Can I work in America with an UK law degree?
Asked by: Elnora Brakus | Last update: January 10, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (32 votes)
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.
Is a UK Law degree valid in the USA?
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.
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.
Can I work in the US with a 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.
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.
UK LAWYERS VS USA LAWYERS - What's the difference? Definitions / training / salaries compared!
What countries accept the 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:
Where can I use a UK law degree?
- Barrister.
- Chartered legal executive.
- Conveyancer.
- Judicial assistant.
- Law costs lawyer.
- Legal cashier.
- Legal secretary.
- Paralegal.
Are UK degrees valid in the USA?
Is a UK Master's recognised in the US? For university appointments and research positions in US universities, the answer is yes. A UK master's will be highly regarded and very much respected for the work and research involved. Companies in the US respect UK master's degrees.
Can I get a job in the USA from the UK?
You will need a non-immigrant work visa, which is based on a specific offer of employment. If you are not a UK national, contact the American embassy in the country where you are currently residing about how to obtain visas and work permits. If you are living in the UK, go to the Embassy of the United States in the UK.
Can I work with my foreign degree in USA?
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if the applicant can show that the foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States.
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.
Which 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 I take the NY bar with a UK LLB?
The New York Bar is also open to both foreign qualified lawyers and foreign-educated law students, and like the SQE is the only route for foreign lawyers to practise in New York.
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.
What is the average salary for a Lawyer in the US?
How much does a Lawyer make in USA? The average lawyer salary in the USA is $110,224 per year or $52.99 per hour. Entry level positions start at $88,290 per year while most experienced workers make up to $170,294 per year.
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.
Is it worth moving to the USA from the UK?
Conclusion. Moving to the USA from the UK can be a rewarding experience, offering financial growth, cultural diversity, and new opportunities. However, it's essential to weigh these benefits against the challenges, such as healthcare costs, visa requirements, and adapting to a different way of life.
Can a UK citizen legally work in USA?
British citizens can pursue permanent residency in the USA through employment-based visas (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3), family-sponsored visas, or the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery. Employment-based visas require sponsorship from a US.
How to move to America from the UK permanently?
To apply for an immigrant visa, a foreign citizen seeking to immigrate generally must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident immediate relative(s), or prospective U.S. employer, and have an approved petition before applying for an immigrant visa.
How do I know if my degree is valid 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.
Is UK degree accepted worldwide?
Recognised internationally by employers and academics alike, the UK has a reputation around the world for its academia.
Is UK law degree valid in 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.
Is studying law in the UK worth it?
Law qualifications from UK universities are commonly recognised as some of the best in the world. High standard of teaching, research led programmes and emphasis on practical law skills are among some of the reasons why a UK law degree is so valued.
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.