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

Dec 16, 2022

Written By Annika De Lathauwer

Is it possible to become a lawyer in the UK with a US degree? The short answer is yes.There are also many options depending on which jurisdiction and which type of law you would like to work in. Once you have decided these you can start to follow a certain route to requalify into one of the areas listed below.

Which Jurisdiction?

The first question you must ask yourself is which jurisdiction you would like to work in. There is no one UK law, instead it is divided into three groups: England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. These all function slightly differently and have their own separate characteristics.

England and Wales

Solicitor

The current way for a foreign qualified lawyer to become a solicitor in England and Wales is to sit the Solicitor’s Qualifying Examination (SQE1 and SQE2). Previously the system involved sitting the Qualified Lawyer’s Transfer Scheme (QLTS), however, this has been phased out since September 2021.

A US lawyer must have a university degree or equivalent, pass both parts of the SQE exam, and complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).

Depending on your qualifications and work experience, you might be eligible to skip some or all of the SQE exams, as well as have overseas work experience count towards the two year requirements. Learn more about the rules surrounding exemptions here.

Barrister

For a qualified foreign lawyer to become a barrister in England and Wales they must apply to the Bar Standards Board (BSB) to provide evidence of their legal qualification. If you receive full exemption from training, you’ll be able to practise as a barrister once you’ve been admitted to an Inn and Called to the Bar. However, this exemption may be conditional on passing specific Law Conversion Module Assessments or the Bar Transfer Test.

If you receive partial exemption, you’ll need to complete the necessary academic, vocational or work-based training, and potentially certain Law Conversion Module Assessments.

Scotland

Solicitor

In order to become a solicitor in Scotland you will have to secure a certificate of eligibility making sure that you are fit to practise law in Scotland. This will involve filling out an application and paying a fee. You must then pass the Qualified Lawyers Assessment (QLA), which covers 11 subjects.

After this, you must then apply to be admitted by the Roll of Solicitors. You will then receive a practising certificate to be able to work as a Scottish solicitor.

Advocate

To become an advocate (barrister) in Scotland, you will have to complete the Scottish bar exams, and the Diploma in Legal Practice from a university in Scotland. This is a year-long practical course. The final step is ‘devilling’, a nine-month pupillage.

Northern Ireland

Solicitor

As an American lawyer wanting to train as a solicitor in Northern Ireland, you will have to meet the following benchmarks. You must have trained as a solicitor, be in possession of a solicitors practising certificate, and have your name on the roll, which is a list of all the solicitors of the Court of Judicature in Northern Ireland.

You should fill out an application and pay to get a practising certificate and requalify as a lawyer in Northern Ireland. Registration must be renewed every year you intend to work in the country.

Barrister

You must contact the Law Society of Northern Ireland to check eligibility and apply for admission, in order to become a barrister in the country.

Becoming a Lawyer in the UK - International Students