The migration of Ukrainian professionals is nothing new, but the migration of lawyers to the United States is a reality of a different nature. The legal system, which differs greatly from the European (continental) legal system, cultural differences, the language barrier, and unique new requirements create distinct challenges for each individual. I decided to write this article partly for myself (to try to reflect on my own experience) and to share it with others (perhaps it will be useful).
My name is Yevgeniya Smirnova, I used to work as a Ukrainian litigation lawyer for many years, and after obtaining my degree in the UK, I have experienced in private international law (issues related to various business matters).
Purpose of this publication – I wanted to share my own experience. I love discovering the new — a city I’ve never been to, a painting I’ve never seen, a song I’ve never heard. That’s what brings peace and meaning to my life.
Why do U.S. states differ?
The U.S. legal system is federal. This means each state has its own licensing system (local law) and a specific regulatory body (the Bar Association), its own exams, procedures, and requirements for practicing law. For example, in New York City (not just the state), foreign lawyers are allowed to sit for the Bar Exam after completing an LL.M. (Master of Laws) – a postgraduate academic law program often used as a bridge for international lawyers.
In California, however, you can sit for the Bar even without an LL.M., provided you can prove sufficient legal education and experience. This is why choosing the right state is a strategic decision — it affects timing, cost, and complexity.
LL.M. or another route?
An LL.M. is the most common path. It helps adapt to the U.S. legal system, provides academic grounding, and helps build a professional network. However, an important factor is whether your degree is recognized in the U.S. If you studied in a common law country (like the UK), you may be able to skip the LL.M. in some states. For me, this was the simplest route, as I have a UK law degree.
Bar Exam and Beyond
The Bar Exam is not just a test that candidates take to obtain a law license in a particular state in the United States, it requires preparation, and each state has its own specifics. I could summarize the following possible tests prior to admission to the official test:
- MBE (Multistate Bar Examination) — 200 multiplechoice questions that test critical thinking.
- MEE (Multistate Essay Examination) — legal essays on topics like contracts, criminal law, family law, and others.
- MPT (Multistate Performance Test) — practical tasks such as writing a memorandum or a client letter.
- MPRE (Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination) — an ethics exam required in all states, and in fact, one of the most important.
Many professionals fail this exam, as it tests ethical readiness and is critical in various fields. This exam evaluates everything!!!
The first personal loss is the loss of professional identity. A person who had a name and reputation in Ukraine often becomes completely unknown in the U.S. For me, this was very difficult — and I still work through it — but from my subjective point of view, I think it’s a redefinition of the professional myself.
As for me, it’s very difficult, only after three years of living in the United States, maybe I learned not to think about it and started to live differently, using my prior experience in a new country, applying my previous experience in this country.
Law is language. But legal English is not just vocabulary. Therefore, learning and speaking it, using it fluently is a must for a lawyer. Therefore, a feeling of linguistic isolation could arise even if you speak English fluently, especially when you’re not speaking with native speakers. And that’s normal. But keep in mind that the legal professional environment is formal, polite and distant. Therefore, just speaking English doesn’t work.
As for me, my challenge was the feeling of loneliness. In fact, the loss of a professional circle, friends, a common language and context that you have developed over 20 years creates an inner emptiness. But there is a way out – join professional associations (Ukrainian American Bar Association), support from professionals, participation in thematic events, and, in my opinion, an attempt to adapt to the United States, but this is not the final option and, accordingly, your path.
Obtaining a license in the United States is a realistic but it’s a difficult path. It requires not only knowledge and time, but also a lot of internal work. But every step has potential – not just to become a lawyer in a new country, but to become a global professional. And yes, you need to understand that you are not starting from scratch. You start with experience, dignity, and depth, not losing yourself in an attempt to “become American” but sharing your culture. Being a world-class professional does not mean abandoning your roots, but trying to build a bridge between worlds without destroying yourself as the foundation of this bridge.
And no, you’re not starting from zero. You’re starting with experience, dignity, and depth, not losing yourself in an attempt to “become American”, instead, sharing your culture as well. Being a world-class professional does not mean abandoning your roots, but trying to build a bridge between worlds without destroying yourself as the foundation of this bridge.
Residence – Boston, MA, USA
Contact information:
email – yevgeniya.lawyer@gmail.com
phone – 305 988 3005
