How Foreign Lawyers Can Qualify as Solicitors in England and Wales
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Foreign-qualified lawyers who wish to practise as solicitors in England and Wales must meet the requirements set by the SRA. Below is a step-by-step guide on how foreign lawyers can qualify as solicitors under the SQE route.
The first step is to check with the SRA to determine whether your professional qualifications or experience grant you an exemption from the SQE. Foreign lawyers are normally exempt from SQE2. It is possible but extremely rare for SQE1 exemption to be granted. Even if you qualify for an exemption from SQE1 and SQE2, you must still complete the remaining steps of the process. If no exemptions apply, you will need to follow the full qualification route.
Next, you must ensure that your overseas degree or qualification meets the UK Level 6 standard. Your degree can be in any subject, and the SRA will assess its equivalency through Atlantic Data. You may also obtain a pre-assessment statement from UK ENIC to verify the comparability of your qualification. To initiate the process, create a mySRA account and apply for qualification or work experience equivalency assessment.
For those without an SQE exemption, it is necessary to complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). This experience must be confirmed by a solicitor qualified in England and Wales or Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP). QWE can be obtained through work at a foreign or international law firm, government legal departments, independent legal practice, or voluntary legal work. The experience should demonstrate that you have developed the necessary skills, knowledge, and behaviours to practise as a solicitor in England and Wales.
If you do not receive an exemption, you must pass both SQE1 and SQE2. SQE1 evaluates Functional Legal Knowledge (FLK1 & FLK2) through 360 multiple-choice questions over two days. SQE2 assesses practical legal skills through written and oral assessments. While SQE1 and the written portions of SQE2 can be taken abroad at approved test centres, the oral assessments must be completed in England and Wales. If you are exempt from SQE2, you may need to demonstrate your English or Welsh language proficiency to meet the SRA’s requirements.
The SRA also conducts a character and suitability assessment, including a Disclosure and Barring Service check. You must disclose any relevant matters such as criminal convictions, professional misconduct, academic dishonesty, financial misconduct (such as bankruptcy or County Court Judgements), or health conditions that may impact your ability to practise law. If you have concerns about this step, it is advisable to complete it early in the qualification process.
Once all requirements are met, you can apply for admission to the roll of solicitors via mySRA. After being admitted, you must apply for a practising certificate to legally practise as a solicitor in England and Wales. This application is also available through mySRA. Practising certificates are issued digitally and must be renewed annually before 31 October.
