Becoming a lawyer in the UK: an international student’s guide

A complete guide for international law students on studying, qualifying and working in the UK – covering visas, the Solicitors Qualifying Exam, training contracts and more.

Why study and practise law in the UK?
An overview of your time in the UK
Qualifying as a solicitor in the UK
Learning about the UK education and legal recruitment system
The challenge of visa sponsorship
Getting work experience in the UK and elsewhere
Shifting your mindset
Support from your university’s student law society
Building a network and support system
Getting ahead of the game
Returning to work in your home country
More than a law degree

It’s no secret that being an international law student in the UK comes with unique challenges and setbacks – particularly when it comes to securing a training contract. You begin an application, only to encounter the familiar question: “Do you require a work permit to work in the UK?” You answer “yes” – and suddenly, the likelihood of rejection feels all too real.  

The rationale is that some law firms can be hesitant to offer visa sponsorship to international candidates due to the associated costs, administrative burden, limited visa quotas or simply because hiring local candidates is often more convenient and cost-effective. In addition, broader factors such as shifting immigration policies, political uncertainty and regulatory changes – both in the UK and internationally – can create further uncertainty about the future availability and conditions of visa sponsorship and employability.  

Then there are other hurdles: cultural adjustment, learning about the UK legal qualification system and getting relevant work experience in a short time frame. It’s enough to make becoming a lawyer in the UK as an international student feel like more trouble than it’s worth.

While these barriers are real, they aren’t impossible to overcome. This guide empowers international law students to turn challenges into opportunities by strategically navigating the UK legal landscape and leveraging their unique strengths.

Why study and practise law in the UK?

Moving to another country, hundreds to thousands of miles away from home to study one of the most demanding university subjects is a huge step. When you’re making such a big move, it’s natural to want that decision to be worth your time and investment. So, is studying and practising law in the UK worth it?

The numbers suggest it might be. Law was the second most popular subject among EU and international students in 2024, with a total of 37,025 applications, according to UCAS figures. So, why is studying law in the UK such a popular choice?

Reputation of UK law degrees

One major draw is the global reputation of UK law degrees. Law degrees from UK universities are widely recognised and respected, providing graduates with a prestigious qualification that opens doors to legal careers across the globe. Ujjwal Sharma, a qualified lawyer in India and LLM graduate from King’s College London, says studying law in the UK has given him “a deeper understanding of different legal systems […], helped [him] gain insights into the UK legal practice and opened up career opportunities both in the UK and internationally”.

Opportunity to tailor studies

UK universities also offer a broad range of legal specialisations, such as international law, human rights or commercial law, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests. The high-quality academic training provided by renowned UK universities, combined with a strong emphasis on critical thinking and analytical skills, ensures students are well-prepared for the demands of legal practice.

A diverse learning environment

The cultural and academic environment in the UK adds another layer of value and enriches the overall educational experience. International students can expect to be immersed in a vibrant and diverse setting, enhancing their personal and professional growth. Gordon Chung, a corporate lawyer from Hong Kong, says that being immersed in this international and diverse environment “helps you develop an international mindset and the ability to interact with people from different backgrounds”.

Networking, internships and career growth

The UK's established legal system also offers numerous opportunities for internships, networking and career advancement. For Ujjwal, studying in London has given him the “chance to connect with leading law firms, attend industry events and experience law in a global setting”, as well as the “opportunity to attend various open days and networking events at top law firms”. Through these experiences, Ujjwal has managed to build “a strong global network, adapt to new situations, communicate across cultures and navigate the legal world more confidently”. Meanwhile, an international student from the Caribbean says studying law in the UK has given them the opportunity to “experience places like the Royal Courts of Justice, The Old Bailey, various Inns of Court and so much more”.

