Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test

Can foreign nationals of Indian origin be 'Advocates'?

2010-12-29T10:23:00.000-08:00

Rule 4 (Res. No. 6/1997) of Bar Council of India state that “A person of Indian origin with foreign nationality who is so otherwise qualified to practise law in India and who wants to permanently settle down in India would be allowed to be enrolled and/or practise law subject to the rules of apprenticeship framed by the Bar Council of India. In case it is found that such a person is not ordinarily residing in India, his name would be removed from the roll of Advocates maintained by the State Bar Council

Can overseas lawyer without practising certificate advise on English Law?

2009-08-15T07:36:00.001-07:00

Without practicing certificate you can’t give advise as a Solicitor, Paralegal, Legal Executive, Legal Clerk on English Law to your client.

Can overseas Lawyer who is also an English solicitor provide experience to other Lawyers who wish to qualify as a solicitor?

2009-08-15T07:35:00.002-07:00

Yes, overseas dual qualified lawyer can give experience to other lawyers who wish to qualify as a solicitor. As per SRA guidelines the experience must have been gained either in a firm or other organisation regulated by the SRA or under the direct supervision of a solicitor who had been admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales. The Solicitor must have held a current practising certificate when he is supervising you and have previously held at least four such practising certificates.

How to apply for internships or work experience?

2009-08-15T07:35:00.001-07:00

All law firm regulated by SRA offers training contracts and/or internships to the law students. It is recommended that the overseas Lawyers should visit their website on regular basis to find out suitable places in the firm.

To find out the contact details of the SRA regulated law firms, please visit the Law Society’s website

http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/choosingandusing/findasolicitor.law

Which experience would be considered while working in a Solicitor’s office?

2009-08-15T07:30:00.001-07:00

According to the SRA regulations, Overseas Lawyers are required to gain at least two years’ work experience in legal practice in a common law jurisdiction of which at least one year must have been gained by practising the law of England and Wales. This experience must have been gained either in a firm or other organisation regulated by the SRA or under the direct supervision of a solicitor (must have held a current practising certificate when they were supervising you and have previously held at least four such practising certificates) who had been admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales.

Further, it is required that the experience should be gained in three distinct areas of law and experience of both contentious and non contentious practice. The length and nature of this experience must have been sufficient to give you a reasonable insight into the practice of law in those areas. You may have gained this experience either in England or Wales or your common law jurisdiction

Newly qualified advocates can also apply for a certificate of eligibility before they meet the above experience requirement. Overseas Lawyers are required to provide the SRA complete evidence of their experience till date. The SRA may consider your experience and issue a conditional Certificate of Eligibility with details of any further experience you will need to gain prior to making an application for admission to the Roll of Solicitors of England & Wales.

The following explains what can be considered by the SRA as sufficient proof of your work experience:

POST QUALIFICATION/ADMISSION

Legal employment in the office of a solicitor or lawyer in private practice.
Any period spent in practice at the Bar i.e. tenancy or squatting.
In house legal employment in a legal department headed by a solicitor or barrister qualified in England & Wales of at least 5 years standing with

o Crown Prosecution Service
o Her Majesty’s Court Service,
o The Civil Service,
o Local Government,
o a Public Authority or Commerce or Industry
Time spent in the UK based law firms as paralegal, legal executive or legal clerk under the supervision of a qualified solicitor.
Experience gained overseas may count if this has been gained in a common law jurisdiction.

PRE QUALIFICATION/ADMISSION

Pre qualification/ admission experience is usually counted only where it is normal practice for a trainee to complete a period of practical training, ‘articles’ or a training contract as part of the training scheme in certain jurisdictions.

The SRA will also consider as standard, any experience gained after you have taken the relevant qualifying examinations (e.g. Bar Exams) in your home jurisdiction. Consideration of experience not falling into one of the above categories will need to be referred to an adjudicator once an application has been made.

How can an overseas lawyer gain work experience on English law?

2009-08-15T07:28:00.000-07:00

According to the SRA regulations, overseas lawyers are required to gain at least two years’ work experience in legal practice in a common law jurisdiction of which at least one year must have been gained by practising the law of England and Wales. This experience must have been gained either in a firm or other organisation regulated by the SRA or under the direct supervision of a solicitor (must have held a current practising certificate when they were supervising you and have previously held at least four such practising certificates) who had been admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales.

