Ammosaph

Thanks everyone for your posts - I totally forgot to update the thread. We chose Willetton in the end. Well - to be fair - the house chose us. Once we viewed it we knew that was the one for us and it happened to be in Willetton. We move on Monday and can't wait! We've been living with friends and family for over 8 months now, we can't wait to have our own front door and be reunited with our stuff next week when our container is finally unloaded. Yey!!!

Hi Everyone

I've just been reading with interest all of your posts about Willetton. We move there on Monday and - whilst I'm excited about the move - I am starting to get a little nervous. We've been in WA since August and have been living with a friend in Clarkson so the mover NOR to SOR is a quite a big deal for us. We love the house we're renting and the area seems lovely (we've done various night/day/mid day/weekend/mid week drive bys - just to see if we see anything we don't like and nothing, it just seems like a really nice area. All the posts on this thread have just further reinforced my own thoughts and have helped to settle my nerves!

Thanks also for all the tips for restaurants and takeaways - I'll be jotting those down and checking them out later.

Thanks everyone, : )

Thank you fifi and ali - I really appreciate the feedback. I got a really good vibe when I was there but just needed some other viewpoints.

One thing I didn't spot when I was there was a local pub. Perhaps somewhere to go on a Sunday afternoon that's walking distance from home. Are there any? Or is it a case of hoping on a bus or a train and heading to the City or Freo?

Thanks

I am a qualified Nurse, a mum with a hubby and 2 kids (10 & 7).

We were granted a visa in May and are all ready to go to Perth....but....We are currently trying to sell our house and its taking MONTHS, different agents and price drop later, still nothing!!!!

I'm becoming so desperate about the whole thing, as our lives are now completely on hold and we're in a state of limbo until its sold.

Has anyone else experienced this, or going through the same thing, as the removal Company who we're booked with say theres a lot of people in the same situtation, but I feel like we're the only ones!!! It would be so nice to speak to someone who is in the same place as us right now! :embarrassed:

 

Thanks xx

We had a similar experience - don't worry you're not alone. We put our house on last August (2012) - after 3 months of no viewings we ditched the agent and went with a new one. We finally got an offer in January (2013) and completed in April. We eventually got on that plane and landed here on 13 August (6 weeks ago).

I don't envy you your current position. I remember it well, its not pleasant. Everything went on hold for us too - we literally lived week to week thinking (hoping) that we'd be moving soon and therefore couldn't/shouldn't book anything up or make any large purchases or long term commitments.

As a result of that time Me and my OH now have a long running (friendly) argument about Micky Flanagan. The coversation went like this:

July 12 (OH) - ooh look MF is playing in town in Jan (13), I like MF lets go!

July 12 (Me) - no, we won't be here! The house will have sold and we'll be in Perth by Xmas!

Jan 13 (OH) - oh, look MF is playing in town tonight, it would have been good to have seen him : (

Jan 13 (Me) - yes, it would : (

Now everytime MF is on the telly, my OH goes "Oh look, MF, I like MF, we could have gone and seen him but you said no. No you said, we won't be here. But we were and it was sold out. I bet MF won't tour WA. I'll never see MF now" etc etc. Broken record. Broken record.

To save you from my fate my best advice to you now is to try to carry on as normal, remember to keep living your life and don't let the current "limbo" mean you miss out on stuff (or else, like me, you'll never hear the end of it!).

Our delay came with some silver linings too though - it meant I got to meet my baby niece (born Jan 13) but also celebrate my brother's 40th birthday with him (July 13) - I'm so glad I did, I'd have missed both if we'd moved when we'd originally hoped to.

Also, just to make you feel better, the weather here is pretty rough at the moment. Its really stormy (sever weather warnings on a daily basis) and its been recorded at Perth's wettest September in 40 years! Trust me - weather wise - you are better off where you are at the mo!

Chin up - it will all come good for you in the end I'm sure.