Big deals, bigger opportunities

Beyond education, the UK is also globally recognised as a leading hub for legal services, hosting many of the largest international law firms. Practising law in the UK also comes with big advantages. Gordon says that the training system at global law firms in UK jurisdictions is “well-organised and robust”, and offers “excellent track records of talent development”, as well as “a wide variety of seat options for trainees to choose from, and more well-established mentoring and diversity programmes”. In addition, Gordon highlights that aspiring lawyers looking to work in major legal markets such as London can expect to work on “significantly bigger” deals. He adds that these deals are “inherently more international compared to some of the other legal markets” and the experiences you gain will “look good on your CV and showcase your ability to manage large-scale, complex deals”.  

Of course, deciding to study and practise law in the UK isn’t without its challenges – many of which are unique to international students. These will be explored in the following sections.

An overview of your time in the UK

If you wish to study at a university in the UK and you’re not a British or Irish national, you’ll likely need to apply for a student visa. To be eligible for a student visa, you must have an offer from a UK university, prove your knowledge of English and show that you have enough funds to cover your tuition fees and living costs. Find out more information about student visas on the UK government’s website.

If you wish to study at a higher academic level than your current course (eg, a postgraduate course after your undergraduate course in the UK), you may be able to extend your student visa. To extend your student visa you must be in the UK on a student visa, have an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor and show that your new course is at a higher academic level than your current one. You can find out more about how to extend your student visa and apply via the gov.uk website.

Once you've successfully completed your undergraduate course, postgraduate course or both, you can extend your stay in the UK by applying for a graduate visa. The graduate visa will give you an additional two years to secure a legal job, with the two years starting from the day your application is approved. Learn more about the eligibility and costs of applying for a graduate visa.

To remain in the UK after your graduate visa has expired, you’ll need a skilled worker visa. The skilled worker visa requires sponsorship, meaning you’d need a job offer from a UK employer that has a sponsor licence and has been approved by the UK Home Office. There are other eligibility criteria that you must meet, including doing a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations and being paid the minimum salary for that type of job. More on how these requirements relate specifically to legal careers and job roles in the legal profession will be explored in the ‘The challenge of visa sponsorship’ section below. The UK government’s website states that you must have a confirmed job offer before you apply for a skilled worker visa.

This pathway enables international students to transition from studying to working in the UK, providing opportunities to gain valuable work experience and potentially settle in the UK.

Qualifying as a solicitor in the UK

To qualify as a solicitor in the UK as an undergraduate student, you’ll need to follow the same system that native students take – the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). The SQE is said to make it easier for international students to qualify as solicitors in England and Wales, since many of the requirements can be completed from outside the UK. To meet the requirements, you must:

• have a university degree or equivalent in any subject (law or non-law);
• pass the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) character and suitability assessment;
• pass SQE1 and SQE2; and
• have two years’ qualifying work experience (QWE).

If you studied outside the UK, you can still take the SQE as long as your qualification is either:

• confirmed to be the same level as a UK degree or an equivalent UK qualification; or
• an accredited qualification at level 6 (or above) of the European Qualifications Framework.

Lawyers from abroad who wish to requalify in England and Wales can also sit the SQE as it’s open to candidates from all jurisdictions. The requirements are mostly the same as above, but with two key differences. According to the Law Society:

• you must have a legal professional qualification; and
• as a fully qualified foreign lawyer, you’re exempt from any QWE requirements.

For more information on how to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales as an international student, including how to sit the SQE outside the UK, read The Oracle. Plus, find out whether QWE can be completed overseas.

Learning about the UK education and legal recruitment system

As an international student, entering and learning about a new education and legal qualification system can feel scary and overwhelming. Even students who’ve grown up in the UK often find the process confusing – so you’re not alone!

Understanding the education system

Helgard Okyere, an international student from Ghana studying a postgraduate law course at The University of Law, says: “Starting out, the main challenge I faced was adapting to the school’s system of learning.” This was the same for Tania Olielo, an international student from Kenya currently studying law at the University of Nottingham: “The Kenyan education system is vastly different from the UK system in terms of teaching styles, course content and writing methods.”