There is no restriction on the jurisdiction to get this experience. Overseas Lawyers can get experience by working as an intern, paralegal and/or legal executive etc. in any law firm or organization regulated by the SRA, which could be in England and Wales, or India, or Singapore, or Dubai, or Australia etc.

How to setup law firm on English law in overseas jurisdiction?

2009-08-15T07:25:00.003-07:00

Once you have passed the QLTT, and you have been admitted to the roll, you will need to have a practising certificate to practice as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales. You will also need to comply with the Solicitors' Code of Conduct 2007 (also available on the SRA website, www.sra.org.uk). Rule 5 deals with business management in England and Wales, and sub rule 5.02 states that a sole principal, or at least one of the partners in a partnership, must be a person "qualified to supervise".

To be qualified to supervise a person must have completed 12 hours of management training and must have been entitled to practise as a lawyer for at least 36 months within the last ten years. This means that solicitors who have come through the QLTT route can rely on practice as lawyers of other jurisdictions can rely on that experience.

If you intend to practice as a solicitor of the supreme court of England and Wales overseas, you will need to comply with rule 15(overseas practice ) of the Solicitors' Code of Conduct. In particular, subrule 15.05(2) states that you must not set up as a solicitor sole principal unless you have been entitled to parctise as a lawyer for a minimum of 36 months within the last 10 years.

I refer to rule 15.26 of the Solicitors’ Code of Conduct which provides that where a practising solicitor is working in a law firm based overseas they are required to ensure that they are covered by insurance or other indemnity against professional liabilities. The requirement to have insurance arises where a solicitor is relying on that professional qualification, rather than on the area of work they are undertaking. It is not therefore an automatic requirement to have professional indemnity insurance in order to advise on English law if you were not providing the advice as a solicitor of England and Wales. Giving legal advice is not an area of work which is reserved to a certain class of persons, including solicitors under the Solicitors Act 1974.

So it mean in regards to open your own solicitors practice, the practice rules state that you must have:

a practising certificate
qualifying insurance with a qualifying insurer
a principal (or, if a company, a director; or, if an LLP, a member) who is "qualified to supervise";
to be "qualified to supervise", a solicitor must have:

a. held a practising certificate for 36 months in the last 10 years; and
b. undertaken 12 hours managment skills training.

If you feel that you have justification to apply for a waiver in relation to the length of time of holding a practicing certificate and to take the management skills training, you can do so by providing the details. Waivers can be granted in individual cases; however, the applicant would need to demonstrate that their circumstances are exceptional to justify a departure from the normal requirements of rule 5.02.

Whether professional indemnity insurance is mandatory for overseas lawyers?

2009-08-15T07:25:00.001-07:00

Rule 15.26 of the Solicitors’ Code of Conduct which provides that when a practicing solicitor is working in a law firm based overseas they are required to ensure that they are covered by insurance or other indemnity against professional liabilities. The requirement to have insurance arises where a solicitor is relying on that professional qualification, rather than on the area of work they are undertaking. It is not therefore an automatic requirement to have professional indemnity insurance in order to advise on English law if you were not providing the advice as a solicitor of England and Wales. Giving legal advice is not an area of work which is reserved to a certain class of persons, including solicitors under the Solicitors Act 1974.

Further as per overseas Practice Rule on Professional indemnity, please note that

(1) You must comply with (2) below in relation to your overseas practice, unless you are practising only in-house in compliance with Rule 15.13 of the Solicitors’ Code of Conduct
(2)
a. You must ensure that in relation to your overseas practice you are at all times covered by insurance or other indemnity against professional liabilities.
b. The extent and amount of the insurance or other indemnity need not exceed the current requirements of the Solicitors' Indemnity Insurance Rules or any other current rules made under section 37 of the Solicitors Act 1974 but must be reasonable having regard to:

i. the nature and extent of the risks you incur in your overseas practice;
ii. the local conditions in the jurisdiction in which you are practising; and
iii. the terms upon which insurance or other indemnity is available.

How to apply for Admission to the Roll and Practicing Certificate?

