If I get a JD in U.S., how can I practice in England?

Question

After passing the bar exam of course, and working here for a year or two... I may have to move to the UK for a few years. I've heard that UK attorneys who migrate here have to study a bit first in order to practice. (I'm a US citizen.)

What would I have to do in order to practice as a lawyer in England - shy of attending law school all over again?

Answer 1

You might only have to take the exams, not attend law school.  I know several British lawyers who work in the US and are admitted to the NY bar after taking the exam.  They can do this because the US system is, shock horror, based on the UK system of common law and so the UK degree was acceptable.

You will need to find out if you degree is OK for practicing in the UK.  You will probably not be able to practice as a barrister (i.e. standing up in court and arguing casing) but rather as a solicitor (no wigs!).  But even if you do practice officially, many international law firms have US lawyers in the UK to advise on US law.

Good luck.