6 answers
Joei
Student
2
Questions
Updated
2274 views
What career opportunities are available in the field of law in the United States and Spain?
I’m curious about the different career opportunities available in the field of law in both the United States and Spain. Specifically, I’d like to understand:
What are the main practice areas in each country where lawyers can build strong careers?
How do the qualification requirements (education, bar exams, licensing) differ between the U.S. and Spain?
Are there unique opportunities in certain sectors (corporate, international law, human rights, etc.) that are stronger in one country compared to the other?
What does the career growth or progression typically look like in each system?
I’d love to hear insights from anyone who has experience practicing in either country or knows about the differences in career paths.
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6 answers
Adrian Malatesta
Director, Global Location Expansion
2
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Adrian’s Answer
I think there is some great advice above. I would add that you should begin your studies and gravitate towards the ype of law that interests you, and not be lead by what you think is growing as the latter is a recipe to be less engaged. For me, that was employment law and how that is handled in different countries. I also recommend working on or studying international law in general in terms of how different countries work in addition to having a legal subject focus.
What are the main practice areas in each country where lawyers can build strong careers?
- Every country has every area of law. But if you are interested in practicing in multiple jurisdictions then you need to look for things that translate to all areas, like technology, employment, business, trade, etc.
How do the qualification requirements (education, bar exams, licensing) differ between the U.S. and Spain?
- As noted in other responses, this is something you have to research for both countries. 'Reciprocity' is a team to identify whether one country recognizes the other or not. Given the different legal structures this can be very different. Even in the US, a lawyer cannot practice in every state without being certified in that state or where states offer reciprocity.
Are there unique opportunities in certain sectors (corporate, international law, human rights, etc.) that are stronger in one country compared to the other?
- Reiterate the importance of finding an area you are interested in and then determining how that might apply in each country. You might also consider expanding the scope of beyond just US and Spain.
What does the career growth or progression typically look like in each system?
- This is also dependent on the course of your career, whether private/business, government, education. Within the business sphere there are also law firms, consultancy, or using the law degree as knowledge to more effectively work in business. For example, I am a lawyer but did not 'practice' and used my legal education as subject matter expertise in global employment and HR compliance.
That all said, continue to learn as much as you can and don't let anyone say it cannot happen; whatever you put your mind to, build skill in, and deliver results will likely result in an interesting and productive international law career.
Suggest taking a look at IE University in Madrid. They have hybrid law and business programs that would be exactly in the area you are considering. https://www.ie.edu/university/
What are the main practice areas in each country where lawyers can build strong careers?
- Every country has every area of law. But if you are interested in practicing in multiple jurisdictions then you need to look for things that translate to all areas, like technology, employment, business, trade, etc.
How do the qualification requirements (education, bar exams, licensing) differ between the U.S. and Spain?
- As noted in other responses, this is something you have to research for both countries. 'Reciprocity' is a team to identify whether one country recognizes the other or not. Given the different legal structures this can be very different. Even in the US, a lawyer cannot practice in every state without being certified in that state or where states offer reciprocity.
Are there unique opportunities in certain sectors (corporate, international law, human rights, etc.) that are stronger in one country compared to the other?
- Reiterate the importance of finding an area you are interested in and then determining how that might apply in each country. You might also consider expanding the scope of beyond just US and Spain.
What does the career growth or progression typically look like in each system?
- This is also dependent on the course of your career, whether private/business, government, education. Within the business sphere there are also law firms, consultancy, or using the law degree as knowledge to more effectively work in business. For example, I am a lawyer but did not 'practice' and used my legal education as subject matter expertise in global employment and HR compliance.
That all said, continue to learn as much as you can and don't let anyone say it cannot happen; whatever you put your mind to, build skill in, and deliver results will likely result in an interesting and productive international law career.
Adrian recommends the following next steps:
Lacy Kennedy
attorney
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Lacy’s Answer
A legal career can be diverse. Some people earn a law degree but choose not to practice, while others get licensed by passing the Bar Exam in their state and start practicing law. To work in government or corporate sectors, you usually need to be licensed in at least one state or federal area like Washington, DC.
In private practice, lawyers represent clients in court and provide legal advice. Many with law degrees pursue other careers, such as regulatory affairs, lobbying, or management, because the degree enhances cognitive reasoning skills. Companies often value law degrees for roles in management and negotiations.
