The Systems of Legal Education in Great Britain and the USA

The Systems of Legal Education in Great Britain and the USA

Each country has its own legal system, so it is important to have a legal education, so Great Britain and the USA have these systems too. However it is necessary to explain that they are different when the legal system of two countries is common.

Great Britain's system of legal education consists of three steps. Firstly, a student finishes a bachelor degree in English law or in a non-law subject with graduating Diploma in Law and chooses a career. At the second stage the future solicitor passes the Legal Practice Course and becomes a trainee. And upcoming barrister studies for the Bar Professional Training Course. Finally, the solicitor trains in a company and completes the Professional Skills Course, while a would-be barrister takes Qualifying Sessions for six non-practical and six practical months. In the end, solicitors and barristers get a Practising Certificate.

On the other hand, legal education in the USA is common for different careers. At first, all attorneys must achieve a four-year bachelor degree, then pass the Law School Admission Test. Studying in law school is the second step which lasts three years. Law school graduates gain a Juris Doctor degree or continue their education for a Master of Law degree which takes them one year. The final step is passing a bar examination and a background check in a certain state. However attorneys can pass the Mustistate or Uniform Bar Exam to work in various states. Afterwards they receive a license.

In conclusion, legal educational systems in Great Britain and the USA have some distinctions but these systems prepare perspective and qualified specialists in their countries.