2009-08-15T07:22:00.000-07:00

No lawyer shall be qualified to act as a solicitor unless he has been admitted as a solicitor, and his name is on the roll, and he has in force a practising certificate issued by the Law Society in accordance with the provisions of Solicitors’ Code of Conduct 2007 authorizing him to practise as a solicitor.

Once you have successfully completed the QLTT and fulfill other conditions imposed by the SRA on Certificate of Eligibility, you would be eligible to apply for admission to the Roll of Solicitors of the Supreme Court of England & Wales. Fee for enrollment as a solicitor with the SRA is £100.00. This entitles you to practice as an English solicitor if you have valid Practicing Certificate. SRA issue Practicing Certificate to all solicitors annually. The annual fee to obtain Practicing Certificate from SRA is approximately £995, plus the Compensation Fund contribution. If your earnings were less than £20,000, you may qualify for a low income fee reduction. You may also qualify for a maternity leave fee reduction.

Without practicing certificate you can’t give advise as a Solicitor, Paralegal, Legal Executive, Legal Clerk on English Law to your clients.

What is the Home office Training and Work Experience Scheme (TWES)?

2009-08-13T05:53:00.001-07:00

The Training and Work Experience Scheme (TWES) arrangements enable companies (employer) to take employees from outside the European Economic Area to undertake work-based training for a professional or specialist qualification, or a period of work experience.

The TWES is to enable people to gain skills and experience through work-based learning which they can then use back in their own country. Home office UK issue TWES permits if a person needs to do:

1. work-based training for a professional or specialist qualification;
2. or a period of work experience

How to Migrate to UK?

2009-08-13T05:26:00.001-07:00

Highly Skilled Worker Category

The highly skilled worker category is designed to allow highly skilled people to come to the United Kingdom to look for work or self-employment opportunities.

You do not need a job offer to apply under the highly skilled worker category. When you apply you are awarded points based on your qualifications, previous earnings, United Kingdom experience, age, English language skills, and available maintenance (funds).

You can apply under the highly skilled worker category now if you are applying for permission to enter the United Kingdom (known as 'entry clearance') under the highly skilled worker category.

Entrepreneur Category

The entrepreneur category is for those investing in the United Kingdom by setting up or taking over, and being actively involved in the running of one or more businesses in the United Kingdom.

On 29th June 2008 Home Office stop accepting new applications for self-employed lawyers (member of legal profession) under special concessionary arrangements outside the Immigration Rules. If you wish to setup your practice in the United Kingdom you can apply under the entrepreneur category (Tier 1 Entrepreneur).

The investor category is designed to allow high net worth individuals make a substantial financial investment in the United Kingdom.

Investor Category

You do not need a job offer to apply under the investor category. When you apply you are awarded points based on your ability to invest £1,000,000 in the United Kingdom.You can apply under the investor category now if you are applying for permission to enter the United Kingdom (known as 'entry clearance') under the investor category.

For further information please visit HOME OFFICE website.

What is the Law Society migrant lawyer’s scheme?

2009-08-13T04:59:00.000-07:00

The Law Society is helping law firms to run internship and secondment programmes that were threatened by new immigration rules by launching a scheme for migrant lawyers under Tier 5 (T5) of the points-based system.

As the overarching body for this T5 scheme, the Society will authorise eligible firms to issue certificates of sponsorship to prospective short-term migrants. The firm will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the migrants, including all reporting and record-keeping obligations required by the PBS.

Do overseas Lawyers require Indemnity Insurance to practice in overseas jurisdiction?

2009-08-13T04:53:00.000-07:00

Rule 15.26 of the Solicitors’ Code of Conduct which provides that where a practising solicitor is working in a law firm based overseas they are required to ensure that they are covered by insurance or other indemnity against professional liabilities. The requirement to have insurance arises where a solicitor is relying on that professional qualification, rather than on the area of work they are undertaking. It is not therefore an automatic requirement to have professional indemnity insurance in order to advise on English law if you were not providing the advice as a solicitor of England and Wales. Giving legal advice is not an area of work which is reserved to a certain class of persons, including solicitors under the Solicitors Act 1974.

How to returning to the practice?

