From Ukraine to the UK and Beyond — Toward the Bar Exam in the U.S.: Realities and Opportunities

The legal profession is becoming increasingly global. International agreements, investments, litigation — all these extend far beyond the boundaries of national legal systems. This is why lawyers who possess knowledge of multiple jurisdictions gain not only a competitive edge but also the ability to build a career on a global scale.

My journey is an example of how a Ukrainian lawyer can go through British legal education, adapt to a different culture, and move toward the path of taking the Bar Exam in the United States.

My legal career began in Kharkiv, Ukraine, where I graduated from National Law University named after Yaroslav Mudryi. For more than 10 years, I worked in the fields of financial law and litigation. My collaboration with European banks while handling large cross-border transactions became the turning point for my professional growth. At that moment, I realized that knowledge of Ukrainian law alone was no longer sufficient to work effectively in the international market.

The first step was my decision to pursue legal education in the United Kingdom, in London. The geographical proximity to Ukraine, the global prestige of the English legal system, and the quality of education made the UK an obvious choice. I enrolled in BPP University Law School in the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) program.

This program allowed me to quickly convert my Ukrainian law degree into an English equivalent, opening the door to the common law system. English and Wales law is frequently used as the governing law in international contracts, including as the procedural law in litigation and arbitration.

After moving to the United States in 2022, for several years I had no immediate plans to pursue legal practice. However, I eventually returned to this idea. Obtaining a U.S. license is not just a legal step, it is a chance to elevate one’s career to the level of international practice.

I conducted research on how to adapt Ukrainian and UK legal degrees for U.S. requirements and the steps needed to obtain a license. The general pathway looks like this:

• Choose the state – Typically New York (NY) or California (CA), though Texas, Florida, or Maryland may also be options. The choice depends on where you intend to practice.
• Credential evaluation – Accreditation of foreign legal education; all Ukrainian degrees require this process.
• LL.M. (if required) – In New York, this is almost always mandatory. Personally, I considered only two states whose licenses are recognized in most other jurisdictions: New York and California. In my case, an LL.M. may not be required due to my UK degree.
• MPRE (Ethics Exam) – A separate test that is mandatory before admission.
• Bar Exam – Includes multiple-choice questions, essays, and performance tests.
• Character & Fitness Review – Background and moral character check.
• Oath of Admission – The final step.

Another alternative is obtaining a Foreign Legal Consultant license, which allows you to work in the U.S. on matters related to your home jurisdiction — ideal for those in international business, arbitration, or investment — but this does not grant full attorney privileges and provide consultations/advices on US law.

Currently, I am beginning my preparation to pass all required exams by February 2026 (using Barbri or Law School prep programs).

As all my U.S. colleagues say: “Start preparing as early as possible”. So, plan every step, calculate your budget, and mentally prepare for a new level of competition.

The legal profession is not about borders. It’s about opportunities.

Comparison of Key States