Becoming a UK lawyer with International Degree

[NikoleDucharme]

Hello!
I'm Canadian, who is currently undertaking my Juris Doctor in Australia. However I'd like to move to England after my degree and practice law there. I'm also planning on doing the GDLP program, which is the practical legal training (i.e. the work experience) so effectively I'll be a fully qualified lawyer in Australia when I move to England. I'll have an international law degree, and only a few weeks of legal training, but I will be officially qualified as a lawyer, so I'm wondering what steps I'll need to take.

Thanks!

 

[Orla]

Hello!

You will have to complete the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) to qualify as a lawyer in England & Wales. You can read more about the SQE here.

You might qualify for an exemption from part(s) of the SQE assessments - this would depend on your experience. You can find out more about possible exemptions, and further guidance for international lawyers wishing to qualify in the UK, here.

All the very best of luck with the rest of your legal training, and with the move to the UK!