<p>While it’s good to plan, based on the informed responses above, perhaps the best plan would be to aim for the most selective law school possible rather than a specific field at this point. Generally, the more highly ranked law schools will offer more opportunities upon graduation.</p>
<p>CityEntrepreneur, interesting. Did you get that job pre-graduation with no schooling in Europe , through an internship, etc.? </p>
<p>crankyoldman, I think that is wise. That is a big part of my plan. I am the type to plan ahead so it’s difficult for me not to do so, but regardless of where I attend law school I absolutely plan to try to attend one of the most selective law schools.</p>
<p>alwaysamom, my apologies, I meant I have a greater interest in English government (I am interested in doing law for a government sector, although I don’t know if possible based on another response I had on a different post). I have researched citizenship into the U.K. and it says it can take only around 6 months - 1 year, BUT you have had to live there for the past 5 years and not have left the country for more than 90 days at a time. So there are certainly requirements involved with attaining citizenship, but it doesn’t seem as lengthy as a process compared to some other countries from what I can tell.</p>
<p>Rachel, I’m still not sure that I understand what it is you really want to do. There are different systems of law. The Common Law is what is used in the U.S., Canada, England. Most of the rest of Europe follow the Civil Code. You will have to be trained in the country’s system of law in which you hope to work. You can’t be licensed in Common Law and then go to a Civil Law jurisdiction and practice. So, if you’re interested in working in England, then yes, you are definitely interested in the Common Law! :)</p>
<p>The process for becoming a citizen in England may only take a year but you’re correct, that’s after living there full-time for at least five years after your apply. That usually will only begin after you have graduated from college and are employed. Most countries will not allow you to count the years as a student in those five required years. This presents a problem when you’re looking for employment because it is difficult to get a work visa, and securing employment without one is impossible. England has changed their visa system fairly recently so that those which were typically used by graduating students for a year or two are no longer available. </p>
<p>In addition, getting the type of contract in the legal world as a new grad in England is difficult and that’s unlikely to change anytime soon. Much as in the U.S., there are too many lawyers in England, something that won’t change since law is an entry program not requiring a prior degree there. Lots to think about. Good luck to you.</p>