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Requirements to Become a UK Solicitor

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GregoryXu

Joined: 25 Jan 2007
Posts: 94
Requirements to Become a UK Solicitor
Fri Apr 11, 2008 03:10 PM
Hi All,

Could anyone shed some light as to what must a newly admitted Australian legal practitioner do in order to gain admission into UK? In particular, I would be interested to know how I can embark on a career in the UK even though I have no working experience back in Australia.

Many thanks!


Cheers
Greg
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lakshya

Joined: 27 Jul 2006
Posts: 12
Requirements to Become a UK Solicitor
Mon May 26, 2008 12:24 PM
I think its would be relatively difficult for a Foreign Legal Practitioner with no experience to get entry into the UK, unless u get admitted to a University for BVC/LPC, which is a fairly lengthy tenure as well. LLM's dont gurantee a job as the job market is not that good for LLM's.
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GregoryXu

Joined: 25 Jan 2007
Posts: 94
Requirements to Become a UK Solicitor
Mon May 26, 2008 12:35 PM
oh hey lakshya,

thanks for your reply. since my posting, i did some research and also realised that the process for a fresh solicitor from Australia would take a long period.

I think it would be best if i gain 2-years of work experience back in my home jurisdiction then embark on the QLTT - would be easier like that!

Many thanks for your help on this matter!


Cheers
greg
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dralanriley

Joined: 05 Mar 2006
Posts: 93
Requirements to Become a UK Solicitor
Mon May 26, 2008 02:26 PM
Dear Greg,
I would strongly recommend that option. In fact there is a little that divides the Australian and English legal systems, and for you the QLTT would involve a limited exercise in requalifying. In fact, you will find that if you have specialist experience in an in demand subject the doors will be open without any QLTT issue being raised.

The real bar is not the fact that you are Australian qualified but that you do not have much experience. That is the key issue for many law firms. Uk newly qualifieds moving firm can find it tough as well.

The best bet is to get a couple of years experience, preferably in some in demand areas and then contact the major recruitment firms again about landing that London job.

Professor Alan Riley
LLM Programme Director
City Law School
City University, London
Electronic Mail: alan.riley.1@city.ac.uk
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GregoryXu

Joined: 25 Jan 2007
Posts: 94
Requirements to Become a UK Solicitor
Mon May 26, 2008 03:25 PM
Thanks Professor Riley for the re-assurance that the experience would be more preferable. Will work on that!


Cheers
Greg
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