I have two questions (answers or links to info are both greatly appreciated). I know it varies by college, but generally, is it possible to apply to UK Law Schools out of a U.S. undergraduate university? What I'm really asking, is how much more will I have to do in order to go to law school in the UK than I would do when applying in the US? Do I have to take any tests or what? Second, if I go to law school here in the US, what would I need to do to practice law in the UK? So, in the US, if you go to law school, you then take the bar for whatever state you want to practice then and (for most states) you have to take it in whatever state you want to set up shop in if you decide to move. I'm sure it's not as easy as that but is it possible or do you have to go to law school in the UK in order to practice there? Thanks for your help.
Law & Ethics - 1 Answers
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1. Law is an undergraduate degree in the UK. I see no reason why would could not do a law degree here, as a second undergraduate degree. The only test you might have to take is the LNAT (very similar to LSAT) but only a handful of universities use it. 2. If your interest is in practice law in the UK ( and you don't want to go through another 3 years of university), you can do the GDL/CPE (conversion course from non-law undergrad degree to law). This counts as a law degree for the purposes of qualifying as a lawyer. 3. After obtaining a law degree or GDL/CPE, the path to qualification divides - the UK has a split legal profession. You can take their the Bar Vocational Course (to become a barrister) or the Legal Practice Course (to become a solicitor). Both courses are 1 year long. After them you need to get a form of legal apprenticeship - pupillage for barristers and training contract for solicitors. When you have done that you will be qualified to practice in the UK. 4. If you do the JD in the US, you would have to practice for a number of years there before taking the QLTT (which also requires experience of legal work in the UK which may be hard to find). Otherwise you would have to take the conversion course etc. 5. Note that the Scottish legal system is different from the legal system of England and Wales. Further conversion would be needed to practice law in Scotland.
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