How do I become a lawyer in the UK with a US degree?

Asked by: Crawford Conn  |  Last update: December 5, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (29 votes)

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 be a lawyer in the UK with a US degree?

US law graduates may find employment opportunities in various sectors and practice areas within the UK legal market. International law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and non-profit organisations are among the potential employers.

How to study law in the UK as an American?

Yes, foreign students can study law in the UK. All you have to do is meet the academic requirements of the UK law schools that you are applying to. Many international students choose to study law in the UK every year. However, as a foreigner, you must obtain a student visa.

How to become a lawyer in the UK if you already have a degree?

Solicitors: After your degree or GDL, you need to pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). Barristers: You'll need to complete the Bar Practice Course (BPC) and a one-year pupillage (practical training under a practising barrister).

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.

How to become a lawyer in the UK (4 different ways)

19 related questions found

Do lawyers get paid well in the UK?

The estimated total pay for a Lawyer is £69,464 per year, with an average salary of £60,994 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.

Who gets paid more U.S. or UK?

The US is a richer society, thus wages are higher. The US economy is lower tax, less regulated, than the British.

How long is law school in the UK?

If you complete an “ordinary” LLB, this takes 3 years. Most students undertake an LLB with Honours, and this takes 4 years. If you study part-time the LLB usually takes 5 years to complete.

Is it hard to become a lawyer in the UK?

Becoming a lawyer in the UK is not a quick process by any means. It involves dedication, years of study and work experience, and ongoing professional development.

Is there a bar exam in the UK?

The bar exam or law bar exam is a professional qualification examination for lawyers in the UK. After passing a bar exam, you can be granted permission to practice as an advocate and carry out other licensed activities done by legal professionals, e.g. property conveyancing.

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.

Is law school free in the UK?

Undergraduate law and non-law degrees

A student loan for fees (commonly called the 'tuition fee loan') covers the full amount of your fees – the full amount available being set at £9,250 for the academic year 2024/25.

Is the UK or the US better for law?

However, studying law in the UK is often considered relatively straightforward. Undergraduate law degrees in the UK, such as the LLB, typically take three years to complete, which is shorter than the four-year programs in the US or longer combined undergraduate and graduate programs in some countries.

How to practice law in the UK as a US 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.

What year 9 options should I take to be a lawyer in the UK?

History, Geography, Modern Foreign Languages and English Literature are often encouraged for potential lawyers as they can help to broaden your awareness of global and political issues.

How do I convert my foreign degree to the UK?

How to Equivalent My Degree in the UK?
  1. Research the UK NARIC. ...
  2. Contact Universities and Employers. ...
  3. Consider a Recognition Statement. ...
  4. Explore Conversion Courses. ...
  5. Seek Professional Advice. ...
  6. Prepare Documentation. ...
  7. Apply for Recognition. ...
  8. Stay Informed.

Are lawyers highly paid in the UK?

Job site Indeed reports the average salary for a solicitor is just under £50,000 a year, based on almost 11,000 reported salaries. Of course, this figure can vary significantly based on the factors mentioned earlier, with some London based, Magic Circle firms paying experienced professionals well over £100,000 a year.

What is the difference between a barrister and a solicitor?

Barristers are specialists in advocacy, wearing wigs and gowns whilst representing clients in higher courts. Whilst solicitors handle day-to-day legal work, barristers are typically brought in for complex court proceedings and specialist opinions.

What is the hardest place to become a lawyer?

1. Which State Bar Is Most Difficult? 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.

What GPA do you need for law school in the UK?

Apply for a 3-year LLB in the UK

Students will normally need a GPA of at least 2.7/4.0 to qualify for this program. SI-UK will assist you in applying to 5 UK Universities at once, making sure you get into as high-ranked a university as your transcripts will allow.

Is studying law in the UK worth it?

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. Because a UK law degree is respected globally by many employers, you'll have the option to pursue your career in many countries, not just in the UK.

How long is a PhD in law in the UK?

The PhD in Law may be awarded after three to four years of full-time study (including a probationary period) of supervised independent research on the basis of a thesis not exceeding 100,000 words, exclusive of bibliography, table of contents and any other preliminary matter.

Which is richer USA or UK?

The United States is both wealthier but also more unequal than the UK. You can see that in the Wikipedia link - the US has much higher mean wealth (which averages in billionaires with everyone else), but the UK has higher median (where billionaires don't matter, as it is the person in the 50th percentile either way).

Is it better to work in UK or USA?

For example, if you are looking to embark on a lucrative career and enjoy higher financial compensation then the US may suit you better. However, if you are wanting to benefit from more affordable healthcare and a easier immigration pathway then the UK may be your preferred destination.

What is UK average US salary?

The average salary was just over £52,000 in the US last year, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. But the UK equivalent was £35,000, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).