If you're facing similar challenges, there are plenty of ways to ease the transition. Start by making use of your university’s academic support services – they often offer workshops on legal writing, referencing and adapting to UK teaching styles. Joining student law societies or international student groups can also help to build a support network and learn from others who’ve been through the same experience. Plus, don’t hesitate to ask questions – whether it’s in class, during office hours or through mentoring schemes. Speak to your professors who are there to support you. As Ian Teoh, an international law student from Malaysia, puts it: “Just ask if they have five minutes after a lecture or check their office hours. They’ve been through it all and can offer great advice.”

Understanding the legal career path

Once you’ve settled into your studies, the next step is understanding the legal career path – especially the SQE. For Ian, this was one of the most challenging parts of the journey. During his first year at university, Ian attended a law fair where he had the opportunity to meet with representatives from LawCareers.Net and discovered The Beginner’s Guide to a Career in Law . He found it “really useful because it broke down the solicitor and barrister route into law in a very simple way”. Ian adds: “LawCareers.Net is definitely a great place to start, especially if you're from an international background.”

Check out LawCareers.Net’s Beginner’s hub for clear explanations on topics like the differences between solicitors and barristers, what lawyers do, the different types of lawyer and answers to your law career questions.

Understanding the SQE

Once you have a basic understanding of the legal career path, the next step is getting to grips with the SQE (or the various Bar courses if you’re pursuing a career as a barrister). Ujjwal says: “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t find the SQE intimidating. At first, it all seemed very complicated.” That said, Ujjwal explains that “attending workshops and talking to other students who’d already taken the exam helped me understand what to expect and how to prepare effectively”.

The ‘Qualifying as a solicitor in the UK’ section above outlines the steps you need to become a solicitor, but you must also be aware of the SQE assessment structure, whether you need to do a preparation course to pass the exams, how to gain QWE and more. LCN has a dedicated SQE hub, sponsored by The University of Law, which explains everything you need to know to succeed. As a starting point, some useful resources you should dig into include:

• The SQE: everything you need to know;
• SQE qualifying work experience FAQs;
• A guide to SQE preparation courses;
• What it takes to pass SQE; and
• SQE assessments: what to expect.

Understanding the recruitment process

Gordon, who’s worked at an international law firm, says one of the biggest challenges he faced initially was the “unfamiliarity with the recruitment process for international law firms in the UK”.  Gordon adds: “For international students, the process we have to go through to get a training contract here is often quite different from how things work in our own country.”  

In the UK, most aspiring solicitors secure a training contract with a law firm before or during their legal studies. This is the traditional two-year period of paid, on-the-job training that also counts toward the QWE required for the SQE. Many firms recruit one to two years in advance, often through vacation schemes (one to two-week internships) or direct training contract applications. Of course, there’s also the possibility of building up two years of QWE at up to four different organisations, but some law firms will still require you to complete a full two-year training contract with them even if you’ve secured this additional experience.

Legal apprenticeships are also a viable option to becoming a lawyer and an alternative to university, but they generally don’t offer a salary high enough to qualify for a skilled worker visa and your chances of securing sponsorship would likely be slim to none. However, there are always exceptions. For example, London-based law firm Farrer & Co LLP has previously advertised solicitor apprenticeship opportunities and stated that it sponsors visas for successful candidates.

The key takeaway? It’s always best to check with each firm to understand their specific requirements. This will be part of your law firm research process – research that’ll guide your applications to firms and grow your knowledge of the recruitment system. To make effective applications, you’ll need to start by exploring the different types of law firm, the practice areas they specialise in, their culture and values, whether they sponsor international candidates and lots more. As Gordon says: “The key here is to study each law firm diligently and tailor your application to each specific firm like how you complete your law assignment.”

