Working in a US Law Firm vs a UK Law Firm in London

​What Risk, Compliance, and Knowledge Professionals Should Know...

Earlier this week, our Managing Director Adam Shookhye posted a bold question on LinkedIn:

Would you rule out moving to a US firm in London that made a deal with Trump?

We know that some of our candidates would absolutely rule it out, regardless of salary or scope, while others are asking thoughtful questions about how the London office operates, what the local DEI policies look like, and how closely aligned they are (or aren’t) with US headquarters. And, of course, for some, it doesn’t matter at all.

And that leads us to a broader conversation we’ve been having a lot lately, about the real differences between working for a US-headquartered firm versus a UK-headquartered firm, when based in London.

This article looks specifically at how those differences show up in risk and compliance and knowledge lawyer/PSL roles.

1.Salary vs. Sustainability: What’s the Trade-Off?

Let’s address the most obvious point first: US firms in London almost always pay more.

In some cases, significantly more, especially in fee-earning roles, but also in risk & compliance and knowledge positions at certain levels. For candidates prioritising financial compensation, that’s understandably attractive.

But this often comes with added responsibility and visibility, things many professionals actively seek out to accelerate their career development:

•Workload & expectations– US firms tend to operate with leaner teams, which can give professionals greater ownership and influence over their work.

•Pace & delivery– The environment is typically fast-moving, which suits individuals who thrive in dynamic settings and enjoy problem-solving at pace.

•Work-life balance– While perceptions may suggest longer hours, most knowledge lawyers and increasingly risk and compliance professionals report that their actual working hours in US firms are comparable to those in UK firms. It comes down to the firm’s culture and the individual role.

For knowledge lawyers, this might mean working across multiple departments with a high degree of autonomy. For compliance professionals, it could mean leading on complex matters that have direct visibility with senior leadership.

2.Culture & Communication Styles

This is where the lines begin to blur, because not all US or UK firms fit neatly into a box.

That said, here are a few general trends we’ve observed through years of placing candidates across both:

• UK firms often provide structured career development pathways, well-established internal frameworks, and consistent communications.

• US firms may adopt a more agile approach, allowing professionals to work closely with decision-makers and gain exposure to high-level projects early on.

• Inclusivity & DEI feels well-established in many UK-headquartered firms, and some US firms have faced scrutiny due to shifting political pressures and high-profile decisions in the US that have raised questions about their stance on DEI. That said, many London offices are proactive in establishing their own identity and policies, ensuring that their values reflect local expectations and priorities.

That last point is crucial. As one candidate told us recently:

“I work at a US firm, but our London office runs entirely differently. Culturally, we don’t feel aligned with the US HQ, and that’s part of why I’ve stayed.”

This local autonomy and adaptability is something candidates are increasingly interested in exploring before making career decisions.

3.Risk & Compliance Teams: US Firms Are Investing

One of the more noticeable trends in 2024–2025 is the growth of risk and compliance functions within US firms in London.

Traditionally, these firms maintained smaller risk teams, often reliant on US support. But that’s changing:

• Many are now building out conflicts and AML functions locally, often bringing in specialist senior talent to lead new initiatives.

• There’s a greater focus on local compliance strategy, recognising the importance of SRA regulation, GDPR, UK AML laws, and the expectations of London clients.

• More US firms are hiring in-house risk lawyers and senior PSLs to support complex cross-border matters and ensure London-specific compliance standards are met.

For candidates, this presents opportunity: influence, visibility, and in many cases, the chance to shape a team or function from the ground up.

4.Knowledge Lawyer Roles: Structure vs Autonomy

In UK firms, knowledge roles are typically well-established, with team structures, budget, and clear objectives. In US firms, it’s more varied, some have well-developed PSL teams, while others are investing in these roles for the first time.

This creates two types of opportunity:

• If you’re coming from a UK firm and used to structure, you may find a new sense of freedom and scope to influence.

• If you’re looking to innovate or help shape a knowledge function from the ground up, US firms can offer a high degree of autonomy and strategic input.

Crucially, while some candidates assume that working in a US firm automatically means longer hours, many knowledge professionals report that their hours are very similar to those in UK firms, especially in non-fee-earning teams like PSL and compliance. It’s always worth asking the right questions about team culture, expectations, and support.

5.What Candidates Are Asking

In recent months, we've seen candidates becoming more selective about the culture and reputation of the US firms they join, not just the compensation.

Common questions include:

• “How involved is the London risk team in firm-wide strategy?”

• “What’s the London office’s position on DEI, and how does it differ from the US?”

• “Will I be working as part of a global team or running point on everything locally?”

• “Is this a team I can grow in, not just deliver for?”

These are questions we encourage candidates to ask. And they’re ones that we help candidates navigate honestly, using real insights from conversations we have daily with both firms and professionals.

Ultimately there is no "better" or "worse" choice between a US and UK law firm in London, only what’s right for you.

What’s clear is that culture, leadership style, expectations, and opportunity all differ, and for risk & compliance professionals and knowledge lawyers in particular, these differences matter.

At Pembury Legal, we help you explore those nuances, not just to land a role, but to find the right team, values, and trajectory.

Curious about what’s out there? Let’s talk.

Get in touch with the Pembury Legal team to discuss upcoming opportunities in both UK and US law firms in London.

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