A career move abroad can freshen up your CV and place you on the fast track to partnership, but at what cost? Lynnsey McCall and Claire Stead report

One of the most significant trends in the international legal arena is the increasing number of lawyers who are moving overseas. Why the mass departures? Which are the most popular jurisdictions? And should you consider an overseas move for yourself?

To answer the first question, we borrow one of the slogans from former President Bill Clinton's 1992 campaign: "It's the economy, stupid." The unravelling of financial markets and tightening of credit around the world has caused a slowdown of legal work in traditionally dynamic markets like London and New York, while emerging and growth markets continue to see lots of deals.

Which markets?

The specific destination can be a very important consideration. If the market to which you move is buoyant, busy and dynamic, you will be much more likely to build up a strong client base and develop a profitable practice. It can be much more of an uphill battle if you are somewhere off the beaten track.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are currently at the top of everyone's lists of preferred destinations. Both currently provide massive, unrivalled opportunities, with a growth rate that is second only to China. The oil, construction, real estate, banking and shipping industries are especially active, with considerable cross-border work and inbound/outbound financial investments. Heng Loong Cheong, a senior associate at Dewey & LeBoeuf who has recently been seconded from London to Hong Kong says that his firm's offices in Dubai, Moscow and Almaty are extremely busy. In addition, the firm is moving partners and associates to Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Johannesburg.

If your expertise is in corporate and financial work, Hong Kong and Singapore could be alternatives. Like the UAE, they have weathered the current economic downturn better than the traditional financial centres.

And corporate lawyers with a specialised focus on funds work may want to consider a move offshore, where firms are hungry for expertise and talent.

Establishing a track record in one of these jurisdictions can determine your career path for the rest of your life. In 1994 Chris Jobson moved from the Hong Kong office to the Dubai office of an international firm. Ten years later, he was offered the chance to set up an office in Qatar for Eversheds. Earlier this year, he moved on again in order to set up Eversheds' office in Abu Dhabi, where he now serves as Middle East managing partner. "The Middle East today is what Hong Kong was 15-20 years ago," he says.

What are the benefits?

The benefits of an overseas move are indisputable. "In just 10 months I have managed to gain exposure to many different aspects of law firm management and client development that would normally have taken me years to experience in a London office environment," says Cheong.

This fast-track scenario is not uncommon for lawyers who have re-located overseas. Vanessa Abernethy, a partner at Simmons & Simmons in Dubai, believes that her career has progressed more quickly because of the business development opportunities available in the region. "Your clients become friends and friends become clients," she comments.

Meanwhile, Kirstie Nicholson, who relocated to assist in developing Lovells' competition practice in Shanghai earlier this year, says that the level at which she works has been significantly elevated. Recently, she was sent to Brussels as a delegate of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China (EUCCC), where she met with several high-level European Union (EU) officials. She says the relocation to Shanghai has meant taking on more responsibility, which in turn has raised her visibility both inside and outside her firm.

In another instance, a lawyer who moved from London to Tokyo and made partner soon afterwards says the promotion was largely the result of the new responsibilities he had assumed in the new role.

Once you have made a successful move, firm leaders see you as a 'can do' type of person, and are likely to offer you more opportunities in the future. After all, you have demonstrated an ability to pick up and go wherever the firm needs you, and to be able to practice successfully in an entirely new environment. In this market, such skills are highly sought after.

Is it for you?

Despite all of the advantages, overseas moves are not for everyone.

You need to conduct thorough due diligence, just like you would if you were considering a lateral move to another firm. Make sure you are moving to a role that is appropriate for your particular skill set and interests; check that the compensation package is acceptable and ensure that you are clear how this move will affect your career path in the future. Depending on your domestic situation, there may be a number of personal considerations to take into account as well. Though many of these markets have thriving expat communities – expats represent about 90% of the population in Dubai – you will be far from your close friends and family.

For some, the financial advantages are enough to seal the deal. One lawyer who moved to Moscow says he took home, on a net basis, double what he had been making in London. Antipodean salaries sometimes increase threefold on relocation to the UAE; UK gross salaries tend to be matched. In addition, many of these jurisdictions have lower or no income taxes.

While firms encourage their lawyers to obtain overseas experience, every firm we checked with stopped short of guaranteeing a speedier path to partnership. "An associate's career advancement is definitely enhanced by working internationally," notes Eversheds' Jobson. "Partnership is not guaranteed, but it is a natural progression for associates who work hard."

You should also determine what solutions your firm offers should you find the new location unpalatable. Some firms provide guarantees that their lawyers can return to London (or wherever their home base is) and resume their practice if things are not working out. Others apply a 'claw-back' provision – in other words, if their lawyers want to move back before the conclusion of their contract, they have to reimburse the firm for all their relocation costs. Be sure you understand all the ramifications of the move.

The world is truly your oyster. Today, there are more places for English-qualified lawyers to practice than ever before. Relocating provides all kinds of positive opportunities, both on a personal and professional level. While it may not suit everyone, it is definitely worth -considering.

Lynnsey McCall is a partner and Claire Stead is a managing director in the associate practice at Major Lindsey & Africa.