How can I use my US law degree in Europe?
Asked by: Reva Zulauf | Last update: December 23, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (37 votes)
Practicing law in a host country depends on local regulations; many countries will not recognize U.S. bar admission. U.S. attorneys may only be able to practice U.S. law or work as an associate with a local attorney. In some countries, there may be no restrictions while in others you may not be able to practice at all.
Can you practice law in Europe with a US law degree?
While it is not always easy, many American attorneys have successfully established a legal career outside the United States. There are many ways to find legal work abroad. Some American attorneys join the overseas branch of a large international law firm.
Can I use my US degree in Europe?
Are American degrees recognized in Europe? Yes, American degrees are recognized in Europe. Many European countries have established frameworks to assess and recognize foreign degrees, including those from the United States.
Is a US law degree valid in UK?
Holding a US law degree can have various implications for individuals seeking to practice law in the UK. Pathways to practice in the UK may include the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS), which allows qualified lawyers from other jurisdictions to transfer to the UK legal profession.
Do US law schools accept international degrees?
Law schools in the United States will accept international students from across the world. If you are an international student, you may want to think carefully about whether or not a US Law degree will be useful for you in your future career plans.
Steps to Study Law in the U.S. | with a Foreign College Degree
Does US law apply internationally?
Despite the presumption against extraterritoriality, many federal criminal statutes expressly apply outside U.S. borders. Some of the main categories include: Crime in U.S. territorial waters or vessels. Implementing treaties and international agreements.
Do you need a law degree to be an international lawyer?
Specifically, you need to earn a Juris Doctor degree, and it's recommended to earn a Master of Laws degree for specializing in international business.
Is my US degree valid in UK?
Is a US Master's recognised in the UK? A US Master's is generally accepted as the same level as a UK master's for academic and business purposes in the UK. But be aware, as, in the US, certain professions in the UK will require a specific local certification or professional membership, such as medicine or teaching.
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.
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 transfer to a university in Europe from USA?
Yes, it may take you an additional year to finish your education, but that is one more year you get to spend living in Europe! A great place to start is with our database, which has over 11,200 bachelor and master's degrees from schools with top-notch professors, and dynamic international student communities.
How to check if a university is accredited in Europe?
Each European Association for Higher Education Advancement (EAHEA) accredited member institution will receive a recognition diploma certifying the accreditation. This status may be permanently checked by any third party at the EAHEA website.
Is college free in Europe for US citizens?
Which countries offer free education in Europe? Currently, these countries offer some or most of their bachelor's and/or master's programs free of charge, even for non EU/EEA students: Germany, Norway, Iceland, and others in our database. That's right, international students pay nothing in tuition fees.
Can you work abroad with an American JD?
You can work for U.S. multinational companies
While work depends on the setting, American lawyers find work overseas working in the office of a U.S. law firm or as an attorney in a law firm abroad.
How do I move to the UK as an American lawyer?
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 you become a lawyer with LLM?
1-Year LLM and 2-Year LLM graduates may be eligible to sit for the bar exam in New York, California, Washington D.C., or Washington. Online LLM graduates may be eligible to sit for the bar exam in California.
Is it better to have JD or LLM?
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 Americans get an LLM?
If you're an American or Canadian student, to pursue an LLM, you'll need to already have a JD degree. International students who want to pursue an LLM are required to have earned a first professional degree in law, such as a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or an equivalent credential that permits entry into legal practice.
Is it better to do Masters in USA or UK?
The UK offers shorter, cost-effective master's programs, ideal for quick entry into the workforce. The USA provides diverse academic options, longer programs, and more extensive post-graduation work opportunities. Choosing between the UK and USA depends on your career goals, budget, and preferred learning style.
How do I know if my degree is valid in the UK?
If your degree is from a UK university, you only need your degree certificate. If your degree is not from a UK university you'll need: a copy of your degree certificate. an Academic Qualification Level Statement ( AQUALS ) from Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC ) confirming the degree is equivalent to a UK qualification.
Is a UK or US degree better?
The UK is home to some of the world's most prestigious universities that rank higher than US institutions. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, three of the top five universities in the world - Imperial College London, the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge - were from the UK!
What happens to my degree if my university closed?
If your college closes after you've graduated, your degree remains valid, but it is a good idea to get a copy of the certificate or diploma that was given when you completed your degree program. During the process of closing down, your school is likely to establish a process for getting your academic transcripts.
Can American lawyers practice in other countries?
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.
What type of lawyer makes the most money?
Patent Attorney Salary
Patent attorneys are the highest-paid type of lawyers, with an average salary of $185,351, ranging from $119,88 to $285,530. Various factors contribute to a patent attorney's average salary, including experience, firm, location, and subject matter expertise.
How to practice law 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.