First, decide what interests you: private practice, transactions, court work, litigation, intellectual property, or another area. The most lucrative fields depend on your skills and the value others see in your services. Experienced lawyers earn more than new ones, especially in specialized fields like litigation, mergers, acquisitions, finance, intellectual property, tax, or tariff compliance.
Gaining experience is crucial. Most new lawyers in large firms do basic work for 2-5 years before advancing. Corporations often prefer to hire lawyers with 5-7 years of private practice experience. It typically takes about five years to approach expertise in any field. Choose a direction early to focus your efforts. If you're interested in litigation, improve your communication, critical thinking, speaking, writing, and trial skills. If you want to practice intellectual property law, an engineering or programming background can be beneficial.
Good luck!
In private practice, lawyers represent clients in court and provide legal advice. Many with law degrees pursue other careers, such as regulatory affairs, lobbying, or management, because the degree enhances cognitive reasoning skills. Companies often value law degrees for roles in management and negotiations.
First, decide what interests you: private practice, transactions, court work, litigation, intellectual property, or another area. The most lucrative fields depend on your skills and the value others see in your services. Experienced lawyers earn more than new ones, especially in specialized fields like litigation, mergers, acquisitions, finance, intellectual property, tax, or tariff compliance.
Gaining experience is crucial. Most new lawyers in large firms do basic work for 2-5 years before advancing. Corporations often prefer to hire lawyers with 5-7 years of private practice experience. It typically takes about five years to approach expertise in any field. Choose a direction early to focus your efforts. If you're interested in litigation, improve your communication, critical thinking, speaking, writing, and trial skills. If you want to practice intellectual property law, an engineering or programming background can be beneficial.
Good luck!
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Joel!
Some fathers do have them. Children that ask, "Daddy why can't our solicitor practice over here in Spain?" "HE CAN SON." Apparently, it is not impossible to do both. The Hague Can Figure It Out.
I am going to propose a radical maneuver. Do both! How? You shall have to negotiate between both legal authorities. Of course, you have to satisfy both! Oh Dear. We need an overarching authority.
As it turns out the two are not inconsolably nor diametrically opposed! 'Legal Eagles' have been involved in this for a while.
USA
There are the four primary types of laws in the United States: constitutional law, statutory law, administrative law, and case law.
SPAIN
Spanish law follows the continental system, which means it is supported principally by the law in the broad sense (laws and regulations) and to a lesser extent by judicial decisions and customs.
US LAW IN SPAIN
SEE https://americanlegalspain.com/ ALSO https://legalknowledgebase.com/can-us-lawyers-practice-in-spain
MAIN PRACTICE AREAS IN SPAIN
SEE https://intlaw.eu/areas-de-practica/
MERGER
Legal experts can examine both systems and conclude that the is a procedure for satisfying both the Spanish and US laws [with provisos of course]. What is needed is an overarching theme of law with commonalities, principles that can be transposed to both the US and the Spanish legal system.
CORPORATE LAW US vs SPAIN
SEE https://www.urbanthier.com/testimonials/
All Spain Bar Examination - Public examination in Spain
The All Spain Bar Examination is a public examination in Spain for the admission to practice law and obtaining the lawyer's license.
Overview of the Bar Exam
In the United States, individuals seeking to practice as lawyers must pass a bar examination, which is administered by state or territorial bar admission agencies. The bar exam assesses a candidate's knowledge of the law and their ability to apply it in practice. Almost all states require passing a bar exam, with some exceptions like Wisconsin, Oregon, and Washington, which have alternative pathways for admission.
I might be frustrating because I appear to miss addressing salient questions! Sometimes the Changes to my answer refuse to Save!
GOD BLESS!
Some fathers do have them. Children that ask, "Daddy why can't our solicitor practice over here in Spain?" "HE CAN SON." Apparently, it is not impossible to do both. The Hague Can Figure It Out.
I am going to propose a radical maneuver. Do both! How? You shall have to negotiate between both legal authorities. Of course, you have to satisfy both! Oh Dear. We need an overarching authority.
As it turns out the two are not inconsolably nor diametrically opposed! 'Legal Eagles' have been involved in this for a while.
USA
There are the four primary types of laws in the United States: constitutional law, statutory law, administrative law, and case law.
SPAIN
Spanish law follows the continental system, which means it is supported principally by the law in the broad sense (laws and regulations) and to a lesser extent by judicial decisions and customs.
