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Becoming a solicitor

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Justin_22


Joined: 18 Aug 2007
Posts: 8
Becoming a solicitor
Sun Sep 30, 2007 12:33 AM
Hi,

Can someone please tell me clearly what is the procedure for a EU citizen (nonUK) of becoming a solicitor.

Since I already have bachelor degree in law in Lithuaniam.
LLM I understand is not enough to go and take the solicitors exam?

Thank you fso much or your time in advance.

JS
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lmwoods

Joined: 11 Jan 2007
Posts: 98
Becoming a solicitor
Mon Oct 01, 2007 02:17 PM
There are two ways for someone with a degree to qualify to become a solicitor in England and Wales. If you are already qualified in your jurisdiction, you can look at the qualified lawyers transfer test. The following link is to the Law Society's web page on that route into the profession:-
www.lawsociety.org.uk/becomingasolicitor/outsideen…
Alternatively, you look to qualify on the basis of your academic qualifications. You could take a two year LLB (provided it meets the requirements of the Law Society for a 'qualifying law degree', which most, if not all, do), take a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or take the Common Professional Exam (CPE). It is possible that an LLM would satisfy the requirements of being a qualifying law degree, but unlikely. You would need to check the courses you took carefully. The point of these courses is to give you a certain amount of substantive knowledge about the English legal system and basic principles of the common law. Then you would need to take the vocational training courses - the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and then you need a training contract, which lasts two years. While you are doing your training you have to attend the Professional Skills Course (though your employer would probably arrange this). The Law Society provides a list of all providers of relevant courses:-
www.lawsociety.org.uk/becomingasolicitor/qualifyin…
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