2009-08-13T04:52:00.002-07:00

If you have not held a practising certificate for more than 12 months, then you will become subject to section 12C of the Solicitor Act 1974. This means that if you wish to apply for a practising certificate, you will need to notify SRA 6 weeks in advance of your intention. You will need to complete form RFs12, which can be obtained by contacting the Contact Centre. To speed up the process of applying for your certificate once the RFs12 form has been completed, you can fax it directly to the Operations Unit on +44 (0)207 320 5862 .

Completed forms should be returned with the appropriate fee, so that a new practising certificate can be issued to you. There are no special conditions that apply, nor are there any compulsory courses, other than normal continuing professional development requirements (CPD).

Please note that you will be covered to practice, when your section 12C form (RFs12) has been processed (if applicable) and your application form, for practising certificate form RF3) and fee has been received. May we suggest that you check with SRA before you commence practice.

If you would like to request an application form for a practising certificate (RF3) and/or RFs12 or if you have any further queries, please contact the Contact Centre on 0870 606 2555. Our lines are open 09.00 to 17.00 Monday to Friday. If you are calling from overseas please use +44 (0) 1527 504450. Please note calls may be monitored/recorded for training purposes. Alternatively, you can e-mail us at contactcentre@sra.org.uk

How to remove your name from the roll?

2009-08-13T04:52:00.001-07:00

If you choose not to keep your name on the roll you would no longer be a member of the Law Society and you would need to refer to yourself as a former solicitor. If in the future you decided to come back on to the roll you would need to complete the application to restore your name to the roll (KR4). The form can be obtained from The Contact Centre. The fee is currently £20.00.

How to keep your name on the roll?

2009-08-13T04:50:00.000-07:00

Every year SRA will send you a solicitor annual enrolment application (KR1) and ask if you wish to remain on the roll. The fee is currently £20 per year. You must ensure that we have your up to date address in order for us to send the KR1 to the correct address. The benefits of keeping your name on the roll are:

reduced Gazette subscription
membership of the Law Society,
continued Council member voting rights,
use of the Chancery Lane library and restaurant/bar,
entitlement to call yourself a "non-practising" solicitor,
discounted prices on financial and insurance products. Please see www.sra.org.uk for further details.

How to open Solicitor Practice in overseas jurisdiction?

2009-08-13T04:49:00.000-07:00

Once you have passed the QLTT, and you have been admitted to the roll, you will need to have a practicing certificate to practice as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales. You will also need to comply with the Solicitors' Code of Conduct 2007 (also available on the SRA website, www.sra.org.uk ). Rule 5 deals with business management in England and Wales, and sub rule 5.02 states that a sole principal, or at least one of the partners in a partnership, must be a person "qualified to supervise".

To be qualified to supervise a person must have completed 12 hours of management training and must have been entitled to practice as a lawyer for at least 36 months within the last ten years. This means that solicitors who have come through the QLTT route can rely on practice as lawyers of other jurisdictions can rely on that experience.

If you intend to practice as a solicitor of the supreme court of England and Wales overseas, you will need to comply with rule 15(overseas practice ) of the Solicitors' Code of Conduct. In particular, sub rule 15.05(2) states that you must not set up as a solicitor sole principal unless you have been entitled to practice as a lawyer for a minimum of 36 months within the last 10 years.

What is Rule 15 (Overseas Practice) of the Solicitors’ Code of Conduct?

2009-08-13T04:27:00.000-07:00

Rule 15 (Overseas practice) of the Solicitors' Code of Conduct explain the conduct requirements for overseas Lawyers. For further information about the rule please click on the following links.

I always advise that before setting up a practice in overseas jurisdiction, you must follow Rule 15 of the Solicitors' Code of Conduct

What is the role of the SRA ?

2009-08-13T04:00:00.000-07:00

Solicitors are regulated by the SRA, which is the regulatory and representative body for 116,000 solicitors in England and Wales. It has important public responsibilities which include:

Regulating and setting standards for solicitors to make sure they deliver a good and ethical service to consumers.
Representing solicitors.
Supporting solicitors to help them achieve the standards expected of them, and deliver good service.
Influencing law reform to achieve a better system of justice

SRA Established in January 2007, it is the independent regulatory body of the Law Society of England and Wales. It sets the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test specification and the assessment is administered exclusively by SRA - authorised test providers. The SRA determines the QLTT head(s) or subject area(s) that a candidate must successfully complete to qualify as a solicitor of England and Wales.