This part of the process takes time and often involves trial and error. Luckily, LawCareers.Net offers a wealth of information about the legal recruitment process to set you up for success:

• Meet the Lawyer – profiles of solicitors at different law firms, designed to give you a sense of how they got there, what their working day looks like and the advice they have to offer. 
• Meet the Recruiter – profiles of the people behind the hiring process who will read your applications, designed to give aspiring lawyers insider tips, application advice and a better understanding of what firms are really looking for.
• Vacation Scheme Insiders – real stories and reflections from students who’ve completed vacation schemes, offering aspiring lawyers a behind-the-scenes look at law firm culture, daily tasks and tips for making a strong impression.
• Practice Area Profiles – detailed overviews of different areas of legal practice, helping you to understand what each specialism involves, the type of work you might do and which skills are most valued.

Ujjwal says he’s been using LawCareers.Net as part of his law firm research process even before moving to the UK and continues to find value when searching for training contract deadlines and learning about the key skills for lawyers such as commercial awareness.

The challenge of visa sponsorship

In conversations with international law students, visa sponsorship is the challenge that comes up most often – and for good reason. Securing a job offer from a law firm is already competitive but, for international students, there’s the added pressure of needing the offer to come with the guarantee that you’ll be able to legally stay in the country. Tania, a second-year law student, describes the pressure as “being on a countdown”. She puts it plainly: “While people say that qualifying as a solicitor takes time, visa restrictions mean that securing a job as soon as possible is crucial.”

Visa rules and realities

Individuals who aren’t UK citizens or don’t possess Indefinite Leave to Remain, settled or pre-settled status, or any other existing rights that permit unrestricted employment in the UK will require visa sponsorship. Another factor to consider is that to qualify for a skilled worker visa in the UK, the job you’re offered must meet a minimum salary threshold set by the government. In December 2023, the UK Home Office introduced several immigration policy updates, including a significant rise in the minimum salary requirements for skilled worker visas. As of April 2025, this threshold is £38,700 per year or the ‘going rate’ for the specific occupation. The going rate refers to the average salary typically paid for a particular job in the UK, based on a 37.5-hour work week. 

These factors have made it significantly more challenging for international students to qualify for a skilled worker visa. However, the good news is that the legal sector is among the industries that are more likely to hire foreign nationals. In addition, the starting salaries for trainee solicitors at magic circle and US firms are more than £55,000. You can use LCN’s Training contract directory to filter through law firms that offer first-year salaries above £38,000, which would meet the minimum threshold if the firm is willing to offer you sponsorship. The question remains – how do you know which law firms accept applications from international candidates that require a skilled worker visa?

Finding law firms that sponsor visas

Gordon, who’s previously worked at Baker McKenzie as a trainee solicitor and associate, recommends applying for bigger or international law firms. “Many international candidates are under the impression that they need to apply to smaller or less prestigious law firms because the competition for them is insane and they stand no chance of competing against many other candidates.” However, larger law firms with an international presence may be more likely to consider applications from international candidates. According to Gordon, these firms are “in a better position to provide visa sponsorships and cover all the necessary expenses”, and “they need more international employees to meet their global business needs as well as diversity and inclusion targets”. In addition, such firms are “usually more experienced in handling any immigration issues arising from your visa status, as they have a track record of hiring foreigners and a dedicated immigration team to guide you through the process”.

The UK government website has a long list of licensed sponsors – organisations that sponsor workers on the Worker and Temporary Worker immigration routes.  Use this list as a starting point to narrow down law firms that are listed as licensed sponsors. While it may appear that there’s a substantial number of firms on this list, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re willing to hire graduates and take on the cost and time associated with visa sponsorship for their training contracts – the sponsorship may be for more experienced hires or for relocating an employee from one location to another.

Your best bet as an international candidate is to attend law fairs, open days and insight days and find out each law firm’s stance by speaking directly to their graduate recruitment team.

Gordon’s strategy for when he was applying for a training contract in London was to shortlist law firms that “have a strong international brand, a passion for diversity and inclusion and a track record of hiring international candidates”. He adds that firms such as “Baker McKenzie, Dentons, DLA Piper UK LLP, Hogan Lovells, White & Case LLP, Latham & Watkins and, of course, the typical magic/silver circle firms should be your main focus when applying for a training contract”. In the same vein, the AGCAS Internationalisation Task Group – a specialist group within the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services that supports careers professionals working with international students – notes: “Employers from large global companies, such as magic circle law firms [...] are more likely to sponsor graduates as firstly they usually have a license to do so and secondly their business requires a global outlook and language skills are highly sought.”

