Studying for the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test

In March 2008 I took the plunge by making a move to London. With this move, inevitably meant that I had to reconsider my job options and take necessary qualifications to gain admission as a practising lawyer in the UK.

Qualifying as a solicitor of England and Wales for lawyers from most Commonwealth law jurisdictions and other civil law jurisdictions, and for barristers in England and Wales can be done by successfully completing the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test (QLTT).The Qualified Lawyer Transfer Regulations 1990 provides a schedule of recognised overseas qualifications for this purpose.

1. Obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility from the Solicitors Regulation Authority

Before an overseas qualified lawyer can sit for the QLTT, one needs to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from the Solicitors Regulation Authority. The application form can be obtained by emailing the SRA, details of which can be found on www.sra.org.uk. The form can also be downloaded from the website. 

A revamp of the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Regulations was made in November 2008. In a nutshell, you would need to show the following before the SRA issues a Certificate of Eligibility to you:

-Two years working experience in at least three different areas of law, in both contentious and non contentious areas.  You will need to show proof of UK based legal working experience for at least a year to be eligible. 

-Certifed copies of your admission certificates (for all jurisdictions, even if you haven't practised in a particular jurisdiction)

-Original certificate(s) of good standing from ALL the jurisdictions that you were admitted to practise as a lawyer. 

From experience it takes up to eight weeks for the SRA to consider your application and issue you with a Certificate of Eligibility. Once issued the certificate is valid for a period of three years. The certificate will state the number (s) of subjects you need to pass, and any work experience requirement you need to fulfil prior to admission as a solicitor in the UK (if applicable).

2.Studying and taking the test

The QLTR would state which papers you are required to sit for in the QLTT, and therefore you can apply to study for the QLTT with any of the authorised colleges prior to obtaining your Certificate of Eligibility. You will however, need to provide the college of your choice with your certificate of eligibility before you can sit for the examination. 

As of October 2009, the QLTT is offered in the following subjects:

Head 1: Property

Head 2: Civil Litigation

Head 3:Professional Conduct and Accounts

Head 4: Principles of Common Law

As a rule of thumb, if you qualified as a lawyer in a Commonwealth jurisdiction, it is highly likely that you will only be required to sit for Head 3-Professional Conduct and Accounts.

3.  Costs

Studying for the QLTT can be expensive. Depending on the number of subjects Heads you need to pass, the total cost of study can run up to a few thousand pounds. If your firm is willing to pay for your course that would be great, if not, you will need to budget for fees, books out of your own savings.

4. Is the QLTT for me?

Given the high costs involved, you need to weigh your options before embarking on the QLTT. Whilst one is technically still able to procure paralegal work in UK law firms, being a qualified solicitor in the UK would open up your career opportunities. 

Hope the above information has been useful.