Passionate about justice, equity, and the defense of our economic and political freedoms? Then a career in law could be the perfect fit. For students wishing to take this career path, two study destinations that prove to be a popular choice are the US and the UK. Both countries have well-developed legal frameworks, prestigious educational institutions, and provide outstanding opportunities for aspiring lawyers.
While the US and UK’s current legal systems have evolved from the same common law system, there are distinct differences that should be taken into account. These include differing tiers of the judicial system, various courts within each country, laws specific to each region or state, and different paths to qualify as a legal professional.
In this blog post, we will explore the key aspects of pursuing your law education, allowing you to make an informed decision about a potential career as a lawyer, and to judge for yourself whether it would best to study law in the United Kingdom or United States.
Why pursue a career in law?
One of the most popular academic disciplines and career paths in the world is law, and for good reason. A respectable and interesting profession, high salary, and job stability are just a few benefits that a career in law can offer. However, you also need to balance this with a challenging workload as well as the time and commitment required to excel in your career.
Here are some of the key benefits of pursuing a career in law:
Intellectual challenge. Natural problem-solvers and critical thinkers, with a love of learning will thrive in a legal setting as they tackle intellectual challenges on a daily basis. Successful lawyers are continually learning too. Staying up-to-date with new and emerging trends in the legal field, such as new legislation, legal precedent, and technology (E-discovery, litigation analytics, AI etc.) is vital in order to adapt legal services to meet client requirements.
Rewarding profession. While you may be working long hours and dealing with complex projects, being a lawyer is also an extremely fulfilling profession. The opportunity to make a difference, uphold the law, and help your clients to win their cases is rewarding. Becoming a lawyer can also open you up to travel across the world and allow you to participate in different legal proceedings, such as trials, arbitrations, and major business deals.
Job security and financial stability. No matter what is happening in the economy, lawyers are in-demand and command well-paid salaries as a result. Most people will need a lawyer at some point in their lives, whether as an individual or in a professional setting, so it’s unlikely that you will be struggling to secure work and maintain a steady income.
Why study law in the US?
Studying law in the United States offers both prestige and the opportunity to secure a well-rounded legal education. Rankings by the Times Educational Supplement World University rankings, list eight US law schools among the global top 20, which is pretty impressive. Classes are often small and resources are plentiful, leading to a more enriching and high-quality learning experience.
Most schools in the US offer postgraduate law programs that allow students to specialize in a specific area of law. There is also encouragement for international students to practice in the US, such as the opportunity to complete a master’s degree (LLM) in US law for foreign students.
How to become a lawyer in the US
There are many specific career paths you can follow within the legal industry, but the two common routes that can pose a dilemma for law students is whether to practice as an attorney or a lawyer. The main difference between these two roles is that attorneys are able to represent clients in court and during other legal proceedings, whereas lawyers may not.
While attending law school, you will be given the opportunity to specialize in an area of law, and make decisions over whether you prefer to practice an attorney or lawyer. Here are the steps to follow to become a lawyer or an attorney:
1. Earn your high school diploma
The first step to becoming a lawyer in the US is to earn your high school diploma. Many colleges and universities will review transcripts when screening college applications, so having a strong academic history can help you stand out. Consider completing a legal internship or taking debate classes to boost your application. If you are applying to a US university from the UK, like US students you will have to submit any required admission exam results such as ACT or SAT scores.
2. Complete a bachelor’s degree program
Completing a bachelor’s degree is the first step on the road to becoming a lawyer in the US There is no requirement to select a specific bachelor degree program, but most aspiring lawyers choose a major in law, political science, philosophy, humanities, or history. Law schools will be looking for a good GPA and solid coursework from your four-year degree.
3. Take the law school admission test (LSAT)
Along with your undergraduate degree, passing the LSAT is one of the key requirements of gaining admission to law school. The LSAT involves logical reasoning and comprehension questions that combine to assess your preparedness for law school. The test is considered to be quite difficult, so it’s a good idea to prepare via practice tests and take the test well in advance to ensure that you have your score ready for your law school application.