At the time of writing, some law firms that state on their websites that they accept applications from international students who require a visa are: Ashurst LLP, Bird & Bird, Burges Salmon LLP, Clifford Chance, Dentons, DLA Piper UK, Fieldfisher, Hogan Lovells, Latham & Watkins, Pinsent Masons LLP and Slaughter and May.

Despite these challenges, many international students do succeed. The key is to start early, research law firms thoroughly and focus your applications on those that are known to sponsor international candidates. Let firms know early in the process that you’ll require sponsorship, understand the type of visa you need and the firm’s obligations, and highlight the unique value you bring.

Getting work experience in the UK and elsewhere

Ultimately, you should use your time at university and the additional two years you have in the UK from the graduate visa to gain as much work experience as possible – whether you end up getting sponsored down the line or not.

International students enrolled in a full-time degree programme in the UK can work up to 20 hours maximum per week during academic terms and full-time during holiday breaks. This means that if you wish to undertake an internship or a vacation scheme during your degree, you can do so part time (up to 20 hours per week) during term time and full time during vacation periods. However, it’s always worth checking with the UK Home Office, your university’s international student office and prospective employers before applying for work experience to ensure you’re not breaching your visa’s work restrictions while studying.

Vacation schemes

Angela Wakama, an international student from Nigeria and University of York law graduate, says the 20-hour work restriction during term time “greatly impacted [her] ability to complete internships”. Angela explains that it was “difficult to apply for most vacation schemes and internships, as these typically required full-time commitment for at least one week, often during term time”. While this was a significant setback, “after a lot of persistence and careful planning”, Angela managed to secure a vacation scheme, which gave her “invaluable insights into the legal profession and allowed [her] to work on meaningful projects, while also building relationships with professionals in the field”.  Angela adds that the challenge “was a reminder that perseverance and adaptability are key to overcoming obstacles, especially as an international student in the UK”.

Use LCN’s Vacation scheme deadlines page to find firms’ upcoming vacation schemes.

Since vacation schemes are a primary recruitment route for many law firms in the UK, focusing your efforts on ones that can sponsor visas increases your chances of securing a training contract with sponsorship.

Find out more about what vacation schemes are and how to research law firms when applying for vacation schemes. Plus, read these 10 tips for your vacation scheme applications.

Work placements

Many universities offer work placements as part of a law degree, so make use of such opportunities to immerse yourself in a legal environment and strengthen your career prospects. However, it’s important to note that student visa holders can undertake a full-time work placement as part of their degree if:

• the placement is an assessed and integral part of the programme;
• the placement doesn’t exceed 50% of the programme's length (unless legally required); and
• they remain enrolled as a student without taking an interruption of studies.

According to the SRA, the regulator of solicitors and law firms in England and Wales, a work placement during a law degree can count towards QWE as long as it involves providing legal services and it’s confirmed by a solicitor of England and Wales.

Read this Oracle to learn how to get your QWE accredited.

Opportunities in your home country

One way to navigate the challenge of gaining legal experience in the UK and the work-hour restrictions is to seek opportunities in your home country during university holiday periods. You’re allowed to travel outside the UK during official vacation periods without needing authorised absence, as long as your travel dates align with your university’s academic calendar. Once again, it’s best to check with your institution to avoid any implications on your visa.

Ian, who secured legal work experience in his home country during the summer break, encourages international students to explore similar opportunities as it can “definitely help you stand out on your CV”. During his studies, Ian interned at Skrine, a leading commercial law firm in Malaysia, and completed a vacation scheme at Wong & Partners, a member firm of Baker McKenzie. These experiences confirmed his interest in working at a large international commercial law firm and motivated him “to apply for more vacation schemes and training contracts in London”.

