Is a UK law degree valid in the USA?

Asked by: Blake Nolan  |  Last update: June 13, 2025
Score: 5/5 (22 votes)

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.

Is a UK law degree recognised in the US?

United States:

Although the legal system differs significantly from that of the UK, many UK law graduates find rewarding careers, particularly in states like New York and California. To practice law in the U.S., you'll typically need to pass the state bar exam.

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.

Is a degree from the UK valid in the US?

Is a UK Master's recognised in the US? For university appointments and research positions in US universities, the answer is yes. A UK master's will be highly regarded and very much respected for the work and research involved. Companies in the US respect UK master's degrees.

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.

UK LAWYERS VS USA LAWYERS - What's the difference? Definitions / training / salaries compared!

21 related questions found

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.

Can you become a lawyer with a Law degree UK?

If you do study law at undergraduate level, ensure that your LLB is a qualifying degree - meaning it's approved by the SRA (for solicitors) or the Bar Standards Board (BSB) (for barristers) - a requirement if you're to become a practising lawyer.

Do US companies recognize UK degrees?

A question we get a lot from American students is if UK universities are accredited, which is really a fancy way of asking: are UK degrees viable and accepted in the United States? You'll be happy to know the answer is yes, with a few exceptions for specialty fields.

How do I know if my degree is valid in USA?

Applicants can request an evaluation from a member organization of one of the two national associations of credential evaluation services: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) is an association of 19 credential evaluation services with admission standards and an enforced code of good practice.

What is the UK bachelor's degree equivalent to in the US?

For most fields it's the same. The only difference is that some degrees that would be advanced degrees here are bachelors degrees in the UK. Law and Medicine come to mine. But for teaching the requirements are fundamentally similar.

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.

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.

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.

Can UK lawyers work in the 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 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.

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.

Does America accept foreign degrees?

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if the applicant can show that the foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States.

How do I know if my university is accredited in USA?

To find out if an SEVP-certified school is accredited, search the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.

How do employers know if you actually have a degree?

Verifying educational backgrounds isn't complicated. The employer simply needs to contact the school listed on the applicant's resume. A quick phone call or email to the school's records office can easily reveal whether the applicant has lied about their grades or the time spent at a specific institution.

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.

Are UK degrees recognised?

The UK has a reputation for world-class research and highly experienced lecturers. A postgraduate degree from a British university will be recognised and revered by employers.

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.

Is law a hard degree in the UK?

Kieran's tips for students considering a law degree

A law degree is challenging. You will read complex cases, historic legal principles and plenty of academic commentary on subjects, so it is critical that you can extract relevant information and digest it properly.

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.

What is the average salary for a lawyer in the UK?

The estimated total pay for a Lawyer is £69,439 per year, with an average salary of £60,970 per year.