI comprise over 50 beautiful islands in the Eastern Caribbean a short flight from Puerto Rico and an hour and a half from Miami. The biggest island, Tortola, is 20 miles long and 5 miles wide, with a population of approximately 22,000 people. The islands boast hilly terrain offering spectacular views. The beaches are stunning and unspoilt offering some of the best sailing and diving conditions in the world.

Tortola is a major offshore centre, with purportedly over 40% of the world’s companies being formed there. There are a number of excellent schools and a state of the art hospital and other amenities.

The Firms

There are a growing number of high quality multi-jurisdictional law firms in the BVI, including the likes of Harneys, Appleby, Conyers Dill & Pearman, Walkers, Ogier and Maples and Calder. The firms’ major practice areas are Corporate, Litigation and Insolvency, although there are an increasing number of funds being incorporated in the BVI. Clients include all the major multi-national financial institutions. BVI law is based on the English legal system and so lawyers tend to be recruited from London and the other major commonwealth jurisdictions, such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

Remuneration

Salaries for lawyers in the BVI are excellent and compare very favourably to the leading international onshore firms for associates and partners. Personal tax is only 8%, The cost of living is slightly cheaper than London, so disposable income is higher than onshore.

Entry Requirements

A work permit must also be obtained, which will require you completing a medical and obtaining a police clearance certificate before the immigration papers can be filed. Subject to this requirement and obtaining a work permit, admission is as of right.

Married spouses may reside in BVI, although a separate work permit is required if they also wish to work. Unmarried partners do not and must obtain their own permit to reside and work in the BVI.

Lifestyle

The BVI enjoys warm sunny weather all year round and the scenery and proximity to work, make for an idyllic lifestyle. Accommodation is reasonable and most houses come with their own pool. The water-sports, in particular the sailing, are very popular, as are the sports club and other amenities on the Islands.

The BVI has good schools, particularly for younger children. There are also an increasing number of bars and quality restaurants to choose from.

The standard working hours in the BVI compare favourably to onshore firms, particularly when the absence of commute time is taken into consideration. The BVI’s attorneys enjoy excellent work and clients, whilst benefiting from the relaxing Caribbean pace of life on their weekends.