Short Answers to Common Questions: I am a Chinese-Speaking US Attorney Looking for a Job. Where Should I Apply?

Native Chinese-speaking (US-licensed) attorneys often ask us for advice regarding the types of opportunities available to them in the United States.  Generally, these candidates are looking to stay in the United States for the long term, while also wanting to leave themselves the option of returning to a robust career in China.

While there are multiple paths, the short answer is the ideal job is at a large law firm in a practice area sought after by Chinese companies and individuals on a regular basis. Those jobs tend to be in the corporate space.  Bank finance, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and real estate are clear winners. Chinese firms and companies can be status oriented; a JD or LLM from a high-ranking US law school is almost always necessary.

We happen to be working on one such opportunity in New York right now (July 2018).  Our client, a prestigious international law firm, is looking for a native Mandarin-speaking junior to mid-level bank finance associate.  The associate should have experience working on acquisition finance, leveraged finance, or capital markets transactions.

Contact us at jobs@kinneyrecruiting.com to learn more about this and similar opportunities.  If you are ready to move back to China or Hong Kong, contact us at asia@kinneyrecruiting.com.