Can I work in New York with a UK law degree?

Asked by: Delilah Feeney V  |  Last update: October 16, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (14 votes)

If the evaluation is successful with your UK-acquired LLB degree you will be able to practise as a New York attorney dependent on you passing the exam. Furthermore, New York also permits foreign applicants with an LL. M. degree that meets certain requirements to sit their exams.

Can a UK lawyer work in New York?

On top of the UBE, the New York Board specifically welcomes foreign-trained lawyers to directly sit the bar if they have completed recognised legal education in a common law system such as the UK's LLB programme.

How can I practice law in New York with a UK degree?

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.

Can a foreign lawyer work in New York?

Temporary Practice (“Fly-in Fly-out”)

In certain limited circumstances, New York rules allow the temporary practice of law in New York by out-of-state and foreign attorneys.

Can you study law in US with a UK degree?

It is possible to study a Juris Doctor in the US as an international student, and you won't need to have studied law before. However if you have done the LLB, you might be more interested in an LLM. Just like in the UK, the LLM is a one-year course and allow students with prior legal knowledge to go more advanced.

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

18 related questions found

Can I take the US bar with a UK law degree?

The US admits non-US educated law graduates and lawyers to certain state bar memberships if they wish to become US attorneys. Find out more on this page. If you hold an undergraduate LLB law degree from a UK university, you may be eligible to sit for the New York Bar exam.

Does the US recognize foreign law degrees?

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.

Do US law firms hire foreign lawyers?

Lawyers from foreign jurisdictions seeking to join a firm in the United States have the onus to prove that their experience is compatible to an American practice. The primary issue for these attorneys is how to translate their education and experience so that a United States law firm can understand that experience.

Can European lawyers work in US?

Outside of New York and California, it is typically required that foreign-qualified lawyers either complete their Juris Doctor (J.D.) – three-year full-time program, or an LL. M. – one-year full-time program, at an American Bar Associate-accredited law school.

How difficult is the NY bar exam?

On average, the New York Bar exam comes in with a pass rate of 61%. That said, test takers generally agree that the bar exams of the states of California, New York, and Virginia are some of the hardest in the country on a qualitative basis. The good news is that you can retake the New York Bar exam if you do not pass.

Where can I practice with a UK law degree?

If you qualify as a solicitor, you can work in a number of different legal practices, including:
  • high street solicitors' practices – typically offering the widest caseloads covering criminal, family, probate and business law.
  • local and national government.
  • large organisations with in-house legal teams.

Is the bar exam hard UK?

Passing the bar exam for aspiring barristers is a lengthy and demanding process that should not be taken on lightly as only those who persevere and get very high marks usually make it through to the end.

What is the difference between being a lawyer in the UK and the US?

The most obvious difference between the UK and US is that the former is divided into solicitors and barristers, whilst the latter is a unified profession.

Do lawyers earn more in the UK or US?

There are several reasons why US firms pay higher than their UK counterparts: Teams are often smaller than those in UK firms, which means Associates may have to work longer and harder to get transactions or cases over the line.

Is it easier to become a lawyer in the US or UK?

In the UK, solicitors have to go through a 2 year apprenticeship known as a training contract before they can graduate to become 'proper' lawyers. I don't believe the US has a similar concept to this, which is why US 'first year lawyers' are often the equivalent of our 'first year newly-qualified (NQ) lawyers' here.

Are lawyers in demand in New York?

New York State has the highest concentration of lawyers compared to any other state, resulting in higher demand for the profession — nearly double the average national demand. The diversity of the population also makes New York one of the best cities for lawyers of color to become partners.

Can a UK lawyer work in California?

The State Bar of California includes attorneys who have been educated abroad. They do not have to be citizens to be a licensed attorney in California, but they do have to fill out some extra paperwork.

What type of lawyer can work internationally?

An international lawyer is trained in law to resolve legal issues in court focused on international disputes for businesses, trade, civil, and criminal cases. As an international lawyer, you can work for a firm and follow a standard legal pathway while assisting international clients.

Where do most international lawyers work?

Where Do International Lawyers Work? Many international lawyers work in law firms that have departments specializing in international trade or international finance. Such firms tend to be located in large cities.

Can international law students work in USA?

Law students with F-1 visas may be eligible to work in the U.S. over the summer through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) opportunities.

Can an international lawyer work anywhere in the world?

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.

Can I get a job in the US with a foreign degree?

Many U.S. employers will accept an international degree, although you may need to take additional steps as an international applicant that your domestic counterparts aren't subject to.

Does the United States follow international law?

The United States and International Law

The United States typically respects the laws of other nations, unless there is some statute or treaty to the contrary. International law is typically a part of U.S. law only for the application of its principles on questions of international rights and duties.

Why are foreign degrees not recognized in the US?

First, U.S. employers may not understand how to compare an immigrant job-seeker's foreign degree with a U.S. equivalent. They may also have questions about employment authorization and if an employer sponsorship process is needed to allow an immigrant to legally work in the U.S.