There is far more flexibility from investment banks on the issue of recruiting newly qualifieds. Positions often exist for lawyers with up to six months' experience, especially in New York or Tokyo. The key to this recruitment is personality, as opposed to current skills, since full retraining will be given to successful candidates. Strength of character, excellent academics and high degrees of enthusiasm are essential. The promised land Climate and culture obviously need to be considered.
Many junior lawyers realise the benefits of eastern European emerging markets experience.
For some young lawyers, the prospect of being based in Prague, with Europe on your doorstep and the possibility of skiing at weekends, is understandably attractive. Other lawyers favour the sun, and those with a greater sense of travel seem to prefer opportunities in Australia and Asia. Generally, there are excellent opportunities overseas for junior lawyers, if you have the experience and the ambition. It would be wrong to say that there is a particular time to move. What will influence a decision is jurisdiction, discipline, and, to some extent, individual characteristics.