Can I use my UK law degree in USA?
Asked by: Woodrow Greenfelder | Last update: August 2, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (36 votes)
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.
Is the 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.
Can an UK lawyer work in the US?
Finally, in terms of getting a role/job in the USA, it is definitely not impossible for UK lawyers to be hired by USA firms, but the process can be notoriously competitive, especially since there will need to be a good reason for firms to hire and sponsor your visa to work and stay in the USA.
Where can I use my UK law degree?
- Barrister.
- Chartered legal executive.
- Conveyancer.
- Judicial assistant.
- Law costs lawyer.
- Legal cashier.
- Legal secretary.
- Paralegal.
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.
Steps to Study Law in the U.S. | with a Foreign College Degree
How to become a lawyer in the US with an UK degree?
In the States without specific foreign-trained lawyer requirements, it is most often required that they either complete their Juris Doctor (JD), a three-year postgraduate degree, or a Master of Law (LLM), a one-year postgraduate degree, at an American institution.
What is the easiest bar exam for foreign lawyers in the US?
Texas and New York administer the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE®), while California has its own, state-specific bar exam. The Texas Bar is now one of the most accessible US bars for foreign attorneys who are licensed to practice in their home country or who have a first professional degree in law from a common law system.
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.
Which countries can UK lawyers practice 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.
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.
Do lawyers earn more in the UK or 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.
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.
Does US law apply in UK?
Due to the absence of a reciprocal enforcement agreement, a US judgment can only be enforced in England at common law by bringing a new action under which the judgment is seen as a simple contractual debt. New proceedings are therefore issued in the English court for payment of the 'debt'.
Can I move to America with an UK law degree?
United States:
Although the legal system differs significantly from that of the UK, many UK law graduates find rewarding careers, particularly in states like New York and California. To practice law in the U.S., you'll typically need to pass the state bar exam.
Which is better for LLM USA or UK?
LLM in USA vs the UK
The United States of America is one of the best choices for LLM as it is home to prestigious institutions in the world for law. LLM in the USA is highly preferable as it helps in improving communication skills, making strategies, and making you patient enough to tackle changing legal problems.
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 country is best for 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. The legal field presents numerous opportunities for skilled professionals to create significant impacts locally and globally.
Which countries follow UK law?
Common Law systems include Ireland, most of the United Kingdom (England and Wales and Northern Ireland), Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, India (excluding Goa),Pakistan, South Africa, Canada (excluding Quebec), Hong Kong and the United States.
Are lawyers in demand in 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.
How do I know if my degree is Recognised in USA?
Applicants can request an evaluation from a member organization of one of the two national associations of credential evaluation services: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) is an association of 19 credential evaluation services with admission standards and an enforced code of good practice.
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.
Does USA accept UK Masters degree?
Companies in the US respect UK master's degrees. Having an international education can really make a job application stand out from other CVs. However, certain specific roles, such as working in medicine or becoming a teacher, often require local certification.
Can UK lawyers practice in the US?
Alternatively, UK lawyers can become a Foreign Legal Consultant, which allows UK lawyers to represent clients in America. This process is much quicker than applying to sit for the bar. Although, their power is limited and certain legal services fall outside the scope of what they are allowed to do.
Which state is the hardest to pass the bar exam?
California is widely considered to have the hardest bar exam, due to its low pass rate and the difficulty of the content and constraints of the exam.
How long is law school in the US?
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.