English law is highly regarded; London is one of the world’s leading legal cities; talented and qualified lawyers continue to seek to become English barristers.
The job outlook for UK lawyers is good and becoming a UK lawyer can increase your employability. Once qualified, you’ll be able to practice law across borders, finding work in the UK, Europe and further afield, including Australia, South Africa and Russia. In addition, you broaden your professional knowledge, understanding and experience, which likewise broaden your career prospects.
As a qualified UK lawyer, you will be better equipped to provide more legal services to your existing and future clients. As well as finding a job as a solicitor in England and Wales, your career prospects will be enhanced with QLTS. You may choose to practice law in your own jurisdiction, in which case you will benefit from improved professional record and marketability. Or work as a British lawyer in London. Or even find a job at an international law firm based in the EU and live and work anywhere in the world.
Whichever career path is right for you, becoming a UK lawyer will bring you more business and greater financial returns. This is enhanced by the high standard of competence associated with newly qualified lawyers in England and Wales due to the assessment method – whether you choose the fast track QLTS route or the domestic route.
Under the existing Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme, QLTS (formerly known as the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test, QLTT), international lawyers and barristers in England and Wales will be assessed to ensure they meet the necessary standards required to practice English law. As a result of this high level of testing, those admitted to the roll of lawyers in England and Wales through the QLTS have a higher professional profile.
QLTS training places international lawyers on an equal footing with domestic lawyers, creating a more level playing field. Overseas solicitors who wish to apply for QLTS and those who pass QLTS have the same level of competence as solicitors who have qualified to practice English law through the domestic route.
Now is certainly a great time to become a UK lawyer, as the financial effects of the recession start to ease and the job market opens up again. Compared to the QLTT, the QLTS offers candidates two major improvements – the English language test and the removal of the experience requirement. These are positive developments for international lawyers looking to train as UK lawyers.
Successful candidates are instilled with more confidence due to these improvements in QLTS. All applicants are rigorously tested on their practical skills as part of the course. This ensures that no one is discriminated against, as everyone is treated the same and assessed against the same criteria – of course, since the means of testing are objective, age and disability of the candidate are naturally taken into account. Candidates who meet the necessary criteria will be admitted as solicitors in England and Wales. Clients will therefore know that all qualified UK solicitors, regardless of how they have qualified, are competent and possess the expertise, skill, conduct and ethics required to perform their legal duties well.
QLTS is a sure step for all international solicitors and barristers in England and Wales seeking to train as English barristers. This system is fairer but equally strict, allowing only the best lawyers to pass the QLTS assessment.
If you want to become an English-speaking lawyer, an important factor in determining whether you will pass the QLTS course is the course provider itself. Passing the exam will be more difficult without excellent teaching, informative material, support network and experienced staff to guide you. The QLTS Schools program offers a dedicated approach to QLTS assessment – and because it focuses entirely on one test, students really benefit from a range of advice and support that is always available.
QLTS Academy is dedicated to helping international lawyers become English-speaking lawyers. Our website contains information at every stage of the process, from what you need to do to qualify for QLTS to applying for courses. There is career advice, the benefits of practicing English law and guidance every step of the way.
With more than ten years of practicing experience and thousands of international lawyers who have successfully obtained English-language lawyer qualifications, QLