Lawyer: Looking to find a job in HK

[saint_santana]

I'm a lawyer qualified in the UK (barrister, not solicitor) and the US and am hoping to move to HK. Would really appreciate an insight on what the market is like.
I don't speak Chinese... yet. Should I just get in touch with the recruiters or would cold calling the firms (or in this case, sending the CV as I'm not in HK) be an option?

[dumbdonkey]

Should I just get in touch with the recruiters or would cold calling the firms (or in this case, sending the CV as I'm not in HK) be an option?

i'm not a barrister but both of your options seems valid.

[cow1201]

best to send the CVs directly to the chambers, there are loads at the Lippo Centre at admiralty- google for their names. not sure if headhunters will be of great use in your field

join some groups / get some HR names through linkedin and call them directly to see if they are hiring for next year

good luck!

[saint_santana]

Thanks a lot guys!

I'm slightly concerned about how open the market is towards overseas lawyers (especially when the lawyer in question doesn't have big firm experience and doesn't speak cantonese or mandarin). It's a bit daunting to think of penetrating a totally foreign market without any contact.

Linkedin sounds like a good idea. But somehow I always feel it requires a stroke of luck to get in touch with the right firm where one would fit the bill.

[m stone]

it’s not that easy.
Do you need a permit to work in HK?
Are you already admitted to the HK Bar that allows you to practice as a HK barrister? HK barristers are all self-employed and they get work from law firms only, not from the general public.
Or are you already registered with the HK Law Society as a Registered Foreign Lawyer? Your registration allows you to work in a HK local law firm or foreign law firm in HK.
Otherwise, if you work in HK you cannot call yourself a barrister or lawyer, but something else.