:biggrin:

We registered our State Sponsorship about 4 weeks ago (a couple of weeks after we arrived). They didn't mention the surveys so we asked about it. We were met with complete disinterest. I can't remember the words said but the gist of it was - we may or may not send you something, don't worry if we don't, you are here now so just get on with it.

Hi Everyone

Me and my OH moved over to WA from the South of England about 6 weeks ago. We initially thought we'd like to live near the sea but stumbled accross Bull Creek (and neighbouring Leeming) last weekend and, for the first time, I'm now considering settling a little in-land. Reason being it seemed so friendly and welcoming....

SOR is a better location for us for OH work and I'm ok provided I can get a train to CBD - which is only 15mins from Bull Creek which is fab.

I also like that it is fairly close to Freo (c 20 mins in the car) and Coogee Beach isn't too far away, which I've heard lots of good things about. There seems to be a decent enough local shopping centre too.

I'm 36, OH is 42, we have no kids but once we're settled would like to start a family.

So, lets have it, please give me all your thoughts/opinions/views (be they positive or negative) about potentially settling in this area. I need as much intel as I can get!

I look forward to hearing from you all.

Hi Everyone

Just to let you know I've now heard back from the Law Society and they've assessed that I need to study: Constitutional Law, Evidence, Civil Procedure, Trust & Office Accounting and Ethics and Professional Responsibility. Which I think are the 5 compulsory ones - regardless of years of practice and experience. So, whilst it was a mare to gather the information and complete the papers i'm through it and got a good result, so I'm pleased.

We leave for Perth in about 2 weeks and I hope to start my studies soon after landing. I'll check back in in about 6 months to let you know how I'm getting on.

Best of luck to everyone else who is going through this process.

Ammosaph : )

Hi Everyone

Its been a short while since I posted but have news! This week I (finally) finished my app for the WA Legal Practice Board (together with report about me from me, report about me from a colleague and a pack of certified qualification certificates and assorted stuff). I have just this minute emailed my form off and I'm sat here waiting for the post office to open before I send it on its journey to WA.

Wish me luck!! I should hear back in about a month, I'll let you know how I got on.

Ammosaph :biggrin:

... day 2 of the big pack. They have been brilliant. A really nice crew, very friendly and professional. Its all real now! Just notice to serve at work and then we're off :jiggy:

Hi everyone, I'm currently in the process of a 175 visa application and my OH is a solicitor with circa 8 years PQE. Is it possible for her to make a head start whilst she is in the UK in terms of Australian Law qualifications

Hi

Where are you thinking of moving? I can help you with websites for WA but if you're not moving to Perth that won't help you much! In the case of Perth I've been told that the assessment is only valid for 12 months - meaning you have to start studying within that 12 month period for your extra qualifications or have to go through the assessment again.

Hi Ammosaph

 

I did the CPE too and wasn't penalised but that was before the rules got quite as strict are they are now. Good luck!

Thanks, I'm going to need it!

I was assessed by the LPBWA and had to submit certified copies of all my transcripts as well as copies of the course outlines for the GDL/LPC from the College of Law, copies of admission certificate, copy of practising certificates, etc. In addition, I did a document that demonstrated what I did to qualify for the various academic and PLT exemptions. It ended up being quite a packet of information.

 

I went to uni to do the academic portion with a criminal law solicitor who had been practising for donkeys years and he still had to do Corps, Constitution, Administrative Law as well as several other units.

I fear I may have to do the same, if you check my earlier post just now you'll see I've found the tricky part of the form!

How many subjects did you have to sit and how long did it take you? I think I'll be lucky if I get away with even half of the 11 required subjects assessed as equivalent, I'm planning on studying part-time (evening classes if possible) so I'm guessing I'm looking at several years......

Hi Ammosaph, that's great, will PM you, it's nice to see I'm not alone!

 

I agree, the forms really are long and the stat decs maybe slightly tricky as you need a reference and details of all of the modules you have ever sat etc etc... It's complex, I had to contact my university for a full transcript as well as the LPC modules.

The senior partner is unaware of my plans of emigration so I am treading carefully at the moment, I don't think he will be happy to give me a reference! Oops!

