Legal Work

Manxcat · #1 10-21-2008, 05:36 PM

I am a qualified lawyer (English law) planning to move to DR mid next year. (La Romana) Can anyone tell me about their experiences working in a legal field? I appreciate that it will be unlikely that I can practice in DR but I am happy to work in a different role, if I could put even some of my qualifications and experiences to good use. is there any use at all for English qualified lawyers? Whilst I could possibly change jobs altogether it would be nice to stay in a similar field

Thanks

Hillbilly · #2 10-21-2008, 09:16 PM

Easy, NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. See that was easy!!

Why you ask?

Because Dominican law is based on the French system and English law is based on the old system of precedents and real laws and such and they do not mix...

And for you to practice here you need to get a degree from a proper university here, and become a Dominican...among other things...

Now, you just might be able to get some consultant work with a few of the major law firms in Santo Domingo, but that is what it would be, consultant for pittance.

Sorry to be the bearer of such sad tidings...

HB

planner · #3 10-22-2008, 11:03 AM

What about doing legal consulting for those trying to sponsor their other half to the U.S.?

Manxcat · #4 10-22-2008, 06:14 PM

Thanks HB and Planner, I would be happy to do consultancy work - or given the opportunities (or lack of) anything that I could apply my skills (!) to.
I don't mind the salary particularly so long as I can afford to live on a daily basis. I shall keep looking and at the same time perhaps pray to win the lottery... Thanks again

lawking · #5 10-23-2008, 09:55 AM

I guess we have the same problem.

Iám a Swdish lawyer and i will move to DR but first i have to find a way to make some money there.

So maybe we can figure out something togheter. In what legal areas have you been working? Mine are Buiessnes and contractlaw.

Have a nice day!

Johan

Manxcat · #6 10-23-2008, 03:22 PM

Hi Lawking,
I specialise in matrimonial and criminal law. I also need to work as I could buy a property outright but then I would need an income.
The difficulty seems to be (besides the language difference) the fact that it is not a simple fact of taking a bar exam or a conversion course. It seems to be a little like Florida where you actually need to be qualified within the jurisdiction. I like the quaote also from Hillbilly that also you need to become a Dominican! Possibly that means by residency!
When are you hoping to move out there? If you can't practice, will you find something else to do but still go? I have to say, whilst the salary is not an issue particularly, I would prefer to get paid peanuts for working as a researcher or a legal executive than work in a completely different field. I think the first stop maybe a CV to the bigger law firms and see if they are interested in my services even in the basic way.
I even wondered if the property sales companies would be interested in in-house legal services but I guess many are not big enough or established enough. Surely we can be of some use to someone?!
Any bright ideas, let me know. I am definitely game.
Where do you want to be located?

Lambada · #7 10-23-2008, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manxcat

Possibly that means by residency!

No, it means citizenship. All foreigners need to get their residency. Citizenship is something you apply for after you have residency, if you wish to. Have a look in the legal forum for threads explaining the difference.

And read this - it's in English
GlobaLex - Guide to Legal Research in the Dominican Republic

Might be a good idea to get a bit more knowledgeable on Dominican law, the legal system & how everything works before sending your CV anywhere. You would probably create a better impression and increase your chances of finding a firm interested in knowing more about you.

Manxcat · #8 10-30-2008, 06:45 AM

Thank you Lambada. I shall take your advice. Given that I have no immediate need to move, but can plan ahead, I intend to put as much effort into the move as possible so plenty of preparation shall be the key.

RonS · #9 10-30-2008, 08:23 AM

In order to realize you objective, you really must spend time in the DR to learn about the legal culture there. It is more than educating yourself in the Napoleonic civil law system and the peculiarities of Dominican law. I'm an attorney in the US and have just recently started to form friendships and, hopefully, a longer term relationships, with a few very good and very smart young Dominican lawyers. My impression is that the Dominican legal profession is a very tightly knit group of people who have relationships that have been forged over time, and that they jealously guard thier perrogatives and turf. You have to become, as HB said, 'Dominican'. It is a different way of doing business and a different way of practicing law. In addition to doing your homework, my suggestion is that you network and build relationships there. I wish you good luck, and I hope you'll let us know how you make out.

erna · #10 10-30-2008, 09:14 AM

Hej Lawking

Kul att se en svensk till härinne

Vi är inte så många.
( Nice to see another person from Sweden in here. We are not so many)

Carina (Erna)