Studying Law In The Uk: An Option For Americans?

Studying law in the UK as an international student is a popular choice, with over 100 law schools across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. There are several reasons why students choose to study law in the UK, including avoiding prerequisite tests like the Law School Entrance Test (LSAT), shorter program lengths, and the recognition of UK law degrees for accreditation to practice in other countries. For Americans, there are a wide range of UK universities to choose from, and the option to study a qualifying Law degree immediately after high school or after completing an undergraduate degree. However, it's important to understand the recognition process and implications of holding a US law degree in the UK, as there are differences in legal systems and regulatory requirements between the two countries.

US law degree recognition in the UK

The UK and the US have different legal systems and regulatory requirements, and their approaches to legal education differ significantly. While the US legal system operates under a federal system, the UK's legal system is based on parliamentary statutes and judicial precedents. Due to these differences, US law degree-holders seeking recognition in the UK must understand the recognition process and its implications. Regulatory bodies such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) or the Bar Standards Board (BSB) oversee the formal recognition process for foreign qualifications in the UK. These bodies assess the validity of foreign qualifications based on criteria such as accreditation by recognised US institutions and equivalency to UK qualifications.

US law degrees typically follow a structured format, starting with an undergraduate degree in any field, followed by enrolment in a Juris Doctor (JD) program. The JD program usually spans three years and focuses on legal education and training. In contrast, in the UK, aspiring lawyers can opt for a three-year LLB program or an undergraduate degree plus a one-year GDL (Graduate Diploma in Law) conversion course. After completing their LLB or GDL, UK students can choose between the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) or the Legal Practice Course (LPC).

US law graduates must pass a state-specific bar exam to practice law in their state, and each state has unique requirements for foreign licenses and foreign education. Similarly, in the UK, individuals with US law degrees may need to demonstrate proficiency in UK legal principles and procedures to be eligible to pursue further steps toward practicing law in the UK. The Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS) is one pathway that allows qualified lawyers from other jurisdictions to transfer to the UK legal profession.

Canadian and American students can choose to study a qualifying Law degree at a wide range of UK universities immediately after high school or after completing an undergraduate degree. There are over 100 Law schools across the UK, offering either an LLB/JD course or an LLM.

UK law school costs

The cost of studying for qualifications to become a solicitor or barrister in the UK is an important factor for most people pursuing a career in law. The costs include course fees, books, accommodation, laptop or tablet, food, transport, and smart clothing for careers events and interviews.

If your first degree is not a qualifying law degree, you will need to complete a conversion course, the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), before moving on to the further stages of legal training. The fees for the GDL vary between £7,000 and £12,000, depending on the course and where you decide to study. After obtaining a qualifying law degree or taking a conversion course, students must pass the Legal Practice Course (LPC). Full-time LPC fees range from £9,000 to over £17,000, depending on the type of course and location. From Autumn 2021, the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) is expected to cost between £3,000 and £4,000. However, preparation course costs can be just over £6,000 for SQE1 prep and just under £6,000 for SQE2 prep, and the cost of taking the SQE assessments (£4,790) is not included in the preparation course costs.

In 2024/25, the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) course fees could be as much as £14,300 in London, depending on the provider and location. Fees for the LPC in 2024/25 are even higher, at £19,950 in London and £15,800 outside of London. The SQE prep course fees depend on the type of course taken, with some master's programmes costing £17,800 in London and £14,150 outside of London for 2024/25.

There are over 100 law schools across the UK, and all universities and law schools offer a limited number of scholarships, awards, and bursaries. Some scholarships are based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, employment experience, areas of study, and financial need. Apprenticeships are another option for those considering the financial commitment required to become a solicitor.

UK law degree accreditation in the US

The recognition of a UK law degree in the US depends on the state in which one wishes to practice law. Some states are more open to recognising foreign law degrees than others. For example, New York and California are relatively open to recognising foreign law degrees, but they have notoriously difficult bar exams. In contrast, Texas has made it more open to foreign lawyers in recent years, but it is unclear what the current rules are.