 

We are looking to move o Melbourne, law institute of Victoria is pretty tough so I have heard, you will have to let me know how it compares to WA once you get started!

 

Thanks for getting in touch!

Hi

I've just found the scary part of the form, the part where I've got to set out "precisely" what I studied 14 years ago and justify that its equivalent to the 11 subjects they require me to have studied to an "equivalent" level. Yey! Step one, I have contacted my old college to ask if they've kept the course/subject outlines, I certainly haven't. I've got my certificates and my grade transcripts but have no idea what topics I studied when sitting criminal law (for example), especially as I haven't studied (or worked) in criminal law since the moment I stepped out of the exam room.

Also, found out that subjects studied at LPC won't count. This isn't great for me as I did CPE not a law degree so half of my legal academic studies have been wiped out as not applicable. I'm getting the feeling that I might be studying for quite a while at this rate - oh well, no one ever said it was going to be easy!!

I will let you know how I get on, Ammosaph : )

Another big step forward. After having the form for about a year, yesterday I printed off the WA Law Soc admission assessment form - and read it! You can't rush these things.

Now just need to fill it in - this may take me a while as I'd rather do anything else that this, especially as I need to update my CV, to be honest I'd rather clean the cooker! I'm a bit concerned though as (having now read it) it all seems a touch too straight forward. I just have to complete some standard boxes - name, address, qualificaitons, where I've worked and attach a CV. Either the WA process is more straight forward that other states or I'm missing something.....

Also there's a suspicious question that I don't know whether its a good or a bad thing. Its - "do you have more than 7 years experience?" I do, I've got 10 (12 if you count my training contract). Does that mean I'll get an easy ride as they'll acknowledge that I've been doing this for a while so probably know what I'm doing or will they think I'm a fossil that needs to go back to school to learn what the new kids are learning......

I'll let you all know how I get on as/when I submit it. My own personal deadline is end of Sept to complete/submit so you may not hear from me for a short time.

I've had quite a few worried people asking who the company I used was. I don't want to say at this stage but I can confirm it wasn't Pickfords, PSS, Crown or 1st International or Anglo Pacific.

 

Good luck people.

Thanks for the info Mizzmp. I'm reassured that the one we've chosen is in your list above. Thank you.

Sorry to hear about your experience. Can you PM me the company name please? We have just signed a contract with one of the big names and I really hope it's not them

Hi Alice, can you forward the name by pm to me too? I'm asking you as the poor original poster has been inundated and I don't want to add another to the pile when they've got other bigger things to be getting on with at the mo. We've recently signed up with one of the "big ones" but i'll happily withdraw from them if its the same one. Thanks, Ammosaph

I moved to Perth at NQ last year. I have been assessed to take 7 topics (Admin, Constitution, Corp (a joke), Tort, Evidence, Procedure, and 1 other which I have forgotten). I have had little luck getting into a firm. One firm gave me a clerkship off the back of temping as a legal secretary when I first arrived, but it did not work out. I now work for a university in a non-qualified legal role and earn more than I would have as a London NQ. Not what I want to do but it pays the bills.

Sorry to hear that Heather - the number of topics you need to retake seems a bit harsh! Best of luck with getting through them, hopefully once you are dual qualified more doors will open for you. Ammosaph

Thanks guys for all those depressing posts - I feel really positive now ; )

We're relatively lucky where we live in that houses are moving in the area (albeit slowly). I think we are priced realistically - there are others on the market for £5k to £15k more than ours and we're a comparable size and quality so I'm hopeful. My agent advised that August is generally quiet but that September usually picks up.

We'd rather not rent it as I would like to move "no strings" but it might come to that. We'll have a rethink if by the end of Sept we're still shackled to our bricks!

Good news is we've got till 2016 to move - its just a case of "when" not "if"!

I'm sure you'll find something. Are you interested in in-house as that would probably suit a more general commercial lawyer? If you have strong academics and come from a largish UK firm then the large firms will probably give you a chance to retrain in resources or construction. Are you dead-set on Perth or would you go to the East Coast if you were offered a job?