For further information about QLTT please visit the following:

What are the benefits of dual qualification in overseas jurisdiction?

2009-08-13T03:57:00.000-07:00

As an overseas lawyer, securing this prestigious qualification will greatly enhance your professional status. Lawyers with dual qualifications will not only enhance their own career opportunities but will be able to offer more comprehensive services to their clients. After gaining dual qualification, lawyers and their firms can handle the international clients in – house rather than hiring any Foreign Council. It will also be helpful in increasing referrals to their firm, as clients will refer them to handle their cross border matters.

If a solicitor has held a practicing certificate for 36 months in the last 10 years and has undertaken 12 hours of management training then they can open their own law firm in England and Wales or advise their local clients on English law, while being based in their home country (subject to SRA's requirements).
Gaining this qualification will overseas lawyers to enjoy full rights to practice on English law and benefit from greater recognition within UK firms and organizations based overseas.
Lawyers can enhance their credentials in MNCs.

For Better Practice and networking Join the Law Society’s International Division & Junior Lawyers Division

Law Society’s International Division Membership Benefits

Junior Lawyers Division

What is the Continuing Professional Development Scheme?

2009-08-13T03:56:00.000-07:00

All solicitors are required by the SRA Training Regulations 1990 to undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities. The CPD year runs from 1 November to 31 October.
All solicitors in legal practice or employment in England and Wales must comply with the requirements of the SRA's Continuing Professional Development scheme (CPD). The requirement for CPD is 16 hours a year i.e. 48 hours in first three year after enrolling as a solicitor.

The CPD scheme is based on the principles of simplicity and flexibility:

One should assume responsibility for his/her own development, analyzing his/her own training and development needs.
When one knows his/her own training and development needs, he/she can identify the activities within the CPD scheme that are most likely to meet them.
One should record all training and development activities in his/her individual training record.

Download CPD documentation
Continuing professional development: Guide to the Law Society CPD scheme (PDF 117K)
CPD requirements (PDF 40K)
CPD information for part-time solicitors (PDF 17K)
CPD training record – blank form (PDF 16K)
CPD-requirement waivers (PDF 14K)
Summary guidelines for suspension of CPD requirements (PDF 14K)
Complete guidelines for suspension of CPD requirements (PDF 33K)

For Further Information
Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), Finance Department, Ipsley Court,Berrington Close, RedditchB98 0TD or DX 19114 RedditchUnited Kingdom PHONE: 0044 (0) 1527 504450 E MAIL: contactcentre@sra.org.ukOr Visit www.sra.org.uk

What are the mandatory requirements before opening own solicitor practice?

2009-08-13T03:54:00.000-07:00

Open your own solicitors’ practice, the practice rules state that you must have:

a practicing certificate
qualifying insurance with a qualifying insurer
a principal (or, if a company, a director; or, if an LLP, a member) who is "qualified to supervise";
to be "qualified to supervise", a solicitor must have:
a. held a practicing certificate for 36 months in the last 10 years; and b. undertaken 12 hours management skills training.

Is a Practicing Certificate compulsory for all those who pass QLTT?

2009-08-13T03:53:00.002-07:00

Whether or not you need a practicing certificate is a complicated issue. You should seek guidance from the Professional Ethics Division (professional.ethics@sra.org.uk) of the SolicitorsRegulation Authority (SRA).There is a booklet on the SRA’s website that deals with this issue and the link is:
http://www.sra.org.uk/documents/regulatory-framework/practising-certificate-regulations-1995.pdf

What is the Annual Fee to obtain a Practicing Certificate?

2009-08-13T03:53:00.001-07:00

The standard practising certificate fee is £ 995, plus the Compensation Fund contribution.

Is there any concession to obtain a Practicing Certificate?

2009-08-13T03:52:00.002-07:00

If your earnings were less than £ 20,000, you may qualify for a low income fee reduction. You may also qualify for a maternity leave fee reduction. You should seek advice from the SRA’s Information Services section on this matter.

Is it compulsory to renew the Practicing Certificate annually?