4. Secure a Juris Doctor
Following completion of an undergraduate degree, students in the US must attend law school and complete their Juris Doctor (J.D.) over a three-year period. Core topics on the J.D. include legal procedures, evidence gathering, legal writing, and ethics. Students can then delve into particular areas of interest, such as civil, criminal, or business as well as the opportunity to focus on litigation during the program.
There are over 200 law schools accredited by the American Bar Association, which all differ in terms of size, tuition, reputation, and culture. Conducting research, attending admissions events, visiting campus, and talking to peers or mentors is a good way to find your ideal school and learn about the specific application process.
5. Pass the bar exam
In order to practice after you finish law school, you will need to pass the bar exam. Each state has its own unique bar exam, so you will need to take the exam in the state where you intend to practice. While all bar exams will be different, all will involve questions on basic and advanced legal topics as well as state-specific laws. As an attorney, you will also need to secure an additional approval to practice law in court.
6. Pursue professional development opportunities
Students in the US can opt to pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) after completing their J.D. This program usually lasts nine months to a year and focuses on research and analytical study in a specific area of law. Completing the LLM can allow you to specialize in a niche area of law as well as grow your legal network and enable career advancement.
Lawyers can also secure board certification in many legal sub disciplines, including labor and employment, tax law, maritime law, or criminal law for example. Joining a professional organization relevant to an area of law can also boost a lawyers credibility, such as the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA).
Job outlook and salary in the US
The job outlook for lawyers and attorneys in the US is overall positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of lawyers is expected to rise by 5% in the next 10 years with approximately 35,600 job openings per year.
The national average salary for an attorney or lawyer in the US is $145,000 per year. Salaries may be more or less than this amount depending on your years of experience, employer, geographical location, and area of specialty. The most lucrative states in terms of salary include California, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, and Washington, D.C.
Why study law in the UK?
The UK legal system dates back more than 900 years and is regarded as one of the most influential legal systems in the world. There are hundreds of national and international law firms based in the UK, including major players in the legal field, so there are excellent opportunities for work experience and career development.
Students will also benefit from high quality university teaching, with many UK law degrees also offering work experience opportunities. Securing real world experience in law is extremely attractive to prospective employers and will look impressive on your resume. Another major plus is that law degrees in the UK can be completed in a quicker and more cost-effective timeframe, typically five years instead of an average of seven years in the US. Many lawyers working for international firms also find it valuable to become dual-qualified in both the US and the UK.
How to become a lawyer in the UK
In the UK, the term ‘lawyer’ is used to describe anyone who is a licensed legal practitioner qualified to provide legal advice. Therefore, it can be used interchangeably to describe a solicitor or a barrister. However, these two roles offer different career paths and require specific qualifications. Here is a breakdown of the two roles:
Solicitor. Works directly with clients to provide legal guidance and assistance, with many solicitors in the UK specializing in specific areas of law, such as family law. Solicitors can represent their clients in court, but would usually instruct barristers on more complex cases. Qualified solicitors can work in private practice, in-house for a commercial or industrial organization, in Government or the court service.
Barrister. Provides specialist legal advice and advocates for clients across both civil and criminal cases. Barristers usually get involved when a case has gone to court and act as a legal representative for the client, although they may lead negotiations to avoid court action. Most barristers are self-employed and work as a sole practitioner or in a group of offices known as chambers. Others opt to work in-house for a company or as part of a law firm.
Arranging an internship, job shadowing session, or work placement is a good way to find out whether a career as a solicitor or a barrister would be the best fit. Experiencing a day-in-the-life of a legal professional will allow you to envision yourself in the specific role and assess whether you will actually enjoy the job. Switching career paths is possible, but this will take more time and money.
How to qualify as a solicitor
During 2021 a new, centralized assessment was introduced which all aspiring solicitors must pass; the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). This will eventually replace the traditional Legal Practice Course (LPC) which is currently being phased out. Under this new framework, qualifying as a solicitor will take approximately six to seven years.
