For today's law graduates there has never been a better time to experience working abroad or to travel internationally. The global economy and the increasing use of technology and internationally recognisable qualifications have provided an unparalleled opportunity for law graduates to qualify and work in different legal jurisdictions. Some may choose to qualify in just one jurisdiction whilst others may choose to qualify in their home jurisdiction and abroad. In particular the graduate with a qualifying law degree is entitled to sit the New York Bar examination and on successfully completing this they qualify as an Attorney-at-Law without the need to complete any training periods or a training contract. The state of New York is particularly attractive as its legal system was founded on English Common Law. There are a great number of similarities between both legal systems, and English law graduates find that this assists them greatly in obtaining the qualification to practise in New York. A large number of graduates have used this qualification as a springboard to live and work in the States and to practise within one of the largest and most active legal jurisdictions in the world. The other approach taken by some graduates has been to obtain the right to practise in the UK as well as in the state of New York. Not only does this allow them to work internationally, but it also makes them highly sought after professionals by the largest law firms and financial institutions (there are over 300 American law firms in London alone). This 'dual capability' is something the best law firms have aspired to obtain in recent years. Some have achieved it and others are striving towards it. Either way the demand for dual-qualified lawyers outstrips supply, putting these lawyers in a position where they can choose their employer as opposed to the other way around. Clients today want a firm that can handle both sides of a US-UK transaction. Why pay two sets of lawyers when one will do? The sort of work you can expect to do will be mainly commercial in nature, such as Project Finance, International Securities, Intellectual Property, Dispute Resolution and Tax, to name but a few. The work tends to be of very high value (usually involving sums of millions of dollars) and intellectually stimulating. Generally these firms will not offer family and criminal work. New York firms are very well known for their 'work hard - play hard' ethic and their high rates of pay. The rates for a newly qualified solicitor are £50,000 and above and after five years' of practice you can expect to be earning over £100,000. Would you like to get into this line of work? Getting your own 'dual capability' is easier than you think. With your qualifying law degree you could commence the New York Bar Review programme and take the examination in February or September. Preparation courses are offered by Central Law Training and held in London at weekends or you may choose to study by distance learning. What are you waiting for? Anthony Osude: Central Law Training | 
