How long is a UK law degree valid for?

Asked by: Caesar Howell  |  Last update: December 9, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (1 votes)

Your law degree, law conversion course or LPC will not expire, but you should aim to maximise their shine by applying for training contracts from when you're first eligible to do so. Waiting years until you first start making applications will not work in your favour, unless you have reasons why.

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.

Is a UK law degree 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.

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 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.

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

26 related questions found

Does a law degree make you a lawyer UK?

A: No. If you wish to enter the legal profession you must undertake the appropriate professional training and examinations in the jurisdiction you wish to practise in. Information for candidates who wish to practise law within other jurisdictions can be found below.

Can you go to law school in the UK as an American?

No matter what your grades we can find a route to Law school in the UK for you! Canadian and American students have the choice of studying a qualifying Law degree at a wide range of UK Universities immediately after high school or after they have completed an undergraduate degree.

Can a US lawyer practice law in the UK?

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.

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.

Where can I use my UK law degree?

If you've completed your law degree or graduate diploma in law, there are other professions that would value your qualifications.
  • Barrister.
  • Chartered legal executive.
  • Conveyancer.
  • Judicial assistant.
  • Law costs lawyer.
  • Legal cashier.
  • Legal secretary.
  • Paralegal.

How hard is a UK law degree?

Law is a prestigious degree that requires hard work and determination. It will require you to develop your analytical thinking and English language skills. A degree in law is fast-paced and offers an exciting challenge.

Is law oversaturated in the UK?

Yes, it is beyond saturated - it is supersaturated. We churn out many more lawyers each year than the system can possibly absorb. Some people complain about that endlessly.

Is law high paying in UK?

Salaries for newly qualified lawyers across the rest of the UK are in the region of £40,000 to £70,000. If you become the partner of a firm you can expect a six-figure salary in a small, regional firm and a seven-figure salary in Magic Circle and USA-based firms.

Is UK degree acceptable in USA?

Yes, a master's degree from the UK is considered valid in US institutions for research positions as well as university appointments. The weightage of the UK master's degree is quite high for research and work.

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 equivalent of an LLB degree in the US?

While the LLB was conferred until 1971 at Yale University, since that time, all universities in the United States have awarded the professional doctorate JD, which then became the generally standardised degree in most states as the compulsory prerequisite to sit for the bar exam prior to practice of 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 difference between LLM and JD?

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.

What is the 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.

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.

What are the magic circle law firms?

In the world of Commercial Law, you will often hear talk of 'Magic Circle' firms. This is an informal term used to describe what are generally regarded as the five leading UK-headquartered law firms, namely Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance, Freshfields, Linklaters and Slaughter and May.

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.

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.