Researching for a Move

Well, welcome! We have three islands here! Only two are connected by ferry.

Have you researched the Attorney market here or do you already have a job lined up with a company? If anything, I'd say there is an over abundance of Attorneys on STX on attorney rows downtown Christiansted! I know of one attorney who has been here for years not being able to make his payroll for months of work. Do your market research as with opening any new business.

I have an attorney friend who just left STX due to lack of work. I definitely would try to get your ducks lined up prior to any move if you want to practice law - have you done a Pre Move Visit (PMV) yet? You should take some time on island getting to know people and networking your different options before committing your resources to a move.

Btw hating the cold shouldn't be the only reason to move to the islands. There are many warm places to move. 😉 We recently moved from STX to SW Florida and are enjoying similar lovely warm weather right now throughout the winter. Move to the VI because it is where you want to live (and there are many great reasons to do so), not because of the weather.

Good luck, and welcome!

The Legislature NEEDS attorneys badly...you pass the bar you can probably get hired right away.

Here's a link to the VI Bar Association website in case you don't already have it:

http://www.vibar.org/

Obviously you'll have to pass the Bar before you can practice here but there are several large law firms on St Thomas who hire quite regularly and I'd suggest approaching some of them to look into your options.

Good luck!

The Legislature NEEDS attorneys badly...you pass the bar you can probably get hired right away.

I want to click "like" but we don't have a button, but... "LIKE." 😀

Wow. Thank you for all the responses. Oh yeah, I have done the research and can imagine it's pretty saturated. That's why I'm open to pretty much anything. I actually practice corporate and Immigration (immigration is federal and can be practiced in any jurisdiction once licensed). I'm planning on taking the bar exam if I move, even if working in a different industry. I have read up on the USVI Bar Association and volunteer opportunities as well. I received a couple PMs with pointers as well. Thanks again to everyone.

Roseisland - I don't have any ins with any firms. I would be moving blind, but with determination and experience. My plan is to utilize the Bar Association, take any employment while studying for bar, volunteer legal services, and dominate the bar exam like I did a couple years ago. Ha.

OldTart - Thanks for the Link. I have definitely worn that link out. DO you know of any site that lists names of firms?

JulieKay - I agree with you. It would be for other reasons as well. I actually went to lived in Florida for a couple years in school. For some reason I feel drawn to the islands and the lifestyle. I'm taking my sailing certification this spring. I have been to St. Thomas before a couple years ago. As for the PMV, I haven't planned on it as of now. I am certainly open to it and may try to line up some contacts and take your advice.

Thanks again, ALL.

Most everyone here on this board will strongly recommend a pre move visit before you sink too many of your resources into moving. Life in the islands is different than what most people think, and is very different from a vacation visit. Come down and stay a few weeks/month or two, not as a tourist, but as someone working on joining the community, and then decide. Some people find that island life is not for them. Some people do.

For a list of firms, you can look at the Virgin Islands phone book at:

http://www.viphonebook.com

Thanks again. I have gotten so many helpful responses both on the thread and in PM.

I am a corporate paralegal living in Atlanta, GA and was just offered a position in St. Croix. I'll be moving down sometime between March and April. The company I will be working for is looking for a Real Estate attorney. I'm not sure if you have any experience in that area, but if you're interested, pm me and I will give you the recruiter's contact information.