How do I qualify for the QLTS?

Nov 06, 2022

Written By Lawrence Topley

The Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS) gave foreign lawyers the right to practise law in England and Wales, however it has now been replaced by the SQE exams. Read on to learn more about this transition.

What is the QLTS?

The Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS) was originally designed for foreign lawyers looking to practise in a new jurisdiction, as the QLTS granted you a licence to practise law in England and Wales. It also allowed barristers who trained in England or Wales to qualify as a solicitor.

However, the scheme was replaced in September 2021 by the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). This examination will also replace the Legal Practice Course (LPC), which was the original qualification. The SQE is quickly becoming the more mainstream route to gain the same qualification: the right to practise as a solicitor in England and Wales.

Should I take the LPC or SQE?

Whilst the LPC will be available until 2032, it has started to be phased out with the implementation of the SQE in 2021. Currently, you can only choose to take the LPC if you started, accepted a place for or completed the CPE, GDL or a law degree before September 1, 2021.

Something to note is that the SQE remains cheaper than the LPC, with the cost of taking SQE1 and SQE2 totalling £3,980. However, the cost can increase if you take a preparation course. For overseas lawyers looking to practise in England and Wales, attention should be focused on the SQE route.

The SQE allows individuals the same opportunities as the QLTS after passing the appropriate exams. It should be noted that the SQE route is also shorter than the LPC, which will allow your transition into the England and Wales jurisdiction to be quicker than the LPC.

How do I qualify for the SQE?

In order to qualify for the SQE course you will need to have completed an undergraduate degree or an equivalent qualification such as a level 6 apprenticeship. Importantly, this does not have to be a law degree or a law conversion course as seen in the LPC. This being said, not having any previous law related qualifications may change some elements of your course.

For example, non-law graduates are encouraged to take a SQE preparation course, although this is not compulsory. Moreover those that have completed a non-law related degree and chose to complete the SQE will likely require more training and practice as new skill sets and knowledge will need to be gained. As a result, these individuals may find completing the SQE more expensive than those who have previous law related qualifications, purely due to potential tuition fees for the appropriate training.

Ultimately, you will be able to choose what you think is right for you and shouldn’t be discouraged. With appropriate training, those without previous law related qualifications will be able to succeed in these exams.

Once accepted, how do I qualify as a solicitor through the SQE?

Once you have decided to take the SQE route you must pass three stages. You will need to have completed two years of qualifying work experience (QWE). This can be done over four different blocks and can include roles such as acting as a paralegal in a law firm or pro bono work. This will give you the necessary experience to enter the industry and show you are capable of performing the tasks expected of you in the firm.

Aspiring solicitors also have to pass two exams. The first is called SQE1 and it aims to test your legal knowledge, including core modules such as land and contract law. This contains 180 multiple choice questions.

Once you have passed SQE1, you can then take the second test called SQE2, which focuses on more practical skills such as research or client interviewing. You will need to pass both these exams in order to qualify. Note you can complete the exams before, during or after your QWE.

Finally, you’ll need to complete a character and suitability assessment conducted by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Qualifying for the SQE for overseas students or solicitors

Students or lawyers overseas that would like to qualify for the SQE course require the same qualifications to aspiring solicitors from England or Wales. An undergraduate degree in any subject that is equal to a UK degree or equivalent qualification is required. However, if the equivalence of the qualification is unclear then the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) will review this on a case by case basis.

For overseas lawyers and students, the process for completing the SQE is exactly the same as that for individuals in England or Wales. Acceptable work experience for the final part of the SQE can be completed anywhere in the world, so long as it is signed off by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. However, as it stands, oral assessments (SQE2) only take place in England.

Overview

Overall, it will be a matter of personal circumstances (cost, time, accessibility) that dictate which is best for you. Both the LPC and the SQE are valued and are just as prestigious.

SQE