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For Australian-qualified lawyers exploring law jobs overseas, the Cayman Islands and Bermuda currently offer the best mix of salary, career progression, and international exposure. Associates typically earn upwards of AUD$200k, with Senior Associates taking home up to AUD$385k with generous bonuses while working on billion-dollar transactions for global clients.
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For years, the natural overseas step for Australian lawyers has been London. It’s where you join a global firm, work on international deals, and experience life abroad. But as more lawyers begin searching for international legal jobs, a growing number are looking beyond the UK to offshore legal markets such as the Cayman Islands and Bermuda.
These two jurisdictions are now among the most lucrative and professionally rewarding destinations for Australian lawyers. They offer higher net pay, faster progression, and global-scale work, all without the heavy UK tax bill, extreme billable targets, or winter commute.
When most Australians search for law jobs overseas, they’re thinking about London: the financial hub, the global clients, the international prestige. But that same international client base also drives the offshore legal industry, where many of the world’s most complex corporate, finance, and disputes matters are structured.
Offshore law firms in the Cayman Islands and Bermuda advise on:
These are sophisticated, multi-jurisdictional practices operating at the same standard as leading City firms and often with smaller teams, meaning greater responsibility, faster development, and direct client contact earlier in your career.
For Australian lawyers looking for true international work, the offshore sector is now one of the smartest routes available.
For many Australian lawyers, the attraction of offshore is simple: higher earning potential, lower tax, and better take-home pay.
In practical terms, an Australian lawyer in Cayman or Bermuda can earn significantly higher net take-home pay compared with a similar role in London while working on the same calibre of matters.
Both jurisdictions also offer comprehensive relocation packages, including flights, temporary accommodation assistance, and private healthcare.
The Cayman Islands remain the world’s leading domicile for investment funds, with over USD $1 trillion in assets under management. Associates advise clients from New York, London, and Hong Kong on fund launches, complex financings, and cross-border M&A.
Typical practice areas:
Cayman Islands teams are deliberately lean giving associates end-to-end transaction experience and early exposure to client management.
For a detailed overview of the legal market, see our Ultimate 2025 Guide to Legal Careers in the Cayman Islands.
Bermuda is a global reinsurance powerhouse with a respected regulatory framework. Firms here advise on insurance formations, private equity transactions, and high-value disputes.
Key practice areas:
For Australians from corporate, finance, or disputes backgrounds, Bermuda offers London-calibre work but leaves lawyers better off financially.
For a detailed overview of the legal market in Bermuda, see our Ultimate 2025 Guide to Bermuda Legal Careers.
While Cayman and Bermuda deliver City-quality legal work, the day-to-day lifestyle couldn’t be more different from London. Lawyers offshore enjoy short commutes, warm weather year-round, and a strong expat community of professionals from the UK, Australia, Canada and various other countries. With average billable hours around 1,400–1,600 a year, there’s more time for fitness, travel, and social life - without compromising your legal career.
Weekends are spent outdoors, whether sailing, diving, or dining beachside, rather than recovering from 80-hour weeks in the City. Both jurisdictions offer international schools, modern infrastructure, and direct flights to major financial centres. For many Australian lawyers, the offshore move strikes the ideal balance between global career exposure and a genuinely balanced lifestyle.
To find out more about daily life in these locations, read our Cayman Islands and Bermuda lifestyle guides.
Moving offshore is straightforward when guided by a specialist recruiter familiar with both jurisdictions.
Timeline: From first interview to offer, 3–6 weeks is typical. Start dates are usually 2–4 months later, allowing time for visas and notice periods.
Packages: Relocation allowance, flights, temporary housing and private healthcare are standard inclusions.
Work permits: Straightforward for Australian nationals; your firm handles all paperwork.
Offshore law firms actively hire Australian-qualified lawyers because of the shared common-law system and high training standards.
Ideal profile
If you’re not sure whether your background fits, speak with our team for a confidential discussion about your eligibility and timing for offshore roles.
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No. Firms train you locally; your Australian commercial or corporate grounding is highly transferable.
Busy, but sustainable. High-value work without the constant late-night City grind. In Magic Circle firms the average billable hours are usually between 1,800-2,200+ whereas hours in offshore law firms can be as low as 1,350-1,600+.
Flights, temporary housing assistance, relocation allowance, and private healthcare are typical inclusions.
Many Australians spend 3–5 years offshore, progress quickly, and later return home or move to London or Hong Kong in senior roles. Their offshore experience is highly regarded globally. A number choose to stay offshore, given they earn significantly more and enjoy a more balanced lifestyle.
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Whether you’re exploring roles with leading offshore law firms in the Cayman Islands or Bermuda or seeking tailored relocation advice, our team is here to help.
Still deciding between offshore jurisdictions? Compare the Cayman Islands, Channel Islands, BVI and Bermuda to see which is the best fit for you.