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

There is an increasing number of Canadian students who choose to study law in the UK. The experience can prove to be a rewarding one for those who decide to do so, as you’ll be able to experience a different jurisdiction. This article will break down the key things you need to know as a Canadian student wishing to study law in the UK.

Solicitor

The new SQE route makes it much easier for Canadian students to qualify as a solicitor in the UK. All aspiring solicitors must have a degree (it doesn’t matter what subject or if it was completed internationally), pass the SQE exams and have two years legal work experience. This means Canadian students don’t need to complete an additional qualification to become a solicitor, although you might wish to complete a law conversion course (PGDL) and/or SQE preparation courses to give you a grounding in English law. The LLB for graduates is double the length of the PGDL (two years vs one), but is less intense and allows you to take different classes beyond the core modules.

In terms of the work experience requirements, if you have legal work experience in Canada, it is likely that this counts towards the two years required. However, you’ll need to connect with a UK solicitor or Compliance Officer for Legal Practice so they can verify your work.

Barrister

Becoming a UK barrister is a more complex process, but not impossible. You’ll need to complete a law conversion course like the PGDL (Postgraduate Diploma in Law) so you have an understanding of the law of England and Wales. The next step is the vocational component, achieved by joining an Inn of Court (professional membership association for barristers) and completing a year-long bar training course.

The final stage is the work-based learning component. This is fulfilled by completing a period of work-based, practical training (pupillage), while being supervised by an experienced barrister. The first six months will be non-practising, while the last six months will be practising.

Benefits of studying law in the UK

The main advantage of studying law in the UK is that you can qualify faster, and with less expenses. Unlike in Canada where you’ll need to complete an undergraduate degree before attending law school, the qualification process is shorter in the UK, especially if you want to be a solicitor. Studying in the UK means that you can avoid taking the Law School Entrance Test (LSAT). Without having to pass the LSAT, students can avoid the long hours of preparation and the fees that accompany the exam.

Studying in the UK can provide you with a contrasting education experience, and could improve your career prospects by providing you with an international education. The international experience you will gain as well as the skills that you will retain by studying in a different jurisdiction will help you stand out from other students. Your application to employers will stand out because you can draw on the experiences and skills that you gained whilst studying in the UK.

Lastly, like the UK, Canada has a common law system. The UK is the birthplace of common law and shares many features with the Canadian system, making studying here a great learning experience for Canadian students.

If you decide to wish to return to Canada to practise, you can do this by applying for admission to a law society in Canada. You’ll need to work with the National Committee for Accreditation (NCA) and you’ll have to take a few exams. If you pass, the NCA will issue a Certification of Qualification on completion. The NCA accepts all UK law degrees.

Potential universities

The University of Birmingham is one of the most popular law schools for Canadian students, with a strong alumni network in Canada. The law school even offers an annual Canadian careers conference, an optional module on Canadian Constitutional Law and sessions with Canadian alumni. They offer the traditional LLB and the LLB for graduates’ route.

The University of Exeter currently has over 100 Canadian students studying there. The institution has a Canadian law society and even won a Canadian Legal Negotiation Competition. Exeter has links with the NCA and offers students a yearly seminar, which they can use to help make their module choices and application to the NCA.

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