Can I get a law degree in Europe and practice in the US?

Asked by: Miss Maurine Morissette II  |  Last update: August 20, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (7 votes)

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.

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.

Can you be a lawyer in the US with an UK degree?

United States:

To practice law in the U.S., you'll typically need to pass the state bar exam. However, with a UK law degree, you're well-equipped to tackle this challenge. The U.S. offers a diverse range of legal careers, from corporate law and intellectual property to entertainment law.

Can you practice law with a degree from another country?

If you have been fully admitted to the practice of law in any U.S. or foreign jurisdiction, you are qualified to take the California Bar Examination without additional legal education.

What can I do with a US law degree in Europe?

Some American attorneys join the overseas branch of a large international law firm. Some find work abroad with a multinational corporation that needs an American attorney. Others find work with the U.S. government in a foreign country; many work for the Department of Defense as either a uniformed or civilian attorney.

Can I Study Law Internationally and Practice in the US?

34 related questions found

Can a European lawyer work in the US?

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.

How long is law school in Europe?

Graduate with a degree in Law after 3 years of undergraduate studies. Finish the Legal Practice Course (LCP), which takes 1 year. Follow all the above with 2 years of training at a law firm.

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.

Which country is best for law degree?

The world's best seven countries to study Law courses are the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, Australia, Germany, Japan, and the Netherlands.

Can an Indian lawyer work in the USA?

Indian lawyers will need to secure the appropriate visa to work in the USA, such as the H-1B visa. Additionally, sponsorship from a U.S. law firm or employer is necessary to continue working after passing the bar exam.

Can an Indian lawyer practice in the 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.

How many years is a law degree in the USA?

As a law student, you can expect to spend at least three years in law school. Full-time students typically complete their studies within three years, while part-time students take up to five years. Graduating from law school is an impressive achievement for many aspiring lawyers.

How much do lawyers get paid 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. The estimated additional pay is £8,469 per year.

Is law in demand in USA?

Legal trends in 2025 and beyond

There currently are more than 1.3 million lawyers in the US, with job growth projected to increase up to 15% between 2023 and 2033. As the emerging areas of law grow, the need for lawyers practicing in these specialized fields will also grow.

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 I work anywhere with an international law degree?

International lawyers practice all over the globe. 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.

Which European country is best for law?

France remains a top choice for legal studies with prestigious institutions like Sciences Po and the University of Paris. Known for its excellence in international law and human rights, France offers students exposure to the legal workings of the EU and a vibrant cultural setting.

Which country has highest demand for lawyers?

Which country has a demand for Lawyers? The United States of America, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Ireland and Switzerland offer many jobs for Lawyers.

Is it wise to study law abroad?

You'll gain country-specific expertise.

While pursuing law studies abroad gives you a more comprehensive understanding of the law, it also offers the opportunity to hone your knowledge of a specific domestic legal system.

Did Kim Kardashian pass the bar exam?

Kim Kardashian learned very quickly how hard bar exams can be. The California state bar is one of the most difficult states to pass, with a 40-50% pass rate. The first attempt rate, the second attempt, and after the third time, she finally passed!

What is the hardest exam in the world?

The most difficult exam in the world is Gaokao Exam in China. Gaokao is an annual standardised test in China that is mandatory for admission to all of the country's Higher Educational Institutes. This article will be helpful for you, if you are exploring information about the hardest exam in the world.

How many times can you fail the bar exam in the USA?

Most states allow 2-4 attempts of the bar exam, but about 35 states, including California, New York, and Florida, don't have any limits on the number of times you can take the bar.

Is Indian LLB valid in Germany?

→ Acknowledgement of Indian LLB

Recognizing their undergraduate legal degree is crucial for Indian students selecting an overseas LLM for the German program. German institutions accept LLB degrees from Indian universities. Therefore, Indian students can enroll in their LLM programs with ease.

How long is a Harvard law degree?

The J.D. (Juris Doctor) at Harvard Law School is a three-year, full-time, in-person rigorous program of study that first gives students the intellectual foundations for legal study and practice, and then gives students the opportunity to focus their studies on areas of particular interest through advanced classes, ...

Which city is best to study law in Europe?

Top Law Schools in Europe
  • University of Oxford, UK. ...
  • University of Cambridge, UK. ...
  • London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), UK. ...
  • Heidelberg University, Germany. ...
  • Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, France. ...
  • University of Zurich, Switzerland. ...
  • Bocconi University, Italy. ...
  • University of Vienna, Austria.