To be recognised as a lawyer in the US, one typically needs to have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). However, some states may allow individuals with foreign law degrees to sit for the bar exam if their foreign degree is deemed sufficiently equivalent to an American legal education. This process typically involves submitting academic transcripts, syllabi, and other relevant documentation for evaluation by a review body.

The recognition of a UK law degree in the US is also dependent on the type of UK law degree held. A Master of Laws (LLM) degree from a UK university is not sufficient to practice law in the US, and individuals would need to obtain an American law degree or have sufficient work experience as a lawyer in the UK. On the other hand, a three-year Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a UK university may be deemed equivalent to an American legal education in some states, allowing individuals to sit for the bar exam.

It is important to note that the legal systems and regulatory requirements in the UK and the US differ significantly. While both countries share common law principles, there are notable differences in statutes, case law, court structures, and legal procedures. Therefore, individuals with UK law degrees seeking recognition in the US may need to demonstrate proficiency in US legal principles and procedures.

There are several pathways for individuals with UK law degrees to pursue further steps towards practising law in the US. These include completing a JD program at a US law school, taking the bar exam in a state that recognises foreign law degrees, or gaining work experience as a solicitor or barrister in the UK before making the move to the US.

UK law school entry requirements

If you're an American student considering studying law in the UK, you have the option of pursuing a qualifying Law degree at a range of UK universities. You can choose to do this immediately after high school or after completing your undergraduate degree.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for law degrees in the UK vary depending on the university and the specific programme. Here are some general entry requirements for undergraduate law programmes:

• Academic Qualifications: Universities in the UK typically require a minimum of five GCSEs with grades C/4 or above, including English and Maths. For A-level students, the entry requirements range from CCD to AAA. Some universities may also accept other qualifications, such as BTECs, International Baccalaureate, or equivalent international qualifications.
• English Language Proficiency: If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. The required score may vary depending on the university, but it is typically IELTS 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
• Personal Statement and Reference: In addition to academic qualifications, universities will also consider your personal statement, reference, and any other achievements or merits outlined in your application. They may also look at your extracurricular involvement, employment experience, and areas of interest.
• Foundation Year Option: Some universities offer law degrees with integrated foundation years for students who do not meet the standard entry requirements. The entry requirements for these courses can be as low as 32 UCAS points, but completing the foundation year will add an extra year of study and additional costs.

It is important to note that entry requirements may differ for each university and programme, so it is recommended to check the specific requirements for your chosen universities. Additionally, if you already have an undergraduate degree, you may be eligible for accelerated programmes such as the 2-year Senior Status LLB or Graduate Entry LLB.

UK law school locations

There are over 100 law schools across the UK, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The location of your law school can be as important a decision as the academic institution itself. You may prefer a bustling metropolitan city campus, a smaller city/town feel, or a more rural setting.

London-based universities feature well in UK law school rankings, with University College London (UCL), London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Kings College London, and Queen Mary University of London all offering law courses. The City Law School, part of City St George's, University of London, is located in the heart of legal London and offers exceptional education for students at all stages of legal education. The school has a mock courtroom with a video-link room for vulnerable witness training, reflecting the latest developments in the use of digital technology in courtrooms.

Outside of London, Cambridge and Oxford are also high on the list of UK law school rankings. The Universities of Dundee, Glasgow, and Strathclyde in Scotland are the only universities in the UK to offer a dual-qualifying degree. Dundee also offers a choice between English/Northern Irish or Scots Law separate LLB degrees. Aberdeen offers a "Law with English Law" course in which Scots Law and English Law are taught.

It is important to note that the requirements for becoming a lawyer in England and Wales and Northern Ireland differ slightly depending on whether you plan to become a solicitor or barrister. All prospective lawyers must first possess a qualifying law degree or have completed a conversion course.

Frequently asked questions