This is renewed online through a process known as. Foreign law degrees are not recognized by the SRA as qualifying law degrees (nor are most LLMs completed in the United Kingdom). If you have a law degree from a foreign institution, in some circumstances you can apply for the SRA for equivalent means, which may grant exemption from qualification and training requirements, such as the LPC, the Common Professional Examination (CPE) and the Recognized Training Period (PRT). In England and Wales, lawyers represent individuals or organizations in court, investigate issues of law and advise clients in their cases.
Many are self-employed in the chambers, while others work in government departments or agencies, such as the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Government Legal Service (GLS). Advocates play a similar role in Scotland. There is an important body of legislation that affects the position of European lawyers who wish to practice in England and Wales. Lawyers based in the London office who are not admitted as lawyers in England and Wales are subject to regulation by the SRA and the corresponding regulatory body in their admission jurisdiction.
This guide will help you if you are a European lawyer and want to practice in England and Wales, either on a temporary or long-term basis. This will change things for both domestic and foreign candidates, as qualified lawyers abroad will have to pass the SQE exams to practice in England and Wales. If you are already a practicing lawyer in your home jurisdiction and want to work in the United Kingdom, read on for a detailed description of the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS), a system managed by the Lawyers Regulation Authority (SRA) that allows lawyers from foreign jurisdictions to qualify as lawyers in England and Wales. If you are a foreign lawyer who wants to re-qualify in England and Wales, the SQE replaces the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Plan (QLTS).
Meanwhile, if you are studying to become a lawyer through the CILex CPQ, each stage will last between 18 months and two years, although students can progress at whatever speed suits them, meaning that a student could qualify as a CILEX lawyer in five or six years.
