British LLB Law Degree recognized in USA and Canada?

Question

Hi

I am thinking of taking a LLB Law Degree in London (I am British) and then coming back to Canada (where I now live). Does anyone know the weight and recognition of a British law degree here in Canada and in the US, not only within the law industry itself but also within a business context?

many thanks

Answer 1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LLB

It likely would transfer over in Canada. Likely not in the US, since the US has the JD, which is a graduate degree. I know it doesn't look like it fulfills the educational requirements to practice law in California.

Answer 2

To practice in Canada using foreign degree, you will need to submit your legal credentials to the Federation of Law Societies of Canada, which oversees the National Committee on Accreditation (link below). Then you apply to the law society of the province where you hope to practice.

Unlike other forms of professional certification, law degrees are fairly portable between the UK and Canada. If you become a member of the bar in the UK, and then go to Canada, large firms will value your ability to practice in both jurisdictions. So will in-house counsel for international businesses. Smaller firms, or firms with no ties to the UK, will be satisfied with your credentials too.

If you do not become a member of the UK bar before coming to Canada (but still satisfy the FLSC) then you will be treated the same as any Canadian law graduate. You will need to article.

Depending on your credentials, you may also need to 'apprentice' under a Canadian lawyer for a year (this is called articling), as well as pass provincial bar examination courses, in order to qualify for the bar of your province.

You will also need to arrange immigration matters (either a work visa, or become a permanent resident/citizen).

Answer 3

BACHELOR OF LAWS....it's Legum Baccalaureus (it's Latin for Bachelor of Laws)

Answer 4

For Canadian universities start here:
http://www.aucc.ca/policy/priorities/foreign_credentials_june_06_e.html

For the law profession itself this will be province-by-province, so for example for Ontario http://mrc.lsuc.on.ca/jsp/licensingprocess/index.jsp