Ian highlighted that studying an intellectually challenging degree in the UK helped him to stand out as a strong candidate in his applications. Interestingly, this strategy can work both ways: the skills and insights you gain from studying in the UK can enhance your appeal when applying for roles back home, while international experience from your home country can strengthen your applications in the UK legal market.

In the same vein, Gordon says: “International experience is often our unique selling point (USP) and we need to take advantage of it in our applications.” Before securing his training contract, Gordon interned at smaller law firms in Hong Kong, attended summer exchange programmes in mainland China and Germany, and explored international legal internships with organisations like the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and the International Court of Justice. Following an internship at the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law and a few short-term paralegal roles in London, he reflects that this international exposure ultimately set him apart in his training contract applications.

Additional opportunities to explore

Beyond traditional vacation schemes and internships, international law students can enhance their legal CVs and expand their global perspective through alternative opportunities.

1. International clerkships

Some leading firms offer international clerkship programmes that allow students to gain experience in overseas offices. These placements provide exposure to cross-border legal work and different legal systems – an invaluable experience for those aiming to build a global legal career. For example:

• Linklaters International Clerkships; and
• Baker McKenzie Hong Kong Summer Clerkship Programme.

2. Virtual internships and job simulations

Virtual programmes offer a flexible, accessible way to gain insights into legal work and learn about specific firms’ cultures and practice areas. They’re a great starting point, especially for students early in their legal journey or unable to commit to in-person experiences. Some law firms offering these include:

• Clifford Chance global virtual internships;
• Pinsent Masons virtual work experience;
• DLA Piper virtual job simulation; and
• White & Case virtual learning programme.

3. LawCareersNetLIVE

LawCareersNetLIVE is a series of one-day student conferences designed to connect aspiring solicitors with top UK law firms through interactive, in-person and virtual events. These events are tailored to students who are seriously considering a career in commercial law and are held in London and Manchester, as well as virtually for broader access.

The conferences feature a mix of panel discussions, firm-led workshops and networking sessions, all of which provide students with invaluable insights into the legal profession, current trends in the commercial legal market and the recruitment processes of leading firms. Attendees also get the chance to engage directly with graduate recruiters, trainee solicitors, associates and partners – the perfect opportunity to ask questions about the firm, visa sponsorship and more!

Check out four reasons to apply for LawCareersNetLIVE and read these five tips for flawless LawCareersNetLIVE applications.

These opportunities not only build commercial awareness and familiarity with firm expectations, but also demonstrate proactivity and interest – qualities that recruiters appreciate.

Shifting your mindset

You’ll certainly face unique challenges as an international law student, but it's important to shift your perspective. For example, you’ll be reminded often that competition for vacation schemes, training contracts and other legal work experience is intense. While that may be true, it’s important to consider that law firms are also competing for talented future lawyers like yourself. They’re not the only ones trying to find a perfect match for their organisation – you should also treat the research process as finding the perfect match for you. As Gordon says, “there are some law firms that are truly diverse and you should definitely speak to the people at different firms to see which one is the right fit for you”.

Moving to a completely different country to study, qualify and commit to building a legal career demonstrates a strong dedication to the role and profession. This level of commitment is unique to international law students who’ve uprooted their lives to pursue a legal career in the UK and something you shouldn’t shy away from speaking about. As Ian points out, it’s especially important to show that you’re “dedicated to the career path”. He notes that employers may want to know why you’re choosing to stay in London, for example, and addressing these questions directly allows you to demonstrate both your motivation and commitment to qualifying and practising in the UK.

It’s important to also be aware of the value you bring to the table. As Ujjwal explains, being an international student offers “a unique perspective, adaptability and language skills that many law firms value”. He adds: “Firms that handle international clients often look for candidates who understand different legal systems and cultures. My background in both Indian and UK law has been an asset as it shows that I can work across different legal frameworks and understand certain legal issues better.”

