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?
QLTT
Posted Dec 21, 2009 11:55
Posted Dec 21, 2009 19:01
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.
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.
Posted Dec 22, 2009 10:18
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
p.s. glad to hear from you.. not many people understand my situation
Posted Dec 22, 2009 23:35
Hi guys, I have studied law outside the UK and completed LLM in London. Do I have right to take QLTT?
Posted Dec 23, 2009 01:51
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.
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.
Posted Dec 23, 2009 07:00
Hot Discussions
-
Oxford 2024-2025 BCL/MSCs/MJUR/MPHIL/MLF
Jul 18, 2024 117,471 640 -
Cambridge LL.M. Applicants 2024-2025
Jul 08, 2024 137,894 543 -
NYU Applicants 2024-2025
Jul 20 10:49 PM 56,857 241 -
Columbia LLM 2024/25
Jul 25 11:49 AM 28,200 122 -
QMUL 2024-2025 LLM
Jul 05, 2024 1,756 12 -
Job opportunities after LLM in the US
Jul 22 12:11 AM 844 5 -
LLM International Arbitration / Dispute Resolution
Jul 02, 2024 171 4 -
LLM in ADR
Jul 12, 2024 134 3