1. Secure your GCSEs and A-Levels
Students typically need a minimum of five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including English and Math, as well as a minimum of two A-Levels. Securing a place on a law degree can be competitive, so it’s important to aim high in terms of grades. For example, securing three A-Levels at A grade in English, History, and Politics, will be more likely to land you a place at a reputable university. If you are applying from the United States, you can take an International Baccalaureate program to be able to apply to most UK universities. However, many UK universities have flexible entry requirements and will not require this, so check with your target institution.
Another way to make your university application really stand out is to participate in activities that show your passion for the field of law. This could include a legal internship, volunteering with a legal organization, attending a law summer school, or joining moot court competitions.
2. Complete your undergraduate degree
The next step is to secure an undergraduate degree. This doesn’t need to be a law degree. However, it’s worth noting that a degree in law will give you a solid foundation in the legal field and firms of solicitors may favor job applicants with a law degree.
A popular choice of law degree is the LLB or Bachelor of Laws. An LLB degree takes three years to complete when studied on a full-time basis, with the option of a four-year ‘sandwich’ program that includes a year on placement or studying overseas. Core modules include constitutional, criminal, contract, land, equity/trusts, EU, and tort law.
Applications for undergraduate degrees are made via the centralized Universities and Colleges Administration Service (UCAS). Some universities may require the National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT) to be completed. The LNAT doesn’t test your legal knowledge, but assesses whether you have the aptitude and skills required to study law.
3. Pass the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) Part 1 & 2
The SQE 1 is comprised of two examinations and 180 multiple-choice questions that test functional legal knowledge. The topics covered include most of the modules studied as part of the LLB as well as ethics, professional conduct, and the legal system of England and Wales.
Once you have passed SQE 1, you can then take the SQE2 assessment. This consists of 15 to 18 exercises (also known as ‘stations’) that include both oral and written legal skills assessments. The total cost for both assessments is currently £4,790.
Students who have completed a non-law degree should consider completing SQE preparation courses before attempting each assessment. This is not mandatory, but without this preparation you may struggle to pass. There are many course providers across the UK offering online or in-person study, with fees ranging from £1,000 to £7,500+ per course. Courses can typically be completed in a period of 10 to 40 weeks.
4. Secure qualifying work experience
Aspiring solicitors in the UK require two years of full-time legal experience which can be acquired across a maximum of four positions in different legal organizations. The good news is that you can complete this work experience before, during, or after the SQE examinations, allowing you to speed up the process of becoming a licensed solicitor.
5. Apply to the SRA for admission to the roll of solicitors
Once you have passed both SQE examinations and completed two years of qualifying work experience, you can register with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Background checks and screenings are completed to assess character and suitability for admission to the roll of solicitors. This costs a mere £34 and takes around 30 days.
6. Pursue postgraduate studies
While not essential, completing the one-year Master of Laws (LLM) allows you to further develop your career by studying a specific area of law. Popular choices include civil, criminal, IP, corporate, or cyber law. Some LLB students elect to complete their LLM straight after graduation or you can decide to practice for a couple of years, then specialize at a later date.
Entry requirements will vary according to each university. Typically admission criteria will require top-level degree classifications and results, with fees ranging from £16,000 for UK students and £29,500 for international students.
How to qualify as a barrister
If you are considering a career as a barrister, the start of your journey will be the same as qualifying as a solicitor in terms of securing the required GCSE’s and A-Levels for a university place. Following that the career paths diverge:
1. Complete your undergraduate degree
Students can decide to complete a law or non-law undergraduate degree. However, non-law graduates must complete a law conversion course to become a barrister. The Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) can be completed in one year following your undergraduate degree and covers the legal topics studied in the LLB.
2. Join one of the four Inns of Court
Before you can start the Bar Practice Course (BPC), you will need to become a member of one of the four Inns of Court: Gray’s Inn, The Inner Temple, Lincoln’s Inn, or Middle Temple. These professional associations are all based in London, provide training and support to students and qualified barristers, and are the only organizations that can call you to the Bar.
