LondonEx Illustrates Differences in U.K., U.S. Legal Models

A lawyer in London and another in New York City may use familiar legal terminology, rely on many common principles, and trace their profession to shared historical roots. Yet, they work within legal systems that have evolved in very different ways over the past 250 years. The “how?” and “why?” of these diverging paths are a fascinating lesson Syracuse University College of Law students explored first-hand this summer through the LondonEx program.

From tours through London’s legal landmarks to externships that placed students in the city’s chambers and courtrooms, the elements of the program not only allowed students the opportunity to appreciate the differences between the U.K. and U.S. legal models but also gave them experience that will help them excel with international clients, companies, and transactions.

Marking 47 Years in London

Syracuse Law’s LondonEx program marked its 47th year in 2026, the oldest program of its kind. Students begin the 5-credit program in late May with orientation led by Syracuse Law faculty and British legal experts, giving them a fundamental overview of English law, court structure, and civil and criminal procedures. 

They also are given unique access to “Legal London,” the historic and geographical heart of England’s legal profession, highlighted by medieval architecture, grand halls, and notable places like the Inns of Court, the Royal Court of Justice, and the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. 

Following that introduction, each student is placed in a six-week externship with a barrister, solicitor, judge, law firm, or policy center working on real cases and issues that demonstrate both the commonalities and differences between the legal systems in Britain and the U.S.

“It is easy for law students to assume that the American way is the only way for a legal system to operate, so exposure to the British system expands students’ thinking by highlighting how legal and policy objectives may be met in more than one way and with different processes,” says Dean Emeritus and Professor of Law Craig M. Boise, who directs the program with Teaching Professor Monica M. Luna.

Discovering Different Pathways to the Law

John Ingalls L’28 participated in LondonEx this summer and externed with Withers London, a large firm of solicitors working with charities, family trusts, and universities.

“One of the greatest experiences was being able to sit in the House of Lords while they were discussing artificial intelligence and its future in British society, particularly in regard to people’s livelihoods,” he says. “It was interesting to hear different opinions and see how the British seem to lean further into AI adoption for the benefit of the public, while the American system is much more about competition and dominance, as well as prioritizing punitive action for misuse.”

Something else that stood out to Ingalls was the realization that British solicitors and barristers are only required to have two years of post-graduate education, as the legal system there focuses more on practical experience typically through two years of mentored work placement.

“People at the firm thought it was so unusual that I had to have three years of post-graduate education in order to earn my J.D.,” Ingalls explains. “Much of what they learn comes from a model of on-the-job training. I actually like the way their system works.”

Comparing the Power of the Courts

Desirée Silver L’28 also participated in the LondonEx program, working with a barrister in the Erskine Chambers in London, where she witnessed some of the interesting differences of Britain’s legal system.

“First, it’s very formal over there, and I found the long-standing traditions dating back to the 17th century to be very interesting,” she says of barristers wearing wigs and robes in formal court proceedings and bowing to judges as a sign of respect. 

Another difference that stood out to her was where the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom stood in the legal hierarchy.

“England has no constitution, so there is nothing for their Supreme Court to overturn. Parliament is the ultimate decider of the law, and the court does not have the power to change laws like they do in the U.S. However, the Supreme Court does have the discretionary power to interpret laws and make suggestions to Parliament,” Silver explains. “Also, the British prime minister does not appoint Supreme Court justices, like the president does in the U.S. That is up to Parliament. Because of how the British legal system is set up, something like overturning Roe v. Wade would never happen over there, which is very interesting to me.”

The LondonEx program was fast-paced but also allowed students the opportunity to soak in the culture of one of the world’s greatest cities through social events, networking, and even some time to explore on their own.

“At first I worried whether I was going to fall behind others in my cohort who were gaining experience in the U.S. while I was learning in London,” Silver explains. “But I’m a big advocate for this program now. I don’t think there is anything I could have done in the U.S. that would have allowed me to take part in all of the opportunities I had in London this summer. Every part of the LondonEx program was exceptional.”

Boise is pleased that Syracuse Law offered yet another successful year of the program. “Across the board, students called the experience transformative, as it dramatically increased their understanding of day-to-day legal work, the legal profession, and independently navigating daily life in a world-class city.”

The LondonEx program is open to full- or part-time law students in good standing attending Syracuse Law or other ABA-approved law schools. For more information, visit LondonEx.