Hi Loopylu

Perth is the place for us at the moment, we've got SS so are obliged to settle there to begin with and its actually where we'd like to be. That said we're not ruling out other parts of Australia if something came up.

I'd love to work in-house; 8 out of my 10 qualified working years have been in-house so my ideal would be to stay there. I understand in-house roles are bit like hens teeth though so I have resigned myself to going back into private practice for a while - either way I'm sure I'll find a role that I like with a firm or company that I like and that likes me back. Its all just part of the big adventure : )

Ammosaph

I'm in the same boat too. House has been on the market for 4 weeks and so far no viewings. We had hoped to have moved in time to spend Christmas in Oz but that seems unlikely now. I echo the last post though, our agent said Sept is usually busy as people hope to move in time for Christmas. We're trying not to get too worked up about it - our current frame of mind is we are moving, its just a case of when not if.

I totally sympathise with your frustrations though so do feel free to keep venting.

Ammosaph

Hi Ammosaph

 

Your analysis of the process is spot on. The forms are a real pain but a necessary evil. Have you thought about working straightaway and studying in your spare time? It's what most people do. However, if you are 10yrs PQE you may fancy a bit of a sabbatical. I wouldn't have minded doing that but with a family to support I couldn't afford the luxury of revisiting my student days. What area of law do you specialise in?

 

Cheers

 

Loopylu

Hi Loopylu

I would love to take time out to study full time but its not going to happen. I'll have to work and do evening classes/day release. I know it will take me longer to do it that way but sadly we don't have the funds for me to be out of work.

I'm a general commercial lawyer - mainly commercial contracts - I can turn my hand to most things that hit the commercial world but have literally no experience of construction/mining etc which seems to be the area that most people work in. I'm a quick learner so give me time and I'm sure I'll catch up! That said, if everyone else is doing construction and mining that means the roles that require a general commercial lawyer may be overlooked by many - so perhaps I can continue as I am.....? Basically I'm just going to wait and see. This whole thing is an adventure and I see my career and where it will end up as just part of the ride!

Ammosaph

Hi all! It's my first time to PIO and have enjoyed reading all of the great views and opinions that you have all posted.

 

I cannot seem to find any English Solicitor's on here as yet... Has anyone managed to secure a job in Oz? Or began the conversion? Please do let me know how you are getting on...

Incase anyone is curious, our timeline is currently "awaiting a CO" :SLEEP:

 

Would love to hear from someone!!

Hi Britlaw

I'm a English qualified solicitor, 10PQE, moving to Perth at some point in the next 3 to 6 months (house sale dependent).

I've looked into this a fair bit, talked to firms and recruitment agents and have concluded that yes - I need to requalify. As other posters have indicated its not compulsory to do so to work in the legal profession but you won't be able to call yourself a solicitor unless you do. I've also been told by recruitment agents that it would be expected for someone of my PQE to requalify. It also demonstrates to employers that you are committed to staying in the area.

What I've worked out so far is you have to complete a very long and very complicated set of forms and submit them to the WA Law Soc (presumably the Law Society of the state you are moving to if you're not going to WA). Those forms detail who you are and what experience you have, from that the Law Soc determines which courses you have to sit to requalify - basically its some modules from an Australian law degree. From what I can work out there are about 4 compulsories - it doesn't matter what experience your have - then it depends on what the assessor thinks you need to do. Personally I'm looking forward to going back to uni for a bit, its going to be another way of meeting people and settling in.

If you want to PM me I'm happy to let you know how I get on with the move, the job hunt and the re-qualification. So far I have the big scary forms (have had them for about a year) just can't quite bring myself to fill them in yet. Step 1 for me is to contact the WA Law Soc again to check if the forms have changed since they sent them to me last year.

Hope this helps, Ammosaph.

