Living w/ my parents at my age (approaching mid-30s) is not an option. Its just not the done thing in US or UK culture. Irrational? Maybe, but I just cannot do it. I'm currently living in the southwestern US where a lot of kids, yes kids, in the 18-25 yr age group live away from home - even if it is with roommates - and own their own cars etc i.e., are quite independent - and many of them don't have more than a high school diploma. I wish these protesting French kids would look at how their US counterparts cope independently w/out expecting the state to provide everything for them.
Anyway, thanks for the advice. I'll try and get a job in London at one of these US law firms and hopefully this dilemma won't exist. I'm hedging my bets that when they are looking for a US trained lawyer that they'll go w/ someone who is immediately available and not in need of a work permit rather than going to the effort of having to recruit someone from over in the US and deal w/ relocation etc, even if that other person is a top 10% ivy league grad w/ relevant experience (none of which applies to me - though I am US trained and qualified).