Become an emigrant… move to Europe

Does the good ol’ United States of America have you down? Turned off by the American legal system? Is American politics forcibly interrupting your favorite TV viewing? Why not emigrate to Europe or the Caribbean?

I’ve recently be looking at ways to expand my legal career in more exotic areas. The thought has crossed my mind that I might be able to effectively use my legal degree in Europe or Scandinavia. Having an intellectual property law background, I might have an easier time marketing my legal skills and experience to European companies and firms than a general practitioner. There are several resources and programs for those seeking jobs in the “mother countries.”

 

ABA International Law Committee

http://www.abanet.org/intlaw/

With a couple hundred members, the International Law Committee could provide you with that needed contact or introduction. The International Law Committee website provides links to suggested reading, city survival guides, international news updates and the International Law Committee’s journal (The International Lawyer).

 

ABA U.S. Lawyers Working Abroad Section

http://www.abanet.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=IC916000

The U.S. Lawyers Working Abroad committee is specifically designed to help U.S. lawyers who are working aboard. The committee has a roster of 251 attorneys based in the U.S. and foreign countries. These lawyers may provide the first contacts needed to get your foot in the door. They also have the experience dealing with conflicting professional responsibility requirements and may help explain unfamiliar legal cultures. 

 

Monster

http://workabroad.monster.com/

Monster.com has a lesser know section for those seeking jobs abroad. Filled with articles, tips and tricks, Monster offers more than just job listings in foreign countries. The only complaint is that one has to sort through U.S. listings as well when using the basic job search function.

 

General listings

There are several website with links to resources for becoming an expatriate. For example, Washburn University Law Library (http://www.washlaw.edu/postlaw/jobint.html) is an excellent resource for those looking to move abroad and find legal careers in the private or public sectors.

* Prophet

Comments

[Hemster]

"The thought has crossed my mind that I might be able to effectively use my legal degree in Europe or Scandinavia." FYI, Scandinavia is a part of Europe.

[Jurisconsultus]

Damn, I guess we need to start watching out for the Geography Police. And it is an insult to include the lovely ladies of Scandinavia with the swine of the rest of Europe (excepting the Italians of course).