Practising law in the United Kingdom as a foreign lawyer

England and Wales: become a solicitor

For: Lawyers qualified in another country who want to be admitted as solicitors of England and Wales.

1. Apply to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to be assessed. The SRA can grant exemptions from parts of the SQE where your qualifications and experience are not substantially different from what the SQE tests.
2. Sit the parts of the SQE you are not exempt from: SQE1 (written knowledge) and SQE2 (practical skills).
3. Show that you meet the SRA's character and suitability requirements.
4. Apply for admission. A period of qualifying work experience is normally required, though the SRA considers your earlier experience.

The old Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS) was replaced by the SQE in 2021. Solicitors from Ireland and Northern Ireland have a special position with the SRA.

England and Wales: become a barrister

For: Overseas-qualified lawyers who want to practise as barristers.

1. Apply to the Bar Standards Board for assessment of your qualifications.
2. Pass the transfer test for qualified lawyers, if the Board requires it.
3. Complete pupillage or its equivalent and be called to the Bar by an Inn of Court.

The Bar Standards Board sets the details, so check its current rules before planning.

Scotland: become a solicitor

For: Lawyers qualified in another country who want to be admitted in Scotland.

1. Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Law Society of Scotland.
2. Pass the Qualified Lawyers Assessment, which tests Scots law by independent study.
3. Apply for admission to the Roll of Solicitors within the time allowed after passing.

The Intra-UK Transfer Test and the EU aptitude test stopped being routes in 2019.

Northern Ireland

For: Lawyers qualified elsewhere who want to practise in Northern Ireland.

1. Northern Ireland has its own Law Society and its own requirements. Contact the Law Society of Northern Ireland for the current route.