All about qualified overseas lawyers
The Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS) has now been replaced by the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) which is open to candidates from all jurisdictions. Overseas qualified lawyers are eligible to apply to become English solicitors and requalify once they have successfully completed both SQE assessments plus the criteria below apply.
What are the criteria for eligibility to requalify?
1. Degree, equivalent qualification or work experience 2. Passed both of your SQE assessments 3. SRA's character and suitability requirement
Find out more about qualified lawyers and SQE guidance
What is an equivalent overseas qualification?
For more information about an equivalent qualification, read the SRA guidance about degree equivalents.
You may be eligible for an automatically agreed SQE exemption
If you are an overseas-qualified lawyer, you can apply for an automatically agreed exemption from one or more of the SQE assessments as long as you have qualified in one of the countries on the SRA's list and have the recognised qualifications and legal work experience.
If your legal qualification has an agreed exemption, then you still need to apply for this by creating a MySRA account and uploading evidence of your practice rights and evidence of professional legal work experience.
If there is no agreed exemption for your jurisdiction, you may wish to apply for an individual exemption.
What is an individual SQE exemption?
If there are no automatically agreed exemptions for your jurisdiction, you can apply for an exemption from either SQE1 and/or SQE2. However, the threshold for exemptions from SQE1 is very high; since the introduction of the SQE, the SRA has only granted one individual exemption from SQE1.
For more information about an individual SQE exemption from SQE1 or SQE2, read the SRA guidance.
Does prior overseas experience count when applying for an exemption?
If you have legal experience working overseas as a qualified lawyer, this is likely to be essential towards gaining an agreed or individual exemption. If you are unsuccessful with an exemption application and you do not have any legal work experience covering English and Welsh law, you may want to search for QWE roles including paralegal, paid and voluntary positions in the UK to support you with your SQE preparation, especially for SQE2 which is based more on practical skills.
Watch the SRA webinar: Qualified lawyers: How to cross qualify as a solicitor for a thorough explanation of the processes involved
Should overseas qualified lawyers do QWE?
Yes, we think you should. Unlike other aspiring solicitors, overseas-qualified lawyers are not required to complete qualifying work experience to qualify as a solicitor of England and Wales. However, it will boost your employability when seeking qualified roles in England or Wales, so we advise you should do QWE, in line with any visa restrictions, while you are preparing for the SQE assessments or waiting for a decision on an exemption.
It will help you with your studies as you will be assessed on practical legal issues and skills in your SQE assessments. It will increase your employability to have some experience in this country.
What are the SRA's Character and Suitability Rules?
For more information about the SRA's rules, read the SRA guidance.
You can find more information about how to prepare for SQE assessments at LawCAB
Use your international experience as your unique selling point
Employers acknowledge the unique set of skills and expertise that overseas qualified lawyers and dual-qualified English solicitors possess. They actively continue to recruit this type of exceptionally talented individuals with a multi-dimensional approach to law and exposure to different jurisdictions and clients.
TOP TIP Our built-in CV creator tool allows you to upload your CV seamlessly onto the platform with space for dynamic content and showcase your skills and experience.Need more help?
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