Conducting research online or organizing an in-person tour can help you decide which Inn to choose. Consider what you want from an Inn. Do they offer an ideal scholarship? What activities and societies are available? Which inn feels like a good fit after your research or visit? Once you have chosen an Inn of Court, makes sure your application is sent at least three months before you plan to start the Bar Practice Course.
3. Pass the Bar Practice Course (BPC)
The Bar Practice Course (BPC) takes one year to complete as a full-time qualification. The course covers areas such as advocacy, civil and criminal litigation, conference skills, dispute resolution, drafting, and ethics. There is also a requirement to attend qualifying sessions (professional development events) at your chosen Inn of Court. Once the BPC is complete, you are Called to the Bar by your Inn.
4. Complete pupillage
Before you can practice as a barrister, you will need to complete a period of work-based, practical training under the supervision of an experienced barrister. This practical experience is known as pupillage and usually lasts one year, with the first six months spent shadowing barristers and the following six months practicing as a barrister.
There can be tough competition to secure a pupillage, so it’s a good idea to start your application at least a year in advance. You need to register your pupillage with your Inn of Court as well as the Bar Standards Board (BSB), with the latter providing a full qualification certificate on completion of your pupillage.
Job outlook and salary in the UK
The job outlook for solicitors and barristers is very positive in the UK, with the number of jobs steadily rising each year. There is continued demand for traditional legal services, such as criminal and family law, and new opportunities as technology advances and introduces new practice areas, such as cybersecurity.
Lawyer salaries in the UK are dependent on several factors, such as geographical location, practice area, level of experience and the size of the firm in which you are employed. According to major job sites, the average salary for a solicitor in the UK is £50,000 per year, although large London-based firms will pay significantly in excess of this amount. Newly qualified solicitors in London can earn £125,000 to £150,000 per year if working with Magic Circle solicitors (London’s five most prestigious law firms – namely: Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Linklaters, and Slaughter and May).
Barristers have the potential to earn more than solicitors in the long term, but as they are self-employed their average salary will fluctuate and be at the lower end at the start of their career. According to the UK National Careers Service, barristers starting out can expect to earn an average of £21,000 per year, but this can rise to £200,000 with experience.
Cost of studying law in the UK and US
Both the UK and the US boast prestigious institutions and highly regarded legal systems, but a key factor that warrants careful thought is the cost of studying in these two locations. Qualifying as a lawyer in the US can be more expensive than any other country.
Tuition fees in the UK typically equate to £9,250 per year for home students, while international students can expect to pay between £10,000 and £26,000 annually for an undergraduate law degree. Pursuing the solicitor route via the SQE will add an additional £4,790, with the barrister route via the BPC costing between £15,000 to £19,000.
Shifting focus to the US, prospective lawyers must complete both an undergraduate degree and a J.D. degree at an accredited law school. Law school typically takes three years, and according to a report by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) the average annual tuition for private law school students was $55,963 in 2023. Public law schools, with in-state students equated to $30,554 fees per year, and for out-of-state students $43,590.
Key takeaways - Should you study law in the United Kingdom or United States?
The US and the UK both provide the option to study law in a prestigious environment, with world-class instructors, and plenty of exciting career opportunities. However, there are time and cost implications when considering each study route.
Selecting the US as your study destination will take you a longer period of time to qualify as a lawyer or attorney due to the fact that you will need to complete an undergraduate degree followed by attendance at law school. This will equate to approximately seven years and can become expensive. However with a higher salary than most countries once qualified it will be worth the effort.
But don’t rule out the UK in your decision-making process. Qualifying as a solicitor or barrister in the UK can be completed several years quicker at much less cost, with access to prestigious universities and exciting career opportunities too. If you’re access to financing your studies is lower, it may make sense to complete your studies in the UK, then pursue work overseas in the future.
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