Hello,

I am in my final year of a BCL degree. I want to live and work in New York. My degree will allow me to take the New York Bar exam. My question is after I pass the exam, should I take a JD or an LLM? I know the JD is more useful but would it be a waste as I have completed a BCL degree?

Thank you

1. Why on Earth would you want to work as a lawyer in the USA? Have you not read all the stories of the dire present, and even worse future, of the American legal market?

2. Unless you bring clients with you, no American law firm will take you seriously without a JD. Period.

Applying for a LLM in the US without a JD with the intent to practice is merely a waste of time (moreso reckless). I would advise you to read the ABA regarding foreign law degrees. Nevertheless going to NY under the foreseeable illusion that you will easily break into the US legal market would be a moral hazard. Therefore, think about the money and time being wasted without a positive outcome. Research the US legal market before applying.

Unfortunately, a BCL from Oxford will not suffice in the US unless your plans are to be a scholar. You are better off remaining in the UK (or EU) to practice than breaking into the US legal market. Here is something to ponder about before applying to the US. How many law graduates do you estimate the entire US produces each year?

Kind regards.

Hello, how do you know that this is the case? Have you tried this route yourself or are you American? I'm not trying to sound obnoxious or anything because I don't know but if I don't try to do an LLM or something similar in the US, I will still be blocked from entering the market. Of course, breaking in to the industry is not an easy task and I know that there will be difficulties but it is what I want and I am not prepared to waste my years training in another jurisdiction when I want to be in the US. So, in summary if doing an LLM is a waste of time in your opinion and I do not want to remain in Europe to practice, what would you suggest doing? Are you saying a JD is the way to go?

Edit: Also, I keep hearing nobody is getting a job in Law in the US. Remember that it isn't plain sailing in Europe either. There is also a shortage of positions here.

I am implying that the JD should be the best suggestion if you dare to endeavour.

I am well aware of the EU/UK market. Therefore, you have a greater chance of securing employment within the EU/UK than the US. Contrary to references you have heard from are not lying about the market for lawyers. Whilst they are only advising you that coming to the US to ontake a conversion would be rubbish.

On the record, yes, I have attempted this process to recognise later that the US produces way more law graduates than the entire population of continental Europe (including UK) [Belay my facetious tone.]. I stopped after estimating my odds during an economic crisis. For a foreign-trained lawyer to break into the US market during an economic crisis, honestly, is silliness.

Honestly, if you are already in a commercial law firm that will pay for studying US law with the intent to practice in the US. Than everything is superb. However if you are not connected to a law firm, frankly, you are wasting your time.

At the end of the day, your choice!

Kind regards.

I know a couple of people who have got positions in New York by working first at a big law firm in the UK/Australia and then doing an exchange program through their law firm. So one (cheaper) option might be to try to get a job at a law firm that has this type of exchange program and then transfer. I also know a number of people who have got jobs in NY after an LLM, but the LLM is very expensive so I suggest that you apply for scholarships.

BCL = Bachelors in Common Law? Am I correct that this is basically a 4 year bachelor's degree? If so, you are about 22 years old?

If all of this is correct, then you are in the same situation as all other US students entering US JD programs. So, if you want to be a lawyer in the USA, then follow suit and get a US JD law degree like everybody else.

Unless you have Magic Circle experience or can bring a book of business from your home country, no US law firm will consider your BCL even relevant.