Becoming an English Solicitor - The Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS)

English law is held in high esteem; London is amongAs a result of these enhancements to the QLTS,
the leading legal cities in the world; and talented andmore confidence is instilled in successful candidates.
qualified lawyers continue to seek to become EnglishThere is rigorous testing of all applicants’ practical
solicitors.skills as part of the course. This ensures no one
Job prospects are decent for lawyers in the UK andexperiences discrimination as everyone is treated the
by becoming an English solicitor, you increase yoursame and assessed to the same standard –
employability. Once qualified, you will be able toalthough of course because the means of testing is
practise law cross-border, finding employment inobjective, issues regarding ages and disabilities of
England, Europe and further afield in countriescandidates will naturally be taken into consideration.
including Australia, South Africa and Russia. In addition,Candidates who meet the necessary standard will be
you broaden your professional knowledge,admitted as a solicitor of England and Wales. Clients
understanding and experience which similarly broadenswill therefore know that all qualified English solicitors,
your career prospects.regardless of their route to qualification, are
As a qualified English solicitor, you will be in a strongercompetent and have the professional knowledge,
position to offer your existing and future clients moreskills, behaviours and ethics needed to perform legal
legal services. As well as finding employment as aduties well.
solicitor in England and Wales, your wider careerThe QLTS is an affirmative step for all international
prospects are enhanced when you gain the QLTS.lawyers, and barristers in England and Wales, seeking
You may choose to practise law in your hometo train as English solicitors. The system is fairer but
jurisdiction, in which case you will benefit from anequally stringent and allows only the highest calibre of
improved professional track-record and marketability.lawyers to pass the QLTS assessments.
Or work as an English solicitor in London. Or perhapsIf you want to become an English solicitor, a big
even find a role in an international law firm which hasfactor in determining whether you’ll pass your
a base in the EU, and live and work anywhere in theQLTS course is the course provider itself. Without
world.excellent teaching, informative materials, a support
Whichever career path is right for you, being annetwork, and experienced staff to guide you
English solicitor will bring you more business andthrough, passing will be more difficult. The QLTS
greater financial rewards. And this is enhanced by theSchool programme offers a dedicated approach to
high standard of competence associated with newlythe QLTS assessments – and because it’s
qualified solicitors of England and Wales thanks to thecompletely focused on the one test, students really
method of assessment – whether you choosebenefit from an array of advice and support that is
the fast-track QLTS route or the domestic route.always available.
Under the existing Qualified Lawyers TransferThe QLTS School is committed to helping
Scheme, the QLTS (previously, the Qualified Lawyersinternational lawyers become English solicitors. Our
Transfer Test, the QLTT), international lawyers aswebsite has information for every stage of the
well as barristers in England and Wales, are assessedprocess, from what you need to do to be eligible for
to ensure they meet the necessary standardsthe QLTS to applying for the course. There is advice
required to practise English law. Those admitted toabout careers, the benefits of practising English law,
the Roll of Solicitors of England and Wales throughand guidance for every step of the course.
the QLTS have an even greater professional profileWith over ten years’ experience and thousands
thanks to this high level of testing.of international lawyers who have successfully
The QLTS training places international lawyers on aqualified as English solicitors, the QLTS School has an
par with domestic lawyers, making for a more levelexcellent reputation and a high candidate pass rate.
playing field. The same standard expected ofThe QLTS course is comprehensive and convenient,
domestic lawyers is expected from overseas lawyersand you will have all the materials you need to study
wanting to apply for the QLTS and lawyers who– including distance learning courses, video and
pass the QLTS have the same level of competenceaudio lectures, and access to the online study portal
as lawyers qualified to practise English law through– and the freedom to study when it suits you.
the domestic route.The study portal lets you communicate with other
Now is certainly a good time to become an Englishcandidates, as well as access all the teaching tools
solicitor, as the financial implications of the recessionincluding videos, audio and PowerPoint presentations.
start to ease and the employment markets open upCreated by skilled legal professionals who have
once more. The QLTS offers two majorworked extensively with international lawyers and
improvements to candidates compared to the QLTTunderstand their needs, the QLTS School programme
– there is the English language test and theprovides you with everything you need to pass your
removal of the experience requirement. These areQLTS assessments and go on to enjoy an extensive
both positive developments for international lawyerscareer as an English solicitor.
wanting to train as English solicitors.