US LAW IN SPAIN
SEE https://americanlegalspain.com/ ALSO https://legalknowledgebase.com/can-us-lawyers-practice-in-spain
MAIN PRACTICE AREAS IN SPAIN
SEE https://intlaw.eu/areas-de-practica/
MERGER
Legal experts can examine both systems and conclude that the is a procedure for satisfying both the Spanish and US laws [with provisos of course]. What is needed is an overarching theme of law with commonalities, principles that can be transposed to both the US and the Spanish legal system.
CORPORATE LAW US vs SPAIN
SEE https://www.urbanthier.com/testimonials/
All Spain Bar Examination - Public examination in Spain
The All Spain Bar Examination is a public examination in Spain for the admission to practice law and obtaining the lawyer's license.
Overview of the Bar Exam
In the United States, individuals seeking to practice as lawyers must pass a bar examination, which is administered by state or territorial bar admission agencies. The bar exam assesses a candidate's knowledge of the law and their ability to apply it in practice. Almost all states require passing a bar exam, with some exceptions like Wisconsin, Oregon, and Washington, which have alternative pathways for admission.
I might be frustrating because I appear to miss addressing salient questions! Sometimes the Changes to my answer refuse to Save!
GOD BLESS!
Amber Lee
Tax Associate
84
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Amber’s Answer
Hey Joei,
I'm a licensed attorney in the U.S. (although I do not currently practice law), so what I can offer in terms of insights is limited to what I myself have experienced here in the U.S.
I imagine there are opportunities that are both common to both U.S. and Spain--there will always be a need for corporate attorneys and family lawyers in both countries. In the U.S., corporate attorney opportunities are abundant in big cities, and I'm sure it's similar in Spain as well. You can also build strong careers anywhere; it really depends on what you're looking for in a career and what your interests are. Some practice areas are obviously more lucrative than others, and that's true in the U.S. and everywhere else.
But as a practical matter, before you even think about comparing career opportunities in the legal field in the US vs. Spain, you might want to consider which country you can see yourself settling in long-term. Unless you have a reason for choosing one country over another (e.g., maybe you have family abroad or have other ties), moving abroad for law school is generally a risky move because unlike other careers where you have the flexibility to move from one place to another, as a lawyer you should expect less flexibility in terms of mobility. The reason is that the legal profession is regulated locally. For example, within the U.S. itself, being licensed in New York doesn't mean you can just move to Florida tomorrow and start practicing there. A lot of U.S. states offer some sort of reciprocity, which allows you to practice in that state without having to retake the bar exam in that state, but there are requirements you will need to meet in order to qualify for that. Similarly, being licensed in Spain doesn't mean you can just move to the U.S. and be able to practice here immediately if you change your mind about living and working in Spain. You'll likely have to go back to a U.S. law school and learn U.S. laws in order to take the bar exam here.
If you're an international student coming into the U.S. for law school, you will have to obtain a student visa here, and there are no guarantees you can remain in the U.S. after you graduate from law school. You do get a grace period for job search, but if you're not able to obtain a work visa or some other kind of arrangement (e.g., permanent residence status), then you will likely need to leave the U.S. This is a struggle I saw in a lot of my international classmates. A lot of them now have a U.S. law degree they cannot realistically use in their home country, so definitely something to keep in mind.
As for career growth and progression in the U.S., that all depends on what you want out of your career. Some folks are very ambitious and thrive in high-pressure environments working at big law firms, making partner in 8-10 years. But others are happy to work in a slower-paced setting and potentially never making partner, or they set up their own shop. A few people I know left their law firms for the government and non-profit organizations, where they're happy to contribute their skills for significantly less pay.
In conclusion, I would suggest figuring out which country you see yourself living and working in, see if there's pathway to get there (and stay there) via immigration, and then consider whether a legal career is something you would be interested in that country. People often start law school thinking they want to practice x but they end up practicing y instead, so that's not something you absolutely need to figure out today. Good luck!
I'm a licensed attorney in the U.S. (although I do not currently practice law), so what I can offer in terms of insights is limited to what I myself have experienced here in the U.S.
I imagine there are opportunities that are both common to both U.S. and Spain--there will always be a need for corporate attorneys and family lawyers in both countries. In the U.S., corporate attorney opportunities are abundant in big cities, and I'm sure it's similar in Spain as well. You can also build strong careers anywhere; it really depends on what you're looking for in a career and what your interests are. Some practice areas are obviously more lucrative than others, and that's true in the U.S. and everywhere else.