I love the sunshine and vibrant blue skies, I love that winter is short and I don't need a winter coat, I love the huge stretch of empty and clean beaches up the coast - that have free BBQ's and free parking - and you can always park. I love Kings Park. I love that Perth moves outdoors in the summer and I have watched Shakespeare, Opera and famous bands outside under the stars. I love that there is an open air cinema walking distance from the house - one of many in Perth that show films from Nov to April and it never rains. I love Good Sammy shops and Target and even red dot! I love the Regal theatre and His Majestys and try and go regularly but am never bored with the huge amateur theatre scene too. I love that I could eat at a different restaurant every night for a year and not repeat my choice even though I'd be fat and broke. I love the school system and the huge range of subjects kids can study in year11/12. I love never being in a traffic jam except on the freeway at rush hour. I love how I can always find somewhere to park - even in the city and don't have to use a steering lock.

I love Margaret River, I love Kalbarri, I love Albany and Pemberton, and Esperance and am not yet tired of going down south or up north. I love David Jones and Myer dept stores. I love the farmers markets at two of the schools near here, I love that I can choose 4 50m open air pools to swim in ten mins from the house, I love the huge range of sports that kids can do, I love that Perth has the facilities of a city but a small town feel, I love the river and taking a surf ski out on it, I love seeing all the sailing boats on the river when I drive home from work - and pelicans sitting on lamp posts, and people running and cycling. I love holidays in Rottnest when my sons were in Primary school and never felt we had to go anywhere else, I love that so many places have outdoor BBQ's that haven't been vandalised and are free and we have the weather to enjoy them, I love the lack of litter, I love that my kids can cycle to school and that they're not locked in like my niece who goes to school in the quiet highlands of Scotland,

I love sitting outdoors in cafes and not being bothered by midgies/smokers or rain, I love live music at Fly By Night and Kulcha in Freo, I love verge clearances, I love the wild freesias that bloom in the garden in the spring, I love jacaranda tress, I love bush walks and cycles, I love a hot Christmas, I love that my sons are more Australian than British, I love ABC720 radio, I love watching the sunset at the beach, I love the lemon tree in the garden and seeing olive plantations and vineyards and hour out of Perth, I love never needing gloves or a wooly scarf, I love that two local govt primary schools have pools that we can use in the summer holidays, I love the huge range of cheap night classes there are to do, I love that the Dockers won today, I love that I have never been out of work, I love the tourists that come to Perth and remind me how lucky I am to live here.

Thank you for this. I'm in my final stretch of trying to leave England - just trying to sell the house, then serve notice at work then go. We've had no interest in the house so we're in a deep funk at the moment. Its been a long road and currently I'm exhausted and wondering if its all been worth it. Your post gave me the boost I needed and reminded me why I'm doing this. Thank you.

Hi,

 

Our visa was granted on Friday! Yay!! So we have had a lovely weekend celebrating and are ready to get our flights booked up-soooo exciting.

 

We will be heading to Perth on a 176 in June next year.

 

I am now starting to put together a 'to do list' of things to do before we go in June but also things to think about soon after we arrive.

 

It would be fab if anyone can just give me a few pointers of what and when I should think about doing things-don't want to miss anything! I am sure things will pop up that I haven't even thought of!

 

Thank you so much in advance for your help.

Sounds like we're in a similar boat to you - only we're hoping to be gone by Christmas. One of the best things we did was "grill" the removal people - they were really useful sources of information and (in the case of Crown) had a really helpful checklist. The other thing we've done is gone to see a financial advisor that specialises in Oz migration - again very very helpful. We used Alan Collett (from Go Matilda) he gave us both the financial and some practical advice. Good luck!

Our agent has said that we dont need to have stamps put in our passports as it is all electronic now, however lots of people on here have advised getting this done anyway.

 

I do think it would be a good idea to do this just so that we have something official showing the visa. Is it def worth doing?

 

I can look it up but does anyone know how I actually do this?

If you want to change your UK for an Oz driving licence you'll need to put a stamp in your passport - they won't give it you otherwise (that's the score for Perth anyway). All you need to is send your passport, a copy of your grant letter and a sae to the Australian commission (I think - your visa notice will have the contact details on it). We sent ours and got them back all stamped up within about 4 days.