Can a UK lawyer practice in Europe?

Asked by: Mustafa O'Kon  |  Last update: December 15, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (67 votes)

they can practise under their home-country professional title and provide legal services in their home-country law, European Union law and public international law; these rights are now protected under international law through the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA)

Can UK lawyers work in Europe?

Working as an EU/EEA lawyer

UK residents who are either qualified or dual qualified as an EU/Swiss/EEA lawyer can register as a European lawyer in Germany. Following this, as permitted by the EU Lawyers Establishment Directive, you can requalify after three years practice.

Which countries accept UK LLB?

Destinations you can work in with a UK law degree
  • Canada: Canada is an attractive destination for UK law graduates due to its robust legal system and diverse opportunities. ...
  • Australia: Australia offers UK law graduates a sunny climate, outdoor social lifestyle, and a familiar legal system. ...
  • United States: ...
  • Hong Kong:

Is UK LLB valid in Germany?

UK solicitors can practise in Germany on a permanent basis by obtaining foreign legal consultant status under Article 206 of the Federal Lawyers Act (Bundesrechtsanwaltsordnung – BRAO). Licences for foreign lawyers are granted by local bars (see Article 206 of the Federal Lawyers' Act/BRAO).

Where can I use my UK law degree?

If you've completed your law degree or graduate diploma in law, there are other professions that would value your qualifications.
  • Barrister.
  • Chartered legal executive.
  • Conveyancer.
  • Judicial assistant.
  • Law costs lawyer.
  • Legal cashier.
  • Legal secretary.
  • Paralegal.

How can a foreigner become a solicitor in the UK?

24 related questions found

Can you work abroad with a UK law degree?

Many large commercial law firms have offices located throughout Europe, Asia and North America which deal with international matters crossing many jurisdictional borders. These firms provide opportunities for English law graduates and lawyers to work overseas.

Can an UK qualified lawyer work in the USA?

Yes. However, most jurisdictions require holders of foreign law degrees to have an additional legal degree, such as a J.D. or LL. M., from an ABA-accredited law school in the United States.

Does Germany accept UK degree?

Recognition of Academic Degrees from the UK in Germany

Brexit does not have an effect on the recognition of academic degrees from the United Kingdom. Degrees awarded by recognized British universities can still be recognized in Germany. Their formal status is that of a third-country academic degree.

Is UK law degree valid in Canada?

Can you practice and return to Canada with an LLB from the UK? Yes. In order to practise law upon returning to Canada, students with LLB degrees from overseas will need to assess their qualifications with the National Committee on Accreditation (the NCA). Click this link to learn more about accreditation in Canada.

Is UK license valid in Germany?

If they take up residence in Germany, their UK driving licence will have to be converted into an EU/EEA driving licence after a maximum of six months. Under driver licensing law, a person is deemed to have taken up residence in Germany if they live here for at least 185 days a year.

How can I become an international lawyer from UK?

To work as a private international lawyer you will usually need:
  1. Qualification as a lawyer in a legal jurisdiction.
  2. Relevant experience with an international practice area (e.g. relevant seats during your training contract)
  3. Relevant language skills, if required.

What is LLB called in UK?

Our law degree, known as an LLB or Bachelor of Laws, is equivalent to a BA or BSc.

Can I practice law in Switzerland with a UK degree?

Recognition of Professional Qualifications

Under the agreement (see Annex A), lawyers qualified in the UK of any nationality can requalify in Switzerland if they: register to practise with the relevant local competent authority in Switzerland.

Can UK lawyers practice in Italy?

UK solicitors may practise in Italy under their home country professional title on both a temporary and permanent basis.

How much do lawyers get paid in Switzerland?

The estimated total pay for a Lawyer is CHF 134,970 per year in the Switzerland area, with an average salary of CHF 124,970 per year. These numbers represent the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users.

Does European law apply in the UK?

The UK is no longer a member of the European Union. EU legislation as it applied to the UK on 31 December 2020 became part of UK domestic legislation under the control of the UK's Parliaments and Assemblies, and is published on legislation.gov.uk.

Can a Nigerian lawyer practice in Canada?

Nigerian trained lawyers can also qualify to practice in countries like Canada, USA, and more Your law degree from Nigeria is essential to be licensed in those countries I personally know more than 30 Nigerian lawyers that are licensed & practicing in Canada too. You know what's funny about studying law in Nigeria?!

Is a UK law degree valid in the USA?

UK lawyers can typically transfer their education to the US if they have completed a program of education focused on English common law for at least three years. If successful, you will then receive an Advanced Evaluation of Eligibility from the New York Board of Law Examiners and can then sit for the bar examination.

Is UK degree valid in Europe?

From 1 January, 2021, the EU Directive on the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications no longer applies to the UK. UK professionals seeking recognition in EU/EEA countries are now treated as third country nationals and recognition is based on the applicable rules of each individual EU/EEA country.

Can I work in Germany with UK visa?

You cannot work in Germany with a tourist visa or Schengen visa. In order to start working in Germany, you must apply for a Work Visa. Depending on which country you are from, you can either apply: At your local German embassy or consulate in your home country.

Is studying in Germany better than UK?

Both countries are popular for studying abroad but studying in UK is more expensive then in Germany. Top universities in Germany offer free courses and programs while UK universities don't. In addition, the living expenses in Germany are much less compared to living costs in UK.

Which countries can UK lawyers work in?

Where is a UK law degree recognised? British lawyers can practise law in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway using their UK qualifications and professional titles in accordance with the particular rules of each country.

What is the difference between LLM and JD?

While a JD program provides the foundational knowledge you need to practice law, an LLM allows you to specialize in your specific area of interest and distinguish yourself in the legal market. Since an LLM allows you to dig deeper into specialized subject matter, it can also open up more job opportunities.

Can UK lawyers practice in California?

California is unique among US states in not having educational requirements for foreign lawyers wishing to take the bar exam. UK lawyers, including those who do not have a law degree, can take the California bar exam without having to complete any additional legal education.