How easy is it for a non UK lawyer to practice law in UK if he only has a LLM degree from a university in UK?

very difficult. you basically can't practice law unless you are a UK law graduate. one exception is that you can practice american law in the offices of american firms in london if you are us law school graduate. otherwise, it's basically not going to happen. the llm does not qualify you to practice in the uk, unlike in the us.

Although I was disappointed by the content of your answer, thanks anyway!!

And how easy it is to work in the US if you are neither British nor American and if you have a UK LLM. It would depend on the areas learnt in the UK. But let's say with a LLM in international trade law, international finance law or international banking...

it would be very difficult indeed. a UK llm does not qualify you for any US bar. IF you are a common law graduate, ie a UK/Australian etc. graduate, then you are often eligible to sit the US bar exam without a US llm (depending on the state). However, if you are a civil law graduate then basically the only way to make yourself eligible to sit the bar exam is by enrolling in a US llm.

If you plan to take on an LLM in the UK because you want to be a practicing barrister (or advocate if you go farther north to Scotland) or solicitor in the UK, youre doing it for the wrongs reasons. The only chances youve got of getting a job in some UK firm after the LLM are: (i) you already work in a UK firm, but in some office located abroad, or (ii) the firm you work for in your home country has a good relationship with a UK firm (or a US firm with offices in the UK). Otherwise, youre surely going to head back straight home once youve completed the LLM. Unless, of course, youre planning on doing something else than taking up a position in some UK firm, then you will probably find some use for your LLM. Like the previous post, if what you want is to indeed gain a qualifying law degree (and youre coming from a civil law background), you might be better off in the US (especially states such as NY or California), where an LLM will allow you to sit the bar exam.

So an LLM allow you to only work in your home country! It is a little bit disappointing. I am not sure that in France (my country), companies or legal firms pay special attention to this degree. I thought a LLM could give you more opportunities.

A lawyer from UK, with only a common-law background, can work everywhere. I live in Geneva and these lawyers are hired by many companies even if they don't have a swiss degree.

Beicon,
and what about if you are a 2 year qualified european lawyer with a LL.M. and admitted as solicitor in UK?

I didnt quite understand your question, Im sorry. Are you saying youve been admitted as a solicitor in the UK and want to get an LLM? If youre already qualified as a solicitor in the UK I dont think the LLM will be a big career enhancer for you unless, of course, you want to follow on an academic path afterwards the LLM would be your first degree and then youd have to get a PhD. The LLM can be career enhancer in your home country though

Sorry for being not very clear. Next year I would like to get a LL.M. and also to be admitted as solicitor in the UK. Do you think that with these qualifications there is any chance to work as lawyer in the UK, with my background? Cheers, F

If you qualify as a solicitor and also get an LLM your chances will certainly increase. However, the market in general hasnt fully recovered from the bomb that was dropped on it in late-2008. So even if you do pull off the qualifications and everything, it wont be easy. In addition, even though its not directly related to the UK, I know of several foreigners whove passed the NY bar exam after completing the LLM and who were the first to get laid off during the crisis. My point is: I reckon even if you do get all the qualifications required to become a solicitor in the UK, being a foreigner itself can be a setback if a crisis hits and sweeps away job positions.

Can I go for pupilage in uk if I'd passed my bptc?

Have you completed the bptc or are you planning to enrol?

You don't need a UK law degree in order to become a UK solicitor. To the extent that you are admitted to the bar of your home country, you can become a UK solicitor by means of the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS). I suggest that you acquire some basic knowledge on English law by attending an LL.M. programme, after which you take the test of the QLTS - provided that you are already admitted to practice in a foreign jurisdiction!

http://www.sra.org.uk/qlts/

You don't need a UK law degree in order to become a UK solicitor. To the extent that you are admitted to the bar of your home country, you can become a UK solicitor by means of the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS). I suggest that you acquire some basic knowledge on English law by attending an LL.M. programme, after which you take the test of QLTS - provided that you are already admitted to practice in a foreign jurisdiction.

http://www.sra.org.uk/qlts/

You don't need a UK law degree in order to become a UK solicitor. To the extent that you are admitted to the bar of your home country, you can become a UK solicitor by means of the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS). I suggest that you acquire some basic knowledge on English law by attending an LL.M. programme, after which you take the test of QLTS - provided that you are already admitted to practice in a foreign jurisdiction.

http://www.sra.org.uk/qlts/

this is not completely accurate as the question was about 'pupillage' and 'bptc' therefore he is aiming to a career as a barrister and not as a solicitor...therefore different regulations apply, such as being exercising your right of audience in your country for no less than 3 years...furthermore, i presume that the person who asked the question plans to take the bptc in uk

As the rest of the questions were posted way back in 2010 i assumed you were answering tha last question

As the rest of the questions were posted way back in 2010 i assumed you were answering tha last question

haha, i was about to do that too, in the morning :p we revived a 3 year old thread :p are you studying in the uk btw? or working?

Hmmmnn...i finish my llb last year at uol..im a Malaysian...im planning to take bptc rather than clp...thats why im asking...i have no idea which is the best way to become a lawyer...there were a lot of comments and opinions from my lecturers, friends and family...help me by completing my dream as a lawyer in UK...i really love this place..i appreciated all the replies above;-)