Lawyers Wanted for Jobs Abroad
Not long ago it was hard enough to transport a legal career across state lines. Now lawyers are being sought for jobs abroad in places like Hong Kong, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. An article in the business section of The New York Times, November 23, 2009, tells why this is happening and where some of the jobs are.
U.S. law firms are increasing their presence overseas. For example, the Los Angeles firm of Lathan & Watkins, has gone from five overseas offices to 14. The New York firm of Weil, Gotshal & Manges has gone from three to nine offices in foreign countries.
Hong Kong saw a 48% increase in the number of lawyers from the 250 largest U.S. law firms from 2007 to 2008. In Abu Dhabi, there was an increase of 144%. Most of the business in Abu Dhabi involves legal advice for government businesses funded by a large sovereign wealth fund.
U.S. citizens working abroad who meet certain conditions do not have to pay taxes on their first $87,600 of earned income.