Can a US law degree work in Europe?

Asked by: Aaliyah Schultz  |  Last update: October 4, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (4 votes)

While work depends on the setting, American lawyers find work overseas working in the office of a U.S. law firm or as an attorney in a law firm abroad. American lawyers may also work for U.S. multinational companies as the local legal liaison overseas.

Can you practice law in Europe with a US law degree?

While it is not always easy, many American attorneys have successfully established a legal career outside the United States. There are many ways to find legal work abroad. Some American attorneys join the overseas branch of a large international law firm.

Can a US lawyer work abroad?

American lawyers can be assigned to an overseas office of a particular firm or corporation, a foreign office of an international organization or a US consulate or embassy in a foreign country. There are many different opportunities to live overseas as a US lawyer, depending upon the practice focus.

Is US law degree valid in Canada?

Being a Lawyer in Canada

To practice Canadian law in Canada, US-trained lawyers must apply for a Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA). The Certificate of Qualification confirms that you have education and training equivalent to graduates from an approved Canadian law school.

Can I use my US law degree in the UK?

Holding a US law degree can have various implications for individuals seeking to practice law in the UK. Pathways to practice in the UK may include the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS), which allows qualified lawyers from other jurisdictions to transfer to the UK legal profession.

How to become an Attorney in the US (w/ a foreign law degree)

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Can you use a law degree in another country?

If you received your first degree in law from a law school outside the U.S., you must establish your eligibility to take the California Bar Exam by showing that your degree is equivalent to a Juris Doctor (JD) degree awarded by a law school approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) or accredited in California by ...

Are US degrees valid in the UK?

The UK recognises qualifications from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein which are of an equivalent standard to UK qualifications.

Is the LSAT the same in Canada and US?

Taking the LSAT in Canada is exactly the same as it would be taking it in the United States. If you go to LSAC's website, you will see Canada and the U.S. in the same list of test dates and registrations. Plus, for the next year or so, the LSAT will be proctored at home.

Can I become a lawyer with USA LLM?

1-Year LLM and 2-Year LLM graduates may be eligible to sit for the bar exam in New York, California, Washington D.C., or Washington. Online LLM graduates may be eligible to sit for the bar exam in California.

Does US law apply internationally?

Despite the presumption against extraterritoriality, many federal criminal statutes expressly apply outside U.S. borders. Some of the main categories include: Crime in U.S. territorial waters or vessels. Implementing treaties and international agreements.

Can an American lawyer represent you in another country?

Coordination with Attorneys in the United States: Attorneys from the United States may not represent you in foreign courts unless they are admitted to practice before them.

How much do international lawyers make in the US?

The estimated total pay for a International Lawyer is $246,379 per year, with an average salary of $148,969 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.

Can you work abroad with an American JD?

You can work for U.S. multinational companies

While work depends on the setting, American lawyers find work overseas working in the office of a U.S. law firm or as an attorney in a law firm abroad.

Are law degrees international?

Some countries readily recognize law degrees earned in other countries, and have many foreign-educated lawyers. Some other countries recognize only law degrees earned in countries where the legal systems are similar to their own.

Can American lawyers work in France?

Non-European nationals are exempt from the practical training and the CAPA if they meet the education and professional practice requirements, but they are required to take an examination assessing their knowledge of French law. Applications should be addressed to the Conseil national des barreaux.

Are American degrees recognized in Europe?

Are American degrees recognized in Europe? Yes, American degrees are recognized in Europe. Many European countries have established frameworks to assess and recognize foreign degrees, including those from the United States.

How do I know if my degree is recognised in Canada?

The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) assists persons who wish to obtain an assessment of their educational, professional, and occupational credentials by referring them to the appropriate organizations.

Is a Canadian degree valid in Europe?

There is no automatic EU-wide recognition of academic diplomas. You may therefore need to go through a national procedure to get your academic degree or diploma recognised in another EU country, if you seek admission to a further course of study there.

Do US law schools accept Canadians?

As a Canadian, you will be warmly welcomed to NSU Law. Your application follows the same admission process as US students. You apply online through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) Electronic Application Service at www.LSAC.org.

Is Canada getting rid of the LSAT?

Canadian law schools likely to keep LSAT requirement despite Harvard move to drop it. Osgoode Hall Law School dean Lorne Sossin says the LSAT remains an important way for law schools to compare applicants.

What Canadian law schools do not require the LSAT?

Law Schools with No LSAT Requirements
  • University of Montreal Law School.
  • University of Sherbrooke Law School.
  • McGill Univerity Law School.
  • University of Ottawa Law School.
  • University of Laval Law School.

How to check if a university is accredited in Europe?

Generally, the most straightforward way to check the status of an institution is to refer to the official lists of recognised/accredited institutions in the country where the institution is based. Such lists are published by the official authority in charge of higher education (i.e. Ministries, QA Agencies, etc.)

Which degree is better US or UK?

Specialisation: In the UK, students often specialise in their chosen subject, whereas the US emphasises general education before specialisation. Flexibility: UK programmes offer less room for elective courses, while the US provides more flexibility for students to explore a variety of subjects.

Can I finish my degree in another country?

You can get a Bachelor's degree, graduate degree, or even a doctorate abroad. Getting your Master's degree abroad has become increasingly popular, especially since grad students tend to be older and a bit more experienced.