Language-based roles top legal professionalsí wish-list for 2008

Roles that give legal professionals the opportunity to use a foreign language skill are currently topping the wish-list for candidates who are planning their next job move, according to the UKís leading legal job site, totallylegal.com.

The specialist recruitment site found that in January 2008, over a quarter of searches made by candidates were language based with Italian, French and Russian taking the top spots respectively. Commenting on how strong language skills will be a significant advantage for legal professionals as the global market develops, Sarah EL-Doori, Marketing Director of totallylegal says:

ìWeíre certainly seeing more candidates search for jobs that require language skills and the feedback from legal employers is that they increasingly want their people to be competent in another language as well. The fact that so many candidates are searching for roles that require these skills also reflects how important international mobility is becoming for todayís legal professionals.î

While many candidates still favour western-European languages, totallylegalís data suggests that there are some attractive opportunities for legal professionals further afield. Australia and Dubai both have a high demand for legal professionals and the fact that English is the dominant language in both markets makes them accessible destinations for candidates without a second language skill.

EL-Doori concludes: ìDestinations like Dubai hold fantastic opportunities for candidates that want to develop their professional skills overseas. When you consider the additional lifestyle benefits of living in Dubai, such as tax-free salaries and a high standard of life, working abroad becomes a very attractive opportunity for legal professionals.î

For more information please contact Helen Ablett/Susie Loughnane on 08453 700 655