Request for Instruction on How to Become a Student in the U.K.

Background

I am a recent high school graduate, and I have also attained eight ( college credit hours.

I am a legal assistant for an attorney in my small town of less than two thousand (2,000) people, and I had full intention of going to an American law school.

Present Situation

Now, however, I want to move to the U.K. and acquire my education there, while also practicing law there. I am sure (positive, actually) the law is much different in the U.K., and would like some direction on what I should do, step-by-step (including all education that will be required of me), to become a solicitor in the United Kingdom.

Thanks,

Christopher

Research UK law schools.  I'm sure you'll find plenty of information on how to apply and how to be an international student.  That's the first step.  Remember that it will be very expensive to study in the UK.

Focus on applying to law schools first, and their international office will be able to help you out with your visa and, (if they're approved by the US Dept of Education) should be able to help with any US-Student loans you take out (after filing the FAFSA, of course).

Two things I would advise caution on:

1- It's going to be quite expensive.  Especially if you attend a University in London.  Since it would be an undergraduate course here, would you be able to afford it for the full length of the course? With US loans, you have a maximum of either $31,000 (if anyone can claim you as a dependant), or $57,000 (if you file as independent).  With each of those, only $23,000 is subsidized, meaning that the moment any unsubsidized loans are dispensed, they start piling on interest....which really has a way of adding up. (Especially when it becomes capitalized..)

2- Do you intend to practice law in the UK or US? 

If in the UK- you need to consider whether or not you will be able to stay once you finish your course.  The Post-Study Work Visa route is now closed, (however there are talks of reopening it for "Entrepreneurial students" or something like that...but I don't know when that's going to happen.)

Or, if you have to return to the US--Will your UK Law degree mean anything there?
(I did just find a joint LLB/JD Course at King's, which would probably work out well, if you didn't mind going to Columbia University for two years..but I'm not sure how common this sort of thing is)



The first thing to do would be to research your options.  Then consider what's best overall.  Good luck with your decision.  Also, if you do end up going through the UK Tier 4 Student Visa process, there are a few threads from previous years that are quite helpful, so I suggest going through those to get an idea of how things usually play out.

The Post-Study Work Visa route is now closed, (however there are talks of reopening it for "Entrepreneurial students" or something like that...but I don't know when that's going to happen.)

I've done recent research on this. Post-study work allowed you to stay for 2 years to find a job. Now entrepreneur student forces you to start your own business creating at least 2 jobs for uk citizens. So you need A LOT of money. I think this takes effect this summer or fall.

So the only way you can stay after you graduate (unless you're rich) is if you have a job offer BEFORE you graduate. Basically the wont let you stay unless you're a rock star who will contribute to the economy in a good way.

My advice is to study in a way so that you can practice law in the US because you might very well find yourself having to come back because the uk won't let you stay.

Also if you max out on your federal loans this website can help you find private loans.
http://www.internationalstudentloan.com/
But beware. Not all unis are on their list and this could rack up your debt quick.

I just want to point out that it is a huge risk to do a law degree in a country that might not allow you to stay and practice after graduation. I've seen a number of Americans who did a law degree before moving to the UK (long before they met their partners) and are stuck because it is hard to find a position that accepts a non-UK law degree   I can't say an UK law degree is useless in the US but I tell any student who wants to come to the UK to study to accept the big possibility that they can't stay after graduation.

Agree with the implications of the above posters

For options for undergraduate degrees:
http://search.ucas.com/cgi-bin/hsrun/search/search/StateId/QjexNopACPmLppaIu0AEp4VcCk_7C-V8_f/HAHTpage/search.HsKeywordSearch.whereNext?query=392&word=LAW

Maybe
http://www.uea.ac.uk/law/course/llb-law-with-american-law

See also
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/law_sector.htm

Do you have access to EU citizenship?