Over the past year we have spoken to, and successfully helped, a growing number of Hong Kong-qualified lawyers who are based in London and thinking about coming home. Some are a few years post-qualification, others are more senior, and most share the same question: how will Hong Kong firms view a lawyer who has spent time away?
The short answer is that, for the right candidates, firms view returners very positively.
Why lawyers are coming back
Many of those now looking to return moved to London on qualification in 2023 and 2024, when the Hong Kong market was quieter and opportunities for newly qualified lawyers were more limited. With activity picking up in Hong Kong, and firms investing again across a range of practice areas, the balance has shifted. Add to that the pull of family, the lower tax rate, the pace of Asia's deal flow and the chance to build a career close to Asian clients, and the decision to come back is an increasingly common one.
How Hong Kong firms see returners
Firms tend to like returners, particularly those who have only been in London for a few years. The main reasons are:
• Strong English alongside native Cantonese or Mandarin. Lawyers who have worked day to day in a London environment bring a level of English that international firms value, and they have not lost the language skills that matter for clients and colleagues in Hong Kong and the PRC.
• Cross-border experience. Many returners have worked on cross-border transactions and matters in London, which maps neatly onto the work Hong Kong teams do for international and regional clients.
• A London brand and training. Time at a recognised firm in London is well regarded, and it often comes with exposure to different working practices and clients.
Hong Kong admission matters
Firms show a clear preference for lawyers who originally trained in Hong Kong and hold Hong Kong admission. These candidates are seen as lower risk: they know the local market and the way firms work here, and they can step into a team without needing to re-qualify. If you trained in Hong Kong and left on qualification, that is a real advantage when you come back.
Timing
The sooner you are back, the easier the transition tends to be. Lawyers who have been in London for a few years are generally the most sought after. The longer you are away, the more you may need to demonstrate that you have kept up with the Hong Kong market and your contacts here.
How to position yourself
• Be clear on your "why now". Firms want to know that you are coming back for the long term, so explain your reasons simply and confidently.
• Lead with your cross-border work. Highlight any deals or matters that involved Asian clients, Hong Kong law or PRC counterparties.
• Stay connected. Keep in touch with former colleagues and contacts in Hong Kong, and follow market news so you can talk about the current landscape.
• Start early. Allow for notice periods, relocation and the time a search takes.
Speak to us
If you are a Hong Kong lawyer in London considering a move back, we would be happy to have a confidential conversation about the market and what firms are looking for.
Camilla is the Founder and Managing Director of Worthington Legal. She has over 18 years of legal experience, initially as a lawyer in a top city law firm in London before moving to Hong Kong in 2014. Camilla regularly presents at partner strategy meetings, advises on market trends and hiring strategies and mentors lawyers at all career stages, both professionally and with the Women in Law Mentoring Programme.
