What can you do with a US law degree outside the US?

Asked by: Arne Rath II  |  Last update: November 10, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (19 votes)

Some American attorneys join the overseas branch of a large international law firm. Some find work abroad with a multinational corporation that needs an American attorney. Others find work with the U.S. government in a foreign country; many work for the Department of Defense as either a uniformed or civilian attorney.

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.

Are foreign law degrees valid in the US?

Are foreign law degrees recognized in the United States? Yes. Many states recognize foreign law degrees. However, these degrees are subject to review by state bar regulators.

Can I use my US law degree in the 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.

Can Americans study law abroad?

Most programs catered to Americans seem to be offered in England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the Netherlands (especially for international human rights and criminal law).

Steps to Study Law in the U.S. | with a Foreign College Degree

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Can you work internationally 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.

Which country is best for a law career?

7 Best Countries to Study Law Abroad
  • United States. The United States is recognized for its law degree, and most of the best universities for law come in the US, according to the QS World University ranking. ...
  • United Kingdom. Why is the UK the best country to study law? ...
  • Australia. ...
  • Canada. ...
  • Germany. ...
  • Japan. ...
  • Netherlands.

Can you be a lawyer in Canada with a US law degree?

Being a Lawyer in Canada

To practice Canadian law in Canada, US-trained lawyers must apply for a Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA). The Certificate of Qualification confirms that you have education and training equivalent to graduates from an approved Canadian law school.

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.

Can a US lawyer work in London?

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 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.

Are US degrees recognized in other countries?

American degrees are widely recognized and accepted across the globe.

Is an international law degree useful?

Excellent Salary Opportunities

As the public and private sectors become ever closer across borders, firms smaller than you might think often need legal counsel that is proficient in international law. As such, work is available and salaries are good.

Does US law supersede international law?

If the international agreement is a non-self-executing treaty, it would not supersede inconsistent state or local law in the same way a federal statute would, but the courts nevertheless would not permit a state of the union to force the United States to breach its international obligation to other countries under the ...

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 do I become an international lawyer in the US?

Becoming an international lawyer requires formal education and licensure. 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. You're required to pass your state's bar exam to practice law legally.

Who are the magic 5 lawyers?

The Magic Circle refers to five prestigious and multinational London-headquartered law firms. They are Allen & Overy; Clifford Chance; Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; Linklaters; and Slaughter and May.

What is a Tier 1 law firm?

Tier 1 firms tend to be the most powerful and well-known firms nationally and in a given market. A Tier 1 firm will be regularly called upon to represent the largest companies, government entities, and others in the most important and high-profile legal matters in that market.

What does Clifford Chance specialise in?

Clifford Chance's top-tier legal advice and online resources span the full spectrum. We are well known for our work in finance and the debt and equity capital markets, as well as corporate advisory and M&A work; litigation and dispute resolution; real estate; and tax, pensions and employment.

Can a US law degree be used in other countries?

“Law” is specific to each country. Outside the US, a US law degree is pretty USeless, except in a US territory that conducts itself under US law.

What is the best major for law school?

“You may choose to major in subjects that are considered to be traditional preparation for law school, such as history, English, philosophy, political science, economics or business,” their website says, “or you may focus your undergraduate studies in areas as diverse as art, music, science and mathematics, computer ...

How hard is law school?

In summary, law school is hard. Harder than regular college or universities, in terms of stress, workload, and required commitment. But about 40,000 people graduate from law schools every year–so it is clearly attainable.

Which field of law is most in demand?

Corporate law, criminal law, human rights law, and tax law are some of the most popular specialities in law that students can select from their law school among the legal courses given in various specialisations. It takes a lot of patience to practise law as a profession. Law is one of our most prosperous professions.

Which country pays most to lawyers?

The top countries which offer the highest average Lawyer's salary are the USA, Germany, Canada, the UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Switzerland.