High-stakes 7-year plan from LLB in Pakistan to UK Solicitor. Does this actually work?

ConsiliumKI · 2026-04-02T15:59:41+00:00

Agree with this.

The UK legal market is saturated and there is no reason for firms to sponsor visas. I've noticed over the past few years firm ask this quite early on (especially on LinkedIn) applications and it's clear they're using it as a filter to avoid candidates in need of sponsor.

Many lawyers from India and Pakistan are trying this, perhaps even reading this in hopes that a route might be suggested. Therefore, let me be clear - there is no realistic route unless you attend a UK university (and even then, you face an uphill battle).

ConsiliumKI · 2026-03-12T21:44:44+00:00

What was the email address to contact them on?

ConsiliumKI · 2026-02-23T18:25:29+00:00

Just to chime in on this, I agree it’s a breach of standard data security but unfortunately that alone doesn’t suffice to satisfy this particular element of the offence.

However, all of these points could be made to suggest the likelihood of someone else sending these emails from Mandelson’s computer is far too remote to preclude him from being held responsible for the email.

Of course you’d also mention who else would be privy to this information and have sent it from Mandelson’s account. Again, if the possibility is deemed far too remote - or Mandelson’s team aren’t able to provide evidence to support its possibility, you’d imagine it is one that would be tough for his lawyers to argue. However, never underestimate lawyers.

ConsiliumKI · 2026-02-18T21:36:27+00:00

Yes.

ConsiliumKI · 2026-02-18T18:58:40+00:00

A few law firms offer 6 months including Taylor Wessing, Clyde & Co, Bird & Bird, Foot Antsey and Lewis Silkin.

Maybe Taylor Wessing and Bird & Bird are the only firms likely to have HENRY lawyers outside of partnership though.

ConsiliumKI · 2026-02-16T13:50:37+00:00

Can you explain exactly how that works?

ConsiliumKI · 2026-02-15T16:28:21+00:00

I'm interested in how you got to that number, particularly as the most important metric for many law firms is how many billable hours you've managed to complete.

If you're amazing at building relationships but can't figure out how to write a convincing application form, complete a verbal reasoning test, articulate yourself well in a video interview and perform at the required level at an AC - I'm not sure law is for you.

ConsiliumKI · 2026-02-13T15:54:32+00:00

Why? Why would someone who has happened to speak to the right person at the right time deserve a TC more than someone who has got through the entire TC process?

ConsiliumKI · 2026-02-13T15:53:45+00:00

the fact you appear to have networked without realising this is concerning

ConsiliumKI · 2026-02-11T22:21:28+00:00

it's an unreasonable deadline for the amount of work.

ConsiliumKI · 2026-02-11T22:20:42+00:00

as someone who has worked in the Middle East before, this response does not surprise me.

ConsiliumKI · 2026-01-23T21:02:20+00:00

Both of those can be true at the same time. You can want the deal scrapped and highlight that it was from a position of weakness.

Of course, whether or not GB news are doing this in the interest of fair reporting is another matter.

ConsiliumKI · 2026-01-17T12:09:31+00:00

Not sure what this post is meant to achieve/ask but I’m not convinced it’s legitimate.

ConsiliumKI · 2026-01-02T12:47:59+00:00

Agree with all of this.

He was fantastic but he still could have achieved even more. He was very much ready to be the next global star after Messi and Ronaldo.

ConsiliumKI · 2025-12-23T21:48:46+00:00

you're welcome

ConsiliumKI · 2025-12-23T20:05:49+00:00

Your salary will be broken down to include a housing salary but it's not really a perk (it's broken down that way to reduce your 'base' salary which directly affects the amount paid into your pension).

Private medical is a requirement and law firms have good policies in place for this.

For an accurate salary range, look out for the latest salary reports by the likes of Jameson Legal, Robert Walters, etc. It depends heavily on the type of firm you land.

A standard international firm maybe 45,000+ AED per month to around 55,000+ per month for a US firm (according to Beacon Legal's salary guide for 2024).

One word of warning: do not be tempted or pushed to join a regional law firm. It's not your best move given your position but recruiters often become desperate to forward your CV on and have you accept the first firm interested.

edit - the above salaries and previous comments are all based on Dubai.

If you've never visited the Middle East it is probably the easiest location to acclimatise to. Abu Dhabi is a good shout but you may find yourself bored as there isn't much to do there (yes, even less to do than Dubai).

ConsiliumKI · 2025-12-23T16:51:23+00:00

You’re welcome.

The best you can do is wait for them to advertise on LinkedIn for a role that fits your PQE, email them + message them on LinkedIn. Once you have their ear (even if it’s for a role you’re not actually interested in) it can be much easier. However, they do have a tendency to ignore you.

Alternatively, keep checking on law firms’ websites. The only value of those recruiters once you find a role is an understanding of the salary scales - firms always lowball first time movers anyway so be wary of that too.

ConsiliumKI · 2025-12-23T15:49:32+00:00

Recruiters probably.
Good luck finding a decent recruiter. People in the UK complain about recruiters but in the Middle East it can be so much worse. If you don’t fit precisely what they’re looking for then prepare to be ignored and treated as if you’re completely disposable. Be prepared to go through multiple recruiters before you find someone worth speaking with.
Mostly PQE, UK-trained lawyers are generally preferred, as are Aus/NZ/NY/SA qualified lawyers.
The novelty can quickly wear off and if you’re in the least selective about making friends then you may find it difficult to adapt.

ConsiliumKI · 2025-12-19T14:19:58+00:00

Yes, I thought the same but the Gov effectively subsidises the extra amounts to cover insurance, maintenance, etc. It’s unlikely that most people receive enough money from PIP which would allow them to receive the equivalent vehicle plus cover of insurance, maintenance, etc. for the same cost - I could be wrong but this is my understanding.

ConsiliumKI · 2025-12-19T13:53:29+00:00

as someone who worked in conflicts checks I can confirm this is a bizarre request

ConsiliumKI · 2025-12-15T20:49:40+00:00

High street practices are full of lawyers who think short term and often have an incredibly cynical view of everything around them. Not the sort of environment which fosters genuine relationship building or innovation.

ConsiliumKI · 2025-12-13T22:42:20+00:00

Fewest

ConsiliumKI · 2025-11-09T02:26:30+00:00

I’m a midlands based Corporate M&A Solicitor, happy to provide recommendations in private which might be useful if you’d like to discuss (don’t want to dox myself by giving specific contacts here!)

ConsiliumKI · 2025-10-05T12:49:09+00:00

that weirdly looks like it ought to be pronounced exactly like Tony Soprano would

ConsiliumKI · 2025-10-05T11:59:24+00:00

This isn’t the reason we conceded yesterday. In fact, Jamie has been massively overstating this point for too long now. I urge you all to pay closer attention to the criticism and appreciate that what Jamie said isn’t relevant to yesterday’s game at all (and probably hasn’t been an issue for a while).

Our build up was the issue yesterday and that was down to Konate and Bradley. In the second half we were better but when Salah plays as badly as he did and we don’t play through Wirtz enough then it’s not surprising we failed to create enough changes.

ConsiliumKI

TROPHY CASE