Moreover, as Gordon points out, some law firms are increasingly recognising the importance of diversity and inclusion within their teams. They understand that a diverse workforce brings a wealth of different viewpoints and ideas, which can lead to more innovative solutions and better client service. As an international student, you contribute to this diversity and can leverage it to your advantage.

So, consider your status as an international student as your USP and turn what might seem like a challenge into a powerful asset.

Support from your university’s student law society

Joining a student law society can be a valuable way for international students to feel supported and connected, especially in their first year of study. These societies often act as a bridge between students and the legal profession, offering access to networking events, workshops, peer mentorship and opportunities to connect with legal employers and gain experience.

LawCareers.Net works with student law societies across the UK for events such as the Student Law Society Awards and has found that societies are increasingly offering a range of support and resources for international law students as they settle in to life at university in the UK. Ian, who’s also the president of the UCL Law Society in 2024/2025, explains the various initiatives in place to support international students: “There's a lot that we do to support international students. At the start of the year, we host an International freshers talk, which had nearly 100 international first-year law students attending. We also publish two dedicated guides: one on living in London, covering practical advice like budgeting and transport, and another on starting law at university.”

In addition to these onboarding resources, the society has a diversity, inclusion and overseas officer on the committee who leads events tailored to fostering an inclusive environment: “We’ve hosted panels for Black History Month and women in law, and organised cultural celebrations such as an Iftar dinner, Lunar New Year and Diwali.”

On top of this, Ian’s society offers an initiative called ‘law families’, which pairs first-year students with second and third-year student mentors. “It’s an informal mentoring system that gives new students someone to turn to when they need guidance.”

Most student law societies also regularly partner with leading law firms to host exclusive events, including panel discussions, skills workshops, networking evenings with legal professionals and even the opportunity to attend a law firm’s office for a day to learn about its practice and the kind of candidates they’re looking for. Attending these events is particularly valuable as you can find insight into firms’ expectations around visa sponsorship, diversity and career opportunities.

Whether it’s through social integration, practical resources or mentoring, student law societies can play a meaningful role in helping international law students transition into UK university life – socially, academically and professionally.

Find out more ways your student law society can support you.

Not all student law societies offer the same level of catered support for international law students. If you find that your university’s society doesn’t meet your expectations, consider it an opportunity to get involved and make a difference. Taking on a leadership role to advocate for and support foreign students will not only help other students like yourself to succeed in their studies and legal career, but it’ll also allow you to develop a range of skills that you can shout about in applications and on your CV.  

Building a network and support system

One of the most important steps international law students can take early on is building a strong support system and professional network. A lot of this support can come from your university’s law society, as outlined in the previous section. Tania, a law student at the University of Nottingham, shares that “finding international students who are a year ahead of you is incredibly helpful” for advice on everything from tackling exams to navigating everyday tasks like grocery shopping and settling into life in a new country. She connected with them through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and most importantly, through the University of Nottingham Law Society’s ‘adoption scheme’ for international students.

Ian encourages international students to also step outside their comfort zone. “Although there’s always that temptation to fall back on a familiar community that reminds you of home, I’d always encourage international law students to branch out.” The early social connections with fellow students can lay the foundation for a broader professional network, which becomes increasingly important as you progress through your degree and start exploring career opportunities.

Ujjwal highlights that one of the biggest perks of being in places such as London is the access to professional networks. “I made networking a priority by joining university law societies, attending legal events and being active on LinkedIn.” As vice president of the Postgraduate Law Society at King’s College London, Ujjwal organised events and hosted a podcast, helping him to meet professionals and explore career opportunities.

Networking isn’t just about finding job leads, it’s also about showing recruiters that you can build relationships, work collaboratively and engage with people from different walks of life. Gordon highlights that there’s “a lack of role models for international students” and it can be “harder to find a former international student who shares their experience of breaking into the UK industry”. He makes a point to reach out to people on LinkedIn for coffee chats and career advice. Platforms like LinkedIn are valuable tools for connecting with current and former employees at law firms. Identify employees who’ve lived overseas by looking at their education history and work experience, and don’t be afraid to reach out to them – they may have once been in the same position as you. As Gordon says: “I did this so many times in the past, and it helped with my job application.” Ian also advocates for this: “Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation, to introduce yourself to someone you’ve never spoken to before – that’s one of the most valuable aspects of being at university in the UK.”

