How do I become a lawyer in the US with a UK degree?
Asked by: Rosemary Konopelski | Last update: October 27, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (75 votes)
Some states allow foreign lawyers to apply for bar admission based on years of law practice and/or a qualifying foreign law degree (typically involving legal education in English common law). However, most states require foreign lawyers to obtain an LL. M. degree (or equivalent) from an ABA-accredited law school.
Is a UK law degree valid in the USA?
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.
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.
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.
How to get into US law school from the UK?
- Academic. Most universities will accept any undergraduate degree. ...
- Law School Admission Test (LSAT) You will need to take the multiple-choice and written Law School Admission Test (LSAT). ...
- Skills and work experience. You do not need direct law experience to apply for law programmes.
How to become an Attorney in the US (w/ a foreign law degree)
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 it harder to get into law school as international?
Is it Harder for International Students to Get into US Law Programs? Yes, it's harder for international students to get into a US law program.
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.
What is the easiest state to become a lawyer?
Easiest Bar Exams to Pass for First-Time Takers:
Utah: Utah had the highest first-time pass rate in July 2023, with 94% of first-time takers passing the exam. (It's pass rate dipped to 69% in February 2024, but this is still higher than most other jurisdictions.)
Can I get into law school with a foreign degree?
An increasing number of law schools also offer two-year J.D. programs designed for graduates of foreign law schools, which can save applicants time and money. Many such programs do not require the LSAT, which can make applying even simpler.
How do I become a US lawyer with a UK law degree?
Some states allow foreign lawyers to apply for bar admission based on years of law practice and/or a qualifying foreign law degree (typically involving legal education in English common law). However, most states require foreign lawyers to obtain an LL. M. degree (or equivalent) from an ABA-accredited law school.
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.
Where can I use my UK law degree?
- Barrister.
- Chartered legal executive.
- Conveyancer.
- Judicial assistant.
- Law costs lawyer.
- Legal cashier.
- Legal secretary.
- Paralegal.
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.
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.
What type of lawyer is highest in demand?
Some of the most universally in-demand legal specialties include intellectual property law, family law, immigration law, real estate law, and corporate law. Other quickly growing areas of law also include intellectual property law, data privacy and cybersecurity law, litigation, and labor and employment law.
What state has the easiest law bar exam?
South Dakota has a reputation for being the easiest test in the country, followed by Wisconsin, which allows any graduate of a Wisconsin law school to automatically be admitted to the bar. This policy is known as diploma privilege.
Can you become a lawyer in the US without going to law school?
In California, qualified applicants can take the bar exam without going to law school. Most law schools require a college degree, but some may only ask for equivalent course work, and some law schools focus on your legal interest and life experiences and not on your grades or LSAT scores.
Does a UK law degree work in the US?
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.
What states do not require a bar exam?
In every U.S. jurisdiction except Wisconsin, Oregon, and Washington, all those seeking admission to the bar must pass a bar examination.
Is bar exam harder than law school?
Generally, the bar exam is considered harder than the LSAT. The LSAT tests logical reasoning and reading comprehension for law school admission, while the bar exam requires extensive legal knowledge and practical skills to obtain a license to practice law.
What is the cheapest law school in the US?
The cheapest law schools in the US are the University of the District of Columbia law school and the University of North Dakota law school, which are cheapest only for in-state residents.
How long is law school for international law?
How Long Does It Take to Become an International Lawyer? It will take at least seven years to join this profession: four years to obtain an undergrad and three years to obtain a JD degree. If you choose to pursue an LLM in International Law, it will add one more year to your timeline.
What is the hardest law school to get into in the US?
1. Yale University. With an acceptance rate of just 6.9%, it's no wonder that Yale is the hardest law school to get into. Only around 1 in 15 of their highly qualified applicants makes it through.