Young Brexile lawyers look to the States

Barbri International, the legal education company that prepares lawyers for the US bar exams has reported a surge in demand as young UK solicitors seek out a global future after the Brexit vote.

Barbri said twice as many applicants from London’s major city firms had contacted the specialist tuition provider in the past two weeks than would normally.

The firm, which has offices in Dublin as well as London, offers courses in US law which enable solicitors to train as American attorneys.

Managing director Sarah Hutchinson told the Evening Standard: “What’s been interesting for me is that in the last 10 days, 100 per cent of the people who have come to see us, about 50 enquiries, have all been working in major city law firms.

“Normally it’s a much more diverse intake.”

She added: “I think what we’re seeing is concern driven by the Brexit vote that the UK legal market could become less international. In the short-term I think there’s going to be a huge demand for legal services. What we’re seeing with these young lawyers is people trying to get an extra string to their bow, looking long term.”

Ms Hutchinson said post-Brexit jitters did not spell the end for London’s dynamic legal sector but predicted it would take less of an “EU focus”.