Taking Your UK Legal Career Abroad: A Practical Guide

By our Meraki Legal expert Joanna Robert 

At Meraki Talent, our Legal Recruitment team works with lawyers on international opportunities every day and not just within the UK, but across Europe, the US, Australia and beyond. If working overseas is something you’ve been considering (even vaguely), this guide is a good place to start.

For UK-qualified lawyers, the global market is more accessible than ever. International firms, cross-border work and mobile legal careers are now the norm rather than the exception. That said, moving abroad isn’t as simple as packing a suitcase. Each destination comes with its own rules, realities and opportunities. Below, we explore what a move might look like in some of the most popular markets.

Why consider working abroad?

An international move isn’t just about geography but can be a genuine career accelerator. Many lawyers find that working overseas gives them exposure to new legal systems, whether that’s civil law jurisdictions in Europe or common-law frameworks in places like Australia and the Caribbean.

Beyond technical experience, international roles often broaden professional networks, open doors to specialist practice areas and, in some markets, offer very competitive salary and benefits packages. Just as importantly, many lawyers value the personal growth that comes with living and working in a new environment.

Europe

UK legal training remains highly regarded across Europe, which, in particular, gives English-qualified lawyers a strong starting position. That said, recognition does vary from country to country. In some jurisdictions, UK lawyers can practise with minimal additional steps, while others require local exams or registration.

Since Brexit, moving within the EU can involve a bit more administration, but it’s far from prohibitive. Many lawyers continue to work in Europe through international firm secondments or by handling cross-border matters without permanently relocating. With the right planning and often with firm support the process is very manageable.

United States

The US remains one of the most attractive (and competitive) destinations for UK lawyers, particularly in cities such as New York, California and Washington DC. However, it is also one of the more complex moves.

Most UK lawyers need to sit a state bar exam to practice US law, commonly in New York or California. Eligibility requirements vary and often include completing an LLM. Some lawyers work instead as foreign legal consultants, particularly within international firms.

Visa sponsorship is a key consideration and usually needs to be employer-led. While the journey is longer and requires careful planning, the professional rewards can be significant for those focused on US markets.

Australia

Australia is often seen as one of the most straightforward moves for UK lawyers, thanks to its shared common-law system. Many Australian states allow UK-qualified lawyers to gain admission with limited additional requirements, such as local practice modules.

Cities like Sydney and Melbourne actively recruit UK lawyers, particularly in commercial, disputes, construction and energy practices. With firm sponsorship or the right experience, the transition can be relatively smooth, especially compared to other international markets.

Caribbean

The Caribbean offers a unique mix of strong legal work and lifestyle appeal. Many jurisdictions operate under common-law systems, meaning UK qualifications are often recognised or easily adapted.

Local bar registration is usually required, but conversion processes tend to be straightforward. Offshore finance, funds and disputes work are particularly common, and there is a well-established expatriate legal community. For lawyers seeking high-quality work alongside a change of pace, the Caribbean can be a very attractive option.

Does PQE really matter?

Technically, many jurisdictions don’t impose a strict minimum PQE requirement for foreign lawyers. However, PQE plays a big role when it comes to employability, visa eligibility and how attractive your profile is to international firms.

In Europe, junior lawyers often move through secondments or international firm transfers, while mid-level lawyers (around 3–5 PQE) are particularly sought after for permanent roles in areas such as finance, arbitration and competition law. Senior lawyers are valued for their ability to operate independently on English-law matters.

In the US, experience matters even more. Moves at junior level are rare unless tied to a global firm or LLM programme, while most lateral hires sit in the 3–7+ PQE range.

Australia is notably accessible for junior to mid-level lawyers, with strong demand from around 1–6 PQE depending on practice area. The Caribbean is more flexible still, with practice relevance often outweighing strict PQE thresholds.

One final (often overlooked) reality: visas

Even where regulators don’t require a certain level of experience, immigration authorities often do. Many work visas require evidence that you are a skilled professional, which in practice usually means at least 2–3 years’ experience.

This is why early planning matters and why having the right advice can make all the difference.

If you’re thinking about taking your legal career overseas, or simply want to understand your options, the Meraki Legal Team would be very happy to help.

📩 Joanna.Robert@merakitalent.com

Whether you’re ready to move now or just exploring what’s possible, we’re here to guide you.