2009-08-13T03:52:00.001-07:00

This depends on where you are based geographically, the type of work you are doing and if you are holding yourself out as an English solicitor. You should seek advice from the Professional Ethics Division of the SRA or read the guidance booklet -see above for the link and contact details

What is the procedure to enrol as a solicitor?

2009-08-13T03:50:00.000-07:00

Once an overseas lawyer has successfully completed the QLTT and fulfilled other conditions imposed by the SRA , he/she will be eligible to apply for admission to the Roll of Solicitors of the Supreme Court of England & Wales . The fee for enrolment as solicitor with the SRA is £100.00. This entitles an overseas lawyer to practice as an English solicitor (subject to the SRA requirements). For further information please contact the SRA on the following address.

Contact Centre,
Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA),
Ipsley Court, Berrington Close, Redditch,
Worcestershire, B98 0TD,

UKT: 0044 (0) 1527 504450
E: contactcentre@sra.org.uk
W: http://www.sra.org.uk/

Is an overseas lawyer required to complete this Criminal Records Bureau check?

2009-08-13T03:49:00.000-07:00

If you live outside UK for more than 5 years, you are not required to do a CRB disclosure. However, if you have lived anywhere else other than India in the last 5 years and that country appears on the CRB website, then you would be required to do a disclosure for that country.

The checklist of the countries offering CRB check is available at: http://www.crb.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=2243

If you are required to do a CRB disclosure, please request a CRB standard disclosure application form from the SRA. If you fail to obtain a satisfactory standard disclosure, your application for admission will be refused. The fee for a criminal records check is £ 47.

If you have any further queries regarding the CRB check, kindly contact the SRA directly at their postal address: Contact Centre, Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), Ipsley Court, Berrington Close, Redditch, Worcestershire, B98 0TD, UK or +44 (0) 1527 504450 Or Via e-mail at contactcentre@sra.org.uk

What is the Criminal Records Bureau check?

2009-08-13T03:47:00.000-07:00

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) requires that the applicants for admission as a solicitor in England and Wales be of good character.

When you apply for a Certificate of Eligibility to transfer to the roll of solicitors of England and Wales under the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Regulations, you must declare all the matters that could affect your suitability for admission including criminal convictions from England and Wales or elsewhere, and financial matters such as insolvency or entering into voluntary arrangements. Failure to declare at this stage of the process is a serious breach of the admission requirements and may result in refusal of admission.

When you successfully complete the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test and have complied with any experience requirements, you must apply through the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) for a standard disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau (www.crb.gov.uk). As part of its quality programme to aid consumer protection, the Law Society’s Regulation Board has introduced a compulsory requirement for all individuals to obtain a satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check prior to admission to the roll.

What does the QLTT comprise of?

2009-08-13T03:46:00.000-07:00

QLTT is the conversion test that enables Indian lawyers to qualify as solicitors of England and Wales. Those lawyers eligible to sit the Test must be qualified in jurisdictions that are recognized by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), or must be barristers qualified to practice in England and Wales.

Head I - Property
Head II - Litigation (Civil OR Criminal)
Head III - Professional Conduct and Accounts
Head IV - Principles of Common Law

How many Heads an Indian lawyer is required to sit?

2009-08-13T03:45:00.000-07:00

Not all lawyers taking the test will be required to sit all four Heads, as it is dependent upon the jurisdiction in which they are qualified. An Indian lawyer is required to sit Head III. For those lawyers whose basic medium of instruction is not English, in addition to Head III they will also be required to sit Head IV. However eligibility must be confirmed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

What is the format of the Tests?

2009-08-13T03:43:00.001-07:00

Head I - three-hour written examination
Head II - three-hour written examination
Head III - three-hour written examination
Head IV - oral examination

Is it necessary to clear the IELTS/TOEFL exam before sitting for the QLTT?

2009-08-13T03:41:00.000-07:00

There is no need to clear the IELTS/TOEFL exam before sitting in the QLTT exam.

What is a Certificate of Eligibility?

2009-08-13T03:40:00.001-07:00

It is a document in which the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) states which Heads of the QLTT a lawyer must pass before he/she can apply to be admitted as an English solicitor.

