UK law student needing advice (lawyer, university, to live)

[Cassy Summer]

Hi all

I'm new here and I have a few questions. I am a UK resident that has recently started studying Law in England. However when I qualify which will be with an LLB degree, I wish to immigrate to California.

Does anyone have advice how best to do this?

I understand that I can do a J.D. conversion course online through The British American University which will take 1 year, but my concern is that this will not help me to immigrate, and I'll be stuck with the qualifiction to practice in California but not the immigration papers to live there!
Would everyone agree that the best thing to do would be to actually come to California as a student and continue my studies there once I have finished my LLB here in the UK?
My worry with this is, I am married so my husband would obviously be coming with me but I don't know how we could survive if I am studying full time and he can't work. plus there will be no guarantee that I can stay in the U.S once qualified.

I'm so confused, ideally if any lawyers out there have already made this move I would love to hear from you, but if anyone else can shed any light on this situation I would be really grateful.

Thanks

Cassy

[naners22]

I am a lawyer in California, married to a Brit. My only experience in immigration was personal, and laws have changed a lot since then. I would worry first about the immigration issue. You need to get a consultation with an immigration attorney who is familiar with the recent changes to the law (post 9/11). Once you have determined whether or not you have any chance of obtaining a green card, then worry about how to complete your education so that you can eventually practice law in California. For this, try the state bar's web site - www.calbar.ca.gov. Good luck.