Can a foreigner become a lawyer in the UK?
Asked by: Justice Pfannerstill | Last update: December 23, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (22 votes)
From September 2021, lawyers from abroad and overseas students who wish to qualify in England and Wales can sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). The SQE allows you to qualify as a solicitor by taking the same exam as domestic candidates.
Can an American get a law degree in the UK?
No matter what your grades we can find a route to Law school in the UK for you! Canadian and American students have the choice of studying a qualifying Law degree at a wide range of UK Universities immediately after high school or after they have completed an undergraduate degree.
Do lawyers earn more in the UK or the US?
At a glance. Trainees in London earn more than those working outside the capital. You'll earn less in smaller firms but will likely rise up the ladder quicker. USA based firms pay the highest trainee and newly-qualified salaries, followed by Magic Circle then City firms.
What qualifications do I need to be a lawyer in the UK?
take an undergraduate degree in any subject, or equivalent qualification, in any subject. pass parts 1 and 2 of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) complete 2 years (or equivalent if part-time) qualifying work experience. meet the character and suitability requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
Can foreign lawyers practice in the UK after Brexit?
Registered foreign lawyer status
EU and foreign lawyers may register with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) as registered foreign lawyers (RFLs). Registration is mandatory if they are or want to become managers, owners or partners of an authorised law firm in England and Wales. It's otherwise optional.
How to Become a Lawyer in the UK | INTO City
Can US lawyers practice in UK?
From September 2021, lawyers from abroad and overseas students who wish to qualify in England and Wales can sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). The SQE allows you to qualify as a solicitor by taking the same exam as domestic candidates.
Can I become a lawyer in the UK as a foreigner?
Lawyers from abroad who wish to requalify in England and Wales can sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) – the same exams taken by solicitors who qualify domestically. The SQE replaced the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS) in September 2021.
How much do lawyers make in the UK?
The estimated total pay for a Lawyer is £69,439 per year, with an average salary of £60,970 per year. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users.
How long is law school in the UK?
If you complete an “ordinary” LLB, this takes 3 years. Most students undertake an LLB with Honours, and this takes 4 years. If you study part-time the LLB usually takes 5 years to complete.
Are lawyers in high demand in UK?
Corporate lawyers are in high demand, driven by the UK's dynamic business environment. Companies, both large and small, require legal expertise to navigate complex regulations, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, and corporate governance.
What country pays lawyer the most?
The top countries which offer the highest average Lawyer's salary are the USA, Germany, Canada, the UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Switzerland. The legal field presents numerous opportunities for skilled professionals to create significant impacts locally and globally.
Who gets paid more us or uk?
The US is a richer society, thus wages are higher. The US economy is lower tax, less regulated, than the British.
Who earns more doctors or lawyers UK?
Lawyers are earning an average of £92,606 each year; they are the second highest earners and beaten only by chief executives, who earn an average of £130,734, according to the ONS' 2021 data. By contrast, doctors took home £74,588 this year and dentists £59,669.
Is law school free in the UK?
Undergraduate law and non-law degrees
A student loan for fees (commonly called the 'tuition fee loan') covers the full amount of your fees – the full amount available being set at £9,250 for the academic year 2024/25.
Is it hard to be a lawyer in the UK?
It involves dedication, years of study and work experience, and ongoing professional development. It's a highly respected profession and requires a varied skillset, from working alongside clients, public speaking, research and analytical skills to planning legal strategies and more.
Does the UK have an LSAT?
In England, two locations offer the LSAT: the University of London Union and Ironmongers' Hall. The Unversity of Lond Union administers the test in June and Ironmongers' Hall administers the test in September/October, December, and February.
Is studying law in the UK worth it?
High standard of teaching, research led programmes and emphasis on practical law skills are among some of the reasons why a UK law degree is so valued. Because a UK law degree is respected globally by many employers, you'll have the option to pursue your career in many countries, not just in the UK.
What GPA do you need for law school in the UK?
Apply for a 3-year LLB in the UK
Students will normally need a GPA of at least 2.7/4.0 to qualify for this program. SI-UK will assist you in applying to 5 UK Universities at once, making sure you get into as high-ranked a university as your transcripts will allow.
Do lawyers earn more in the UK or US?
Remuneration. It is no secret that US firms pay more than UK firms, both in terms of annual salary and in bonuses. This is because legal professionals working in US firms are considerably more accountable than their peers in UK firms.
Which field of law pays the most UK?
The area of law you work in
The most profitable legal area is commercial and corporate law, where solicitors can easily earn over £100,000 a year. Commercial lawyers provide business-related advice to companies, making sure that they comply with regulation and a particular country's legal system.
What field of law pays the most?
What are the highest-paid types of lawyers? The highest-paid lawyers typically specialize in fields such as corporate law, intellectual property, tax law, medical malpractice, and entertainment law. These areas command higher salaries due to the complexity, demand, and financial stakes involved.
Are lawyers in demand in UK?
According to recent insights from the LexisNexis GLP Index, property, immigration, restructuring, and insolvency law are projected to experience the strongest demand growth in 2025. This mirrors the increasing demand across several core practice areas, each driven by unique economic and social factors.
How to get called to the bar in the UK?
- An ink signed Call Declaration to be with the Inn (valid for 12 months from date of signature)
- The Inn to have received your Bar Course / BTT result from your provider.
- Your Qualifying Sessions to have been completed.
- A UK criminal records check to have been completed (valid for 12 months)
Can you be a lawyer without going to university UK?
Apprenticeships. It's possible to qualify as a solicitor, paralegal or chartered legal executive by completing an apprenticeship. You'll receive a salary and complete classroom and work-based learning. You'll also complete assessments before being admitted to the profession.