Before registering for the QLTT, candidates must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility directly from the SRA. A candidate cannot sit in the test without producing a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility. Course(s) may be booked without obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility. This certificate will confirm which Heads candidates are required to take. Please note that eligibility to sit the Test and any further exemptions from sitting any part of the Test, are matters that are dealt with solely by the SRA. The certificate will be valid for three years from the date of issue. The Certificate of Eligibility can take approximately eight weeks to process, therefore early applications are advised.

Before enrolling as a solicitor with the Supreme Court of England & Wales an overseas lawyer must have two years practicing experience.

Experience requirements:

At least two years’ of work experience in legal practice in a common law jurisdiction; of which

At least one year must have been gained by practising the law of England and Wales – gained either in a firm or other organisation regulated by the SRA or under the direct supervision of a solicitor who has been admitted in England and Wales and who must have held a current practicing certificate when they were supervising you and have previously held at least four such practising certificates; and

Experience should be gained in three distinct areas of law and experience of both contentious and non-contentious practice.

Newly qualified overseas lawyers can also apply for the Certificate of Eligibility without having the two year post enrolment experience. The SRA may consider pre enrolment (before enrolling with the State Bar Council) experience as a paralegal, legal clerk or legal executive and issue a conditional Certificate of Eligibility with the additional requirement that the candidate must gain further experience prior to making an application for admission to the Roll of Solicitors of England and Wales. To fulfil the additional requirement of practising the law of England & Wales, a candidate may be required to work for a specified period (mentioned in the Certificate of Eligibility) in a Solicitor’s office in England & Wales in the practice of English law; or overseas in the practice of Common Law (subject to the SRA requirements).

Any queries about Certificate of Eligibility application process or practice experience must be raised directly with the SRA Contact Centre on +44 (0) 1527 504450 Or via e-mail at contactcentre@sra.org.uk . Or visit the SRA website at www.sra.org.uk

Please contact the SRA at the following address to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility application form:
Contact Centre Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), Ipsley Court, Berrington Close, Redditch, Worcestershire, B98 0TD, UK.T : 0044 (0) 1527 504450 E : contactcentre@sra.org.uk info.services@sra.org.uk W: www.sra.org.uk

DOCUMENTS TO BE ENCLOSED

The documents required to be submitted to the SRA while applying for the Certificate of Eligibility are:

Completed Application Form duly signed and sealed.
Original Certificate(s) of good standing from the relevant professional body or home court in all jurisdictions where you have been admitted as a lawyer.
Original reference letter from the Institution where you have completed your LL.B stating whether your studies were conducted in English.
Official translations to be attached for ALL documents submitted which are not in English.
A certified copy of your marriage certificate, or a statutory declaration if your name is now different from that shown on your Certificate(s) of Good Standing.
Original QLTT Experience Evidence form(s) evidencing your experience with attached letter from Supervisor on official letterhead of the firm. This letter must be signed by the supervisor who completed the QLTT Experience Evidence Form and not by the HR department.
If self employed or practicing independently for any period and as such have no supervisor or partner please provide letter(s) from another professional acquaintance, colleague or partner who is not a relative of yours or employed by you.
Demand Draft in the sum of £400 payable to the Law Society (please refer to page 4 of the guidance notes for accepted modes of payment).

Click here to Download: Certificate of Eligibility: Application Form

Can a law graduate enrol as a solicitor of England & Wales?

2009-08-13T03:37:00.000-07:00

No, before enrolling as a solicitor of England & Wales he/she must be enrolled with the local jurisdiction as a lawyer i.e. with the State Bar Council or any other governing body.

Can a newly qualified lawyer apply for a Certificate of Eligibility if he/she does not have the required two years experience?

2009-06-04T07:45:00.000-07:00

Yes, a newly qualified lawyer can apply for the Certificate of Eligibility. If he/she does not have two years practicing experience as a lawyer, the SRA may consider pre enrolment (enrolment with the State Bar Council) experience as paralegal, legal clerk, legal executive and issue a Certificate of Eligibility with the additional condition that the candidate must gain further experience prior to making an application for admission to the Roll of Solicitors of England and Wales. To fulfill the additional requirement of the Certificate of Eligibility, a candidate is required to work for a specific period (mentioned in the Certificate of Eligibility) in a Solicitors’ office in England and Wales in the practice of English Law (subject to the SRA requirements).