Hi, I am writing the Qualified Lawyers transfer test in feb. In addition to passing the test, the SRA has asked me to get one year UK work experience, before being enrolled as a solicitor. Any suggestions as to how to approach fulfilling this condition of one yr UK work experience ?? Thanks in advance. Is anybody else taking up QLTT or have already passed the exam and could guide me?

I talked to the SRA recently about the experience requirement. Obtaining one years experience practicing the law of England as a prerequisite to qualifying to practice English law seems a bit of a catch 22, right?

Apparently, law clerk/paralegal-type work will fulfill the requirement. The representative from the SRA assured me that larger firms have specialized programs to give foreign qualified lawyers the required experience. I have not seen anything on big uk firm's websites to reassure me about this (though I have not contacted firms directly). The English law requirement was only implemented recently, so it wouldn't surprise me if a lot of employers are unfamiliar with your situation.

Also, be sure that the experience you receive, fulfills the other requirements; you need both contentious and non-contentious experience and experience in three practice areas (although I believe you can draw on your non-UK law experience to overcome these requirements). I would definitely advise you to get in contact with the SRA about the specifics.

Good luck taking the QLTT! Hopefully in another year or two I will be joining you on the roll of english solicitors.

It is catch 22 alright. As you said a lot of employers are unfamiliar and dont have such schemes..most of the firms offer only a one month's work experience and without a uk degree/experience landing that is also very difficult. The SRA has said that the experience can be in any area of law. (I already fulfilled the other requirements with my prior work exp.. If not for the new requirement I would just have to pass the test to be enrolled as a solicitor).. Thanks for your wishes and good luck to you too..

p.s. glad to hear from you.. not many people understand my situation

Hi guys, I have studied law outside the UK and completed LLM in London. Do I have right to take QLTT?

Dash,

Congratulations on completing your course.

You may be eligible to sit for the QLTT. It's complicated. See here:
http://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/qltt.page
Or give the SRA a call.