I was wondering if anyone could provide me with some information on working in the UK, as I am having trouble getting a straight answer on this from the websites I have looked at.

I am about to commence an LLM at Georgetown in the US and I am an admitted solicitor in Australia. I have UK citizenship and I am interested in trying to work there for maybe 5-6 years, but I am having trouble wrapping my head around the training contract situation. Every website I look at are offering training contracts starting around 2010meaning if I hold off on applying and interviewing until after my LLM, Ill be looking at a 2010-2011 start, correct? Is there anyway to begin working in the UK on shorter notice? This essentially means I would have to find a way to kill two years following my LLM if I were to try this route.

Also, most of these training contract programs encompass a practical legal training course. I have completed the Australian equivalent through College of Law and I notice a number of lawyers from Australia working at London firms appear to have this qualification accepted at par in the UK. I am wondering what the procedure might be for transferring to the UK, how an Australian degree is looked at in London, etc.

Perhaps more broadly how difficult would it be for an individual with an American LLM and an Australian honours law degree to find work in the UK? Is it even worth the effort?

I realise this is a lot of random information but Ive had a few drinks this afternoonfinished an exam...

If anyone has any info on these subjects or has an informative website they could direct me to, it would be much appreciated.

Hello

Maybe takin the QLTT (Quanlified Lawyer Transfer Test) would help you to work in the UK

Have a look at this: http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/becomingasolicitor/outsideengandwales/transfertest.law

If you are admitted as a solicitor in Aus there may be a procedure where you can simply be recognised in the UK as a qualified solicitor - I'm not really sure about this.

The two years before a training contract are usually made up of what is called the GDL - a one year legal foundation course, and the LPC - a one year more practical, vocational course. I imagine you would not be required to do the GDL seeing as you have completed an equivalent course in Aus. You would probably have to complete the LPC unless a firm is willing to recognise an equivalent course you completed in Aus.

I'm afraid an LLM in itself is not a substitute for the LPC. However a friend of mine has just completed an LLM in the US and is skipping the LPC, but this is because he is taking the US Bar exam and starting a TC with a US firm in London.

LLM Mark, mmiimmii is right in what she says. As you an already qualified australian lawyer there is no need for you to do a "training contract". Training contracts are normally undertaken by law students wishing to QUALIFY as a lawyer in the UK. It's like articling in Australia???. As you are already qualified you will have no need to do this. You simply can apply directly for an associate position in the law firms, who will simply ask you do the QLTT, so that your qualifications as a lawyer can be recognised in the UK.

Also I thought I'd point out that UK law firms seem to love australian qualified laywers, something to do with the fact you are native english speakers and that you have been trained in the commonwealth. With your LLM from Georgetown you should not find it too difficult to get a law position in the UK.

thanks for the help everybody.

I'm definitley going to be looking into the QLTT - hopefully I'll start the applications process with firms in the Spring. Thanks again...