Frequently Asked Questions

(FAQs)

Q: Can AWLL help me qualify as a lawyer in the UK?

A: For more information about qualifying as a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales, please see our resources we have compiled here.

Q: Can AWLL help me get a job?

A: AWLL is passionate about empowering and supporting our members through networking and educational opportunities. All current-year members have access to our Member Directory, which is an invaluable tool for our members to utilise in reaching out to members who share similar interests in practice areas or experience. While we cannot promise you a job or get you a job interview, our Member Directory and networking opportunities can help signpost you in the directions you choose to explore with your fellow AWLL members.

Across the years, several AWLL members have ended up with fruitful career opportunities from people they have met at our events! You never know who you may meet via one of our events or our Member Directory!

Q: Can AWLL help me get an immigration visa or help me with immigration documents?

A: No. We are a professional networking organisation and cannot offer any legal advice, express or implied. For any immigration queries, please contact an immigration law office.

Q: Can AWLL help me find an immigration lawyer?

A: No. We do not offer legal advice or referrals. We encourage our members and visitors to invest a sufficient amount of your own time to find a qualified lawyer suitable for your unique requirements.

General FAQs

What are the major differences between the legal professions in the U.S. and England & Wales?
In the U.S., after completing law school, you take the bar exam to become a licensed attorney. In England & Wales, the qualification route for solicitors includes passing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and completing a period of recognized training (formerly known as a training contract). Unlike in the U.S., where you can begin practicing immediately after passing the bar, the UK requires practical legal work experience as part of the qualification process.

1. Can I practice law in the UK with a U.S. law degree?
   A U.S. law degree is not automatically recognized in the UK. While some of your legal training may be transferable, you will likely need to pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) to meet the requirements for practicing as a solicitor. U.S. law graduates must also complete qualifying legal work experience in the UK before becoming fully qualified.

2. Do I need the right to work in the UK before starting the process of becoming a lawyer?
   Yes, you must have the legal right to work in the UK before you can begin to seek a training contract or take the SQE. UK law firms will not offer internships or training contracts to candidates who do not already have the necessary visa or work authorization. This means securing the right to work is a critical first step.

3. How can a U.S. citizen qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales?
   U.S. citizens or any foreign citizens for that matter can qualify by passing the SQE and completing two years of qualifying legal work experience. However, you must first secure the right to work in the UK, either through a visa or other means, as most law firms will not sponsor a candidate unless they bring highly specialized skills or qualifications.

4. What is the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)?
   The SQE is the new exam that all aspiring solicitors in England and Wales must pass to qualify. It consists of two parts: the first tests legal knowledge, while the second focuses on practical legal skills. In addition to passing the SQE, you will need to complete two years of qualifying legal work experience before you can fully qualify as a solicitor.

5. What is a period of recognized training, and why is it important?
   A period of recognized training is practical legal work experience, usually undertaken at a law firm, that is required for qualification as a solicitor. It is essential because it allows you to gain hands-on experience in legal practice before becoming fully qualified. However, you cannot begin this training unless you already have the right to work in the UK.

Working and Visas

1. Do law firms in the UK sponsor visas for U.S. citizens to become solicitors?
   It is somewhat rare for UK law firms to sponsor visas for U.S. citizens to train or work as solicitors or barristers. The legal job market in the UK is highly competitive, and there are many qualified UK candidates ready to fill these roles. Sponsoring a foreign lawyer usually only happens in exceptional circumstances, where the individual offers highly specialized skills or experience that UK candidates do not.

2. What are the visa requirements for U.S. citizens who want to move to the UK to practice law?
   For non-UK citizens to work in the UK, unless you are married to a UK citizen or have some other visa, you typically require sponsorship from a UK employer or some other form of visa. This means you must first secure a job offer from a sponsoring law firm, which is not common unless you possess unique qualifications.

3. Can I move to the UK to study law and then qualify to work there?
   Yes, you can move to the UK to study law on a Student Visa, but this does not automatically allow you to work in the UK afterward. After completing your studies, you would need to secure a separate visa, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, to qualify to work. However, you must demonstrate that you have the legal right to work in the UK before you can begin looking for training contracts.

4. How competitive is the UK legal market for foreign lawyers?
   The UK legal market, especially in London, is extremely competitive, and there is a high demand for legal jobs from UK-qualified candidates. While U.S.-trained lawyers may have opportunities in highly specialized fields, it is uncommon for UK law firms to sponsor foreign workers unless they bring exceptional skills. Having the right to work in the UK significantly increases your chances of securing a position.