Lawyers Wanted - Abroad, That Is - NYTimes.com

Lawyers Wanted - Abroad, That Is - NYTimes.com
This is an interesting article, not just because it mentions my son by name, but because it puts a different spin on overseas offices. Also notable is the chart and the mention that foreign law firms cannot have an office in India. That is going to have to change.

As a practical matter, it is probably much easier to have a young lawyer without a wife and family take an assignment abroad. There is a lot less to manage when you are just moving one versus a family with young children, some of whom might be school age. Also, when you move a family, it may require a longer term commitment than moving a single lawyer.

Underlying all this, however, is the impact of the current economic climate. At the moment, there may be a shortage of qualified talent abroad, but, if the economic uncertainties continue to spread, this may change. For the young lawyer who has been abroad, it may be difficult to repatriate, because, if for nothing else, out of sight, out of mind. The associates who stayed at home will probably have superior chances to remain on board.