Can an American become a lawyer in England?

Asked by: Dr. Eden Borer  |  Last update: November 9, 2025
Score: 5/5 (51 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 become a lawyer in the UK?

US law graduates may find employment opportunities in various sectors and practice areas within the UK legal market. International law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and non-profit organisations are among the potential employers.

Can Americans go to law school in England?

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.

How to work in London as a US attorney?

England and Wales

A US lawyer must have a university degree or equivalent, pass both parts of the SQE exam, and complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).

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

43 related questions found

Can you practice law in the UK with a Canadian degree?

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.

Which country pays highest to lawyers?

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.

Are lawyers in demand in England?

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.

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.

How long is law school in England?

A law degree typically runs for three years in the UK if studied full-time.

Can US lawyers practice in Canada?

US-trained lawyers may practice US law in Canada if granted a permit as a regional legal consultant from a provincial law society.

What are the magic circle law firms?

In the world of Commercial Law, you will often hear talk of 'Magic Circle' firms. This is an informal term used to describe what are generally regarded as the five leading UK-headquartered law firms, namely Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance, Freshfields, Linklaters and Slaughter and May.

Is a UK law degree Recognised in the US?

Are foreign law degrees recognized in the United States? Yes. Many states recognize foreign law degrees. However, these degrees are subject to review by state bar regulators.

Is there a 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 is the difference between a barrister and a solicitor in the UK?

The basic difference between barristers and solicitors is that a barrister mainly defends people in court and a solicitor mainly performs legal work outside court. However, there are exceptions in both cases.

Are lawyers paid well in England?

Job site Indeed reports the average salary for a solicitor is just under £50,000 a year, based on almost 11,000 reported salaries. Of course, this figure can vary significantly based on the factors mentioned earlier, with some London based, Magic Circle firms paying experienced professionals well over £100,000 a year.

Can a US lawyer work in UK?

For the time being, the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS) allows lawyers from various countries, including the US to qualify as solicitors in England and Wales. The QLTS consists of two assessments: Multiple Choice Test (MCT) – there are 180 questions, which test the knowledge of English and Welsh law.

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.

How much do Canadian lawyers make?

The estimated total pay for a Lawyer is $116,145 per year, with an average salary of $103,175 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 best country to qualify as a lawyer?

The US stands as the leading destination for law studies, home to prestigious institutions such as Harvard Law School, Yale Law School, and Stanford Law School. Ranking #1 in quality of education, the US offers comprehensive legal training across specialties like corporate law, public interest law, and technology law.

Which type of lawyer is the richest?

As of 2024, the top five highest paid types of lawyers are:
  • Patent Attorneys.
  • Intellectual property (IP) Attorneys.
  • Trial Lawyers.
  • Tax Attorneys.
  • Corporate Lawyers.

Is becoming a lawyer hard in the UK?

But what many people may not know is that becoming a lawyer is a challenging process that requires years of hard work and dedication.

What is a good salary in the UK?

If you've ever found yourself googling 'what is a good salary in the UK? ' or 'how much should I earn in the UK? ', you're not alone. According to recent data, the median annual earnings for full-time employees in the United Kingdom was approximately £37,430 British pounds in 2024, compared with £34,963 pounds in 2023.

How much do law Phds make in the UK?

£31,387 to £41,421 per annum, (pro rata if applicable) depending on skills and experience (minimum £34866 with relevant PhD).