Requirements to be a lawyer in the UK vs New York

The requirements to become a lawyer in the UK have somewhat relaxed in the past year, with the requirement to hold an LLB Law degree no longer mandatory. To be a solicitor in the UK, all you now need is an undergraduate degree (in any discipline) and to pass the SQEs before hopefully obtaining a training contract.

Becoming a barrister in the UK still requires an undergraduate law degree (or appropriate conversion course), to be followed by the vocational component of training. To do so, you must join one of the Inns of Court, which is highly competitive, before sitting the Bar Course Aptitude Test (BCAT).

Meanwhile, in New York, the typical route to becoming a lawyer is to get an undergraduate degree in a law related subject before heading to Law School and sitting the New York State Bar Exam. The process is therefore pretty lengthy compared to the UK, as students are required to complete a degree even before going to law school!

How different is the US legal system?

Like the English legal system, the US is also based on common law and therefore largely dependent on precedents.

However, the US is of course divided into states, each of which have their own laws and regulations. They also each have their own requirements regulating the practice of lawyers.

New York has their own specific regulations that make it easier for lawyers from the UK to transfer their qualifications compared to other states that have stricter requirements.

Can a UK lawyer practise in New York?

Yes! 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. However, it can be a slow journey – approval can take up to 12 months. Sitting for the bar is a tough process and requires a lot of commitment.

Some states advise that foreign lawyers do a Master of Laws (LLM) degree at a US institution to aid their journey to becoming an US attorney-at-law.

Are there any alternative ways UK lawyers can work in New York?

Alternatively, UK lawyers can become a Foreign Legal Consultant, which allows UK lawyers to represent clients in America. This process is much quicker than applying to sit for the bar.

Although, their power is limited and certain legal services fall outside the scope of what they are allowed to do.

What are the benefits of working in New York?

Expanding your expertise!

Working in another jurisdiction is an excellent experience. Learning the legal workings of another state/ country is invaluable to any person’s legal CV and it certainly boosts your employability!

The qualifications you obtain from qualifying in New York are globally recognised and can open up a massive scope for international legal work. If you are someone who likes to travel, being dual-qualified will certainly increase your chances of landing a job with an international firm.