Read this LCN Says to find out how to make the most of LinkedIn as a law student.

Getting ahead of the game

Law firms are constantly evolving and so are the qualities they seek in future lawyers. That means you’ll need to go beyond academic achievement and take a proactive role in building a compelling, future-ready profile.

Ujjwal puts it best: “I believe that for an international student to succeed and make the most out of your opportunities, excelling in just your academics isn’t enough. You must build your portfolio with transferable skills as well. The best way to do this is to get involved outside your academics and stay proactive. Keep up with legal trends and commercial news, gain practical experience and develop skills beyond academics.”

With legal technology rapidly advancing, standing out today means understanding what’s around the corner. For example, AI is reshaping the legal industry and law firms increasingly value candidates who can demonstrate an understanding of how AI is influencing legal work. From contract automation to legal research, knowledge of tech trends – and a willingness to engage with them – is becoming a powerful differentiator.

Paul Whittington, a trainee solicitor at Trowers & Hamlins LLP, spoke at LawCareersNetLIVE about how rapidly evolving technology such as AI is transforming the legal profession. He highlighted that AI won’t just change the tools lawyers use but also reshape the composition of legal teams themselves. Future solicitors may find themselves working alongside legal technologists, prompt engineers and other new specialist roles emerging from this tech-driven shift. 

In today’s competitive legal market, where training contracts and work experience are in high demand, a key factor that separates successful applicants is their ability to stay on top of legal trends such as these. Learning about emerging AI tools, even at a basic level, signals that you’re thinking ahead and prepared to help law firms adapt to change.

Returning to work in your home country

Even if your stay in the UK is cut short because you haven’t secured visa sponsorship, returning to your home country with a law degree from the UK can be advantageous. As mentioned earlier in this article, the qualifications obtained from UK law courses are widely recognised and respected globally. You’ll graduate with a strong foundation in English common law, which underpins many legal systems around the world.

Many countries have mutual recognition agreements, or similar, that facilitate the acceptance of UK qualifications. This can streamline the process of qualifying to practise law locally, allowing you to apply the skills and knowledge gained in the UK to your home country's legal system – often with fewer barriers than you might expect.

You also shouldn’t underestimate the skills and experiences you gain during your time in the UK. Just as your international background sets you apart in the UK, your UK education and work experience can make you a standout candidate in your local legal market.

Alternatively, relocating to another country with more flexible immigration policies is also an option. Countries such as Australia, Canada and China, among others, recognise UK law degrees and offer opportunities for legal professionals. These destinations often have familiar legal frameworks and robust legal markets, making them attractive options for UK-trained graduates.

Whether you choose to return home or explore new horizons, your UK legal education – and the experiences that come with it – will serve as a strong asset in your professional journey.

More than a law degree

If you’re feeling the pressure of time because of the expiration date on your visa, use that as a drive to make the most of your time in the UK. Don’t forget that beyond the skills and knowledge you’ll gain for your future legal career, you’ll gain just as much – if not more – valuable life experience.

One international graduate from the Caribbean shared that they chose the UK not just for the degree, but to “experience a wide range of cultures and have the opportunity to travel within Europe”. Reflecting on their journey, they say: “Despite the hurdles, I’d definitely choose it again. I really enjoyed my experience as an international student and the value studying law in the UK has brought to my life.”

Ujjwal echoes this sentiment: “Being an international student is a life-changing experience.” While moving away from your home and your family to an entirely new culture and surroundings can be difficult, “it gives you a sense of confidence and a global perspective. It pushes you out of your comfort zone and helps you grow both personally and professionally. The challenges you face will make you more independent and adaptable, which are great skills for any career”.

Dimitar Dimitrov (he/him) is a content and engagement coordinator at LawCareers.Net.