Partnerships outside London are often considered a better option for an improved work/life balance. Luc Salmon, associate director at Michael Page Legal, discusses the potential benefits of accepting a regional partnership. 
Here are four positive aspects to moving your legal career outside of the capital:

1. Excellent calibre of firms

There can be a very London-centric attitude towards achieving a fulfilling career in law. Many professionals still hold the belief that the best, most respected firms are capital-based. However, the calibre of law firms outside of London is very high. For example, areas such as Reading, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds and Manchester are home to many of the country‘s leading law firms from the Legal 100. Fully research the geographies, and the firms within them, that are of interest to you.

2. High profile clients

Many of the well-established FTSE100 and Fortune 500 companies have their headquarters outside of London and are therefore increasingly using regional law firms for their legal needs. Due to the recession and ongoing budget pressures, many companies are now looking towards regional firms to provide more cost-effective legal support than the London companies.

3. Competitive salaries

Although typically lower than London salaries, the remuneration in regional partnerships may not as low as some lawyers fear. Due to the rise of high profile clients looking to use regional firms for their legal needs, many are offering attractive salaries to potential hires.

4. Work/life balance

Away from the more pressurised environment of the London city firms, regional partnerships can offer a real chance to have a better work/life balance. Especially if you have a new or growing family, regional partnerships can often benefit you with more regular hours and potentially more flexibility.
If you’re considering a job move to a new location, why not get in touch? At Michael Page Legal, we’re acknowledged as a leading legal recruiter, with specialist teams at nine offices nationwide, you’ll always speak to someone with a good understanding of the local market.
You can browse our current legal jobs here, or contact us to discuss your career in more detail.