But as a practical matter, before you even think about comparing career opportunities in the legal field in the US vs. Spain, you might want to consider which country you can see yourself settling in long-term. Unless you have a reason for choosing one country over another (e.g., maybe you have family abroad or have other ties), moving abroad for law school is generally a risky move because unlike other careers where you have the flexibility to move from one place to another, as a lawyer you should expect less flexibility in terms of mobility. The reason is that the legal profession is regulated locally. For example, within the U.S. itself, being licensed in New York doesn't mean you can just move to Florida tomorrow and start practicing there. A lot of U.S. states offer some sort of reciprocity, which allows you to practice in that state without having to retake the bar exam in that state, but there are requirements you will need to meet in order to qualify for that. Similarly, being licensed in Spain doesn't mean you can just move to the U.S. and be able to practice here immediately if you change your mind about living and working in Spain. You'll likely have to go back to a U.S. law school and learn U.S. laws in order to take the bar exam here.
If you're an international student coming into the U.S. for law school, you will have to obtain a student visa here, and there are no guarantees you can remain in the U.S. after you graduate from law school. You do get a grace period for job search, but if you're not able to obtain a work visa or some other kind of arrangement (e.g., permanent residence status), then you will likely need to leave the U.S. This is a struggle I saw in a lot of my international classmates. A lot of them now have a U.S. law degree they cannot realistically use in their home country, so definitely something to keep in mind.
As for career growth and progression in the U.S., that all depends on what you want out of your career. Some folks are very ambitious and thrive in high-pressure environments working at big law firms, making partner in 8-10 years. But others are happy to work in a slower-paced setting and potentially never making partner, or they set up their own shop. A few people I know left their law firms for the government and non-profit organizations, where they're happy to contribute their skills for significantly less pay.
In conclusion, I would suggest figuring out which country you see yourself living and working in, see if there's pathway to get there (and stay there) via immigration, and then consider whether a legal career is something you would be interested in that country. People often start law school thinking they want to practice x but they end up practicing y instead, so that's not something you absolutely need to figure out today. Good luck!
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Joei !
Deciding to become a Lawyer in the United States or Spain is a big decision because you will have to project where you will want to practice and live in the future - the U.S. or Spain. Deciding on Spain will entail the extra activity around immigration and becoming a citizen there if that's what you decide.
The two legal systems are very different. In the U.S. we go by common law, using judicial decisions and precedents. Spain uses civil law. Laws are codified in comprehensive legal codes, and judges primarily apply these written statutes rather than relying on past rulings. So this is one consideration you can look at in helping you decide.
If you become a Lawyer in the U.S. but want to move to, live in and practice in Spain, you would first have to get your law degree validated in Spain. There's a lot of information about this, so excuse me for quoting it as it is precise and may be helpful in your decision: "To become a practicing lawyer in Spain, foreign graduates must undergo a validation process for their foreign law degrees, which involves obtaining equivalence from a Spanish university. This process is required for both EU/EEA citizens and citizens of third states, although EU/EEA nationals are exempt from the nationality waiver procedure."
"For non-EU/EEA citizens, a nationality waiver must be obtained from the Ministry of Justice, which requires submitting documents such as a passport, residence permit, criminal record certificates, and a professional conduct certificate from the legal profession body in their home country."
It would kind of be hard to say what the main practices of lawyers are because some lawyers are able to do several types of law in their practice. You'll just have to explore the various types and decide which ones hold your interest.
The United States and Spain have different processes for Licensing and exams because their legal systems and regulations are so different. Again, there is a lot of detailed information about this online that wouldn't fit in this post. Do a search online and get the details you are looking for. Sorry, but it is precise and a good read. Spain has a centralized legal system across the country and the United States regulates it by individual jurisdictions.
No one can tell you what your "unique opportunity" would be - you'd have to discover that during the course of your academic path. Difficult to project this for 8 or 9 years from now. It's just something you'll discover along the way while in Law School in whatever country you choose. It's also hard to say what new areas of law there will be in 8 or 9 years from now.
Knowing a generalized idea about the "career growth" may not be helpful to you now or a way to decide. Again, you will have to want to become a Lawyer and give it all you've got. I appreciate that you are exploring this career, but more helpful would be to explore the work lawyers do and make that be a deciding factor. None of us know the specifics or details of our careers before we even start. It's okay to not know and make personal discoveries as you go along. With dedication and a passion for law, you can have a very successful career.
