Can a UK lawyer practice in the US?

Asked by: Prof. Norval Kerluke Jr.  |  Last update: October 25, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (11 votes)

Can a foreign lawyer give counsel in the United States? A foreign lawyer cannot provide legal services in the United States without being admitted to at least one state's bar. Exceptions may exist in some states for example, where foreign lawyers may apply for a license as a foreign law consultant.

Which US states accept foreign law degrees?

Most states do require a J.D. degree for a US law school in order to sit for the bar exam. There are some states which do allow foreign law graduates to sit for the bar exam, including New York, California, New Hampshire, Alabama, and Virginia.

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.

Can you work abroad as a UK lawyer?

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.

How to study law in America from the UK?

Studying law in the USA
  1. Academic. Most universities will accept any undergraduate degree. ...
  2. Law School Admission Test (LSAT) You will need to take the multiple-choice and written Law School Admission Test (LSAT). ...
  3. Skills and work experience. You do not need direct law experience to apply for law programmes.

UK LAWYERS VS USA LAWYERS - What's the difference? Definitions / training / salaries compared!

36 related questions found

Can a lawyer in the UK work in the US?

Yes. UK lawyers can register as an FLC if they meet the New York eligibility requirements. UK lawyers can sit the New York State bar exam if they hold a law degree equivalent in duration to a US law degree or have at least two years of legal education and obtain a master's in law from an ABA-approved university.

Does the US recognize UK degrees?

In any event, in most fields a 3-year UK degree will be considered fine, or better, for a US masters or PhD program. However, there are some professional tracks that just work very differently, including in law and health fields. In those it can be much more difficult to jump tracks.

Where else can UK lawyers practice?

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:

Can a foreign lawyer work in USA?

Can a foreign lawyer give counsel in the United States? A foreign lawyer cannot provide legal services in the United States without being admitted to at least one state's bar. Exceptions may exist in some states for example, where foreign lawyers may apply for a license as a foreign law consultant.

Which country is best to work as a lawyer?

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.

Can I get a job in the US with an UK degree?

Employers normally recognise UK qualifications. This is highlighted by the fact some US nationals travel to the UK to study before returning home to work. However, it's worth checking that a UK degree will be accepted before you apply for a job. You can learn more at ENIC-NARIC.

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.

What is the UK equivalent of law degree?

Gain a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in the UK in 2 years

This two-year Law degree covers all core modules and foundations of Law, generally allowing students to choose elective modules in the second year.

What is the hardest bar exam in the US?

Which bar exam is hardest? California is considered by many to be the most difficult bar exam. It has a relatively low pass rate and a relatively high minimum passing score and covers a lot of state law.

How do I become an international lawyer in the US?

Becoming an international lawyer requires formal education and licensure. Specifically, you need to earn a Juris Doctor degree, and it's recommended to earn a Master of Laws degree for specializing in international business. You're required to pass your state's bar exam to practice law legally.

Which state has the easiest bar exam?

Overall, Utah is the easiest bar exam to pass. This is true whether you are a first-time taker or repeat taker! In July 2023, Utah had a 94% pass rate for first time takers and a 73% pass rate for repeat takers. It also has the lowest UBE cut score of 260.

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.

Which states accept foreign lawyers?

New York, California, Texas, Alabama, and Virginia are some of the states that let foreign law graduates sit for the bar exam. In this instance, foreign-educated attorneys must begin the process by having the American Bar Association (ABA) evaluate their law degrees.

What is the bar exam in the UK?

The bar exam or law bar exam is a professional qualification examination for lawyers in the UK. After passing a bar exam, you can be granted permission to practice as an advocate and carry out other licensed activities done by legal professionals, e.g. property conveyancing.

What type of lawyer is most in demand 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.

What are lawyers called in the UK?

The term lawyer is a generic term used to describe anyone who is a Licensed Legal Practitioner qualified to give legal advice in one or more areas of law. A solicitor and a barrister could both be considered a 'lawyer' in the UK.

Is there a shortage of lawyers UK?

Data from the Law Society and Bar Council indicate that the number of solicitors and barristers specializing in criminal law has been steadily decreasing over the past decade. For instance, the Law Society reported in 2022 that the number of solicitors practicing criminal law had fallen by 11% in five years.

Is a UK or US degree better?

The UK is home to some of the world's most prestigious universities that rank higher than US institutions. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, three of the top five universities in the world - Imperial College London, the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge - were from the UK!

Is UK Masters valid in the USA?

Yes, MSc degrees from the UK are widely valid and recognized in both India and the US, making them a strong option for students seeking international recognition. The UK is home to some of the world's top universities, many of which are globally accredited and renowned for their academic rigor.

Is a 3 year UK degree accepted in the USA?

US universities generally accept 3-year bachelor's degrees from the UK, as the UK education system is similar to that of the US.