New York, New York
updated on 26 May 2009
Dear Oracle
I recently graduated with a 2.1 in law, but I'm not sure where to go from here. I have found out that it is possible to become a UK solicitor by doing the New York Bar exam and the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test, thus bypassing the need to do the LPC and training contract, but I can't find much information on this way in to the legal profession. What do law firms think of this route?The Oracle replies
It is important to be aware that this is not a back-door route into the profession or a shortcut to a legal career in the United States. We suggest that you contact the SRA (www.sra.org.uk/students/students), American Bar Association (www.abanet.org) or the New York Bar Association (www.nysba.org) for specific advice on the New York Bar and the course you need to take in order to qualify.Concerning the attitude law firms take: broadly speaking, an unusual route to qualification such as the New York Bar is sometimes regarded with caution - especially among the more traditional sectors of the profession. We don't have any anecdotal evidence about people who've done this and gone on to have successful careers. But equally, we don’t have any evidence to the contrary! Why not try to get a sense of what the industry thinks by contacting the recruitment contact at a handful of firms that you're interested in. Explain what you're thinking of doing and ask for an honest reaction to your plan. Their responses should give you some idea of what potential employers will think.