I, of course, am not a Lawyer, but the questions you have asked, plus comparing and contrasting law in two countries may be better off exploring them one at a time. Learn the process for an American career. Then read up on what is required for the Spanish career. Take notes so that you can refer back to them when making a decision. Most of all, you will need to be able to dedicate a lot of time, energy and have great passion for the law to go into this career. Being well informed is definitely a big help. Best wishes to you !
Deciding to become a Lawyer in the United States or Spain is a big decision because you will have to project where you will want to practice and live in the future - the U.S. or Spain. Deciding on Spain will entail the extra activity around immigration and becoming a citizen there if that's what you decide.
The two legal systems are very different. In the U.S. we go by common law, using judicial decisions and precedents. Spain uses civil law. Laws are codified in comprehensive legal codes, and judges primarily apply these written statutes rather than relying on past rulings. So this is one consideration you can look at in helping you decide.
If you become a Lawyer in the U.S. but want to move to, live in and practice in Spain, you would first have to get your law degree validated in Spain. There's a lot of information about this, so excuse me for quoting it as it is precise and may be helpful in your decision: "To become a practicing lawyer in Spain, foreign graduates must undergo a validation process for their foreign law degrees, which involves obtaining equivalence from a Spanish university. This process is required for both EU/EEA citizens and citizens of third states, although EU/EEA nationals are exempt from the nationality waiver procedure."
"For non-EU/EEA citizens, a nationality waiver must be obtained from the Ministry of Justice, which requires submitting documents such as a passport, residence permit, criminal record certificates, and a professional conduct certificate from the legal profession body in their home country."
It would kind of be hard to say what the main practices of lawyers are because some lawyers are able to do several types of law in their practice. You'll just have to explore the various types and decide which ones hold your interest.
The United States and Spain have different processes for Licensing and exams because their legal systems and regulations are so different. Again, there is a lot of detailed information about this online that wouldn't fit in this post. Do a search online and get the details you are looking for. Sorry, but it is precise and a good read. Spain has a centralized legal system across the country and the United States regulates it by individual jurisdictions.
No one can tell you what your "unique opportunity" would be - you'd have to discover that during the course of your academic path. Difficult to project this for 8 or 9 years from now. It's just something you'll discover along the way while in Law School in whatever country you choose. It's also hard to say what new areas of law there will be in 8 or 9 years from now.
Knowing a generalized idea about the "career growth" may not be helpful to you now or a way to decide. Again, you will have to want to become a Lawyer and give it all you've got. I appreciate that you are exploring this career, but more helpful would be to explore the work lawyers do and make that be a deciding factor. None of us know the specifics or details of our careers before we even start. It's okay to not know and make personal discoveries as you go along. With dedication and a passion for law, you can have a very successful career.
I, of course, am not a Lawyer, but the questions you have asked, plus comparing and contrasting law in two countries may be better off exploring them one at a time. Learn the process for an American career. Then read up on what is required for the Spanish career. Take notes so that you can refer back to them when making a decision. Most of all, you will need to be able to dedicate a lot of time, energy and have great passion for the law to go into this career. Being well informed is definitely a big help. Best wishes to you !
Kufamuyeke K Nalishuwa
Nutrition
4
Answers
Lusaka, Lusaka Province, Zambia
Updated
Kufamuyeke K’s Answer
In the U.S., lawyers often work in areas like business law, crime, family matters, and rights. They need to go to law school, pass a big test called the bar exam, and get a license to work. In Spain, lawyers also help with business, crime, and family issues but must finish university law studies and pass a special exam to become a lawyer.
In the U.S., there are many chances in big companies, rights work, and international law. Spain also has chances, especially with European law and business between countries.
Lawyer jobs grow by working as helpers first, then becoming full lawyers, and sometimes judges or law teachers. This is similar in both countries but may take different times.
People who worked in both countries say that while the work is similar, the rules and ways to become a lawyer are different.
In the U.S., there are many chances in big companies, rights work, and international law. Spain also has chances, especially with European law and business between countries.
Lawyer jobs grow by working as helpers first, then becoming full lawyers, and sometimes judges or law teachers. This is similar in both countries but may take different times.
People who worked in both countries say that while the work is similar, the rules and ways to become a lawyer are different.