Pursuing a career in the American job market is a dream for many foreign professionals, including lawyers.
Despite the significant presence of lawyers in the U.S., the demand for qualified professionals in the legal field remains high, especially in specializations like corporate law, finance, and technology.
In this article, we will cover the main topics on how foreign lawyers can obtain a Green Card and legally practice in the U.S. Follow along!
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Why are foreign lawyers attracted to the U.S.?
The United States has a long tradition of attracting highly qualified professionals from around the world, and foreign lawyers are no exception.
Several factors contribute to this growing interest, including:
1. Professional development opportunities: the U.S. is home to some of the largest and most prestigious global law firms, offering a wide range of career opportunities. Lawyers have access to high-profile cases involving international law, intellectual property, mergers and acquisitions, and more. Additionally, the American market offers continuous training and specialization programs, allowing foreign lawyers to enhance their skills and expand their knowledge in specific areas of law;
2. High compensation and benefits: lawyers in the U.S. generally receive competitive salaries, which are significantly higher than those offered in many other countries;
3. Quality of life: beyond professional opportunities, the U.S. offers a high quality of life. The country has a well-developed infrastructure, access to quality healthcare services, an excellent educational system, and rich cultural diversity;
4. Diversity and inclusion: law firms in the U.S. are increasingly committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in their practices. This includes hiring professionals from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, creating a more inclusive and diverse work environment.
Is It Possible to Practice Law in the U.S. with a Foreign Degree?
Lawyers educated outside the U.S. need to validate their degree and meet local requirements to practice law. The legal profession in the U.S. is regulated by each state, and requirements may vary between them.
Generally, it is necessary to pass the state bar exam, which assesses knowledge of American law. Additionally, some states require the completion of additional coursework at an American law school. Therefore, it is important to research the specific requirements of the state where you intend to work.
What Is the Average Salary for Lawyers in the U.S.?
Salaries for lawyers in the U.S. vary depending on the state, specialization, and experience. According to recent data, the average annual salary is approximately $122,960.
However, professionals specializing in corporate law, finance, or technology can earn significantly more, with salaries exceeding $200,000 per year.
Comparatively, salaries in the U.S. tend to be higher than in many other countries, reflecting the complexity and competitiveness of the American legal market.
Also Read: How to validate your degree in the USA: the essential guide for international professionals
How Can a Foreign Lawyer Obtain a Green Card?
The U.S. offers over 180 types of visas.
Among the work visas that provide a Green Card is the EB2-NIW. It requires certain qualifications, and depending on your resume and career in your home country, it may be a good option for lawyers to obtain work authorization in the U.S.
Some of the requirements to qualify for the EB2-NIW visa include:
Having a law degree from a recognized institution,
Over 5 years of professional experience,
Demonstrating exceptional skills,
Demonstrating that your immigration will significantly benefit the U.S.
The necessary documentation includes diplomas, recommendation letters, publications, awards, certifications, and a detailed career plan.
To increase your chances of approval, it is essential to prepare a strong case highlighting your qualifications and potential contributions. For this, you should seek the support of a specialized immigration lawyer.
With over 13 years in the market and 99.5% of cases approved, our team has the experience, knowledge, and commitment to all clients.
Therefore, if you need guidance to understand your professional chances in the U.S., click this link and fill in your details.
The Murtaz Law team is ready to help make your dream come true.
About Murtaz Law
With more than a decade of experience, we take pride in guiding families and individuals on their journey to legally immigrate to the USA, whether temporarily or permanently.
Our success story spans a variety of cases, including temporary immigration, family reunification, naturalization, and especially, work visas like the EB2-NIW, which leads to the Green Card. Over the years, we have built a solid reputation and become a reference for skilled professionals, artists, and elite athletes who wish to expand their careers or undertake ventures in the USA.
Our 99.5% approval rate in cases demonstrates our commitment to a personalized approach, combining ethics, creativity, and deep knowledge of the laws and economic issues. We recognize that each client has a unique story and work side by side, individually, to create tailored strategies that achieve the desired outcomes. We take the importance of our work in our clients' lives seriously. Your future deserves a unique strategy, and we at Murtaz Law have the experience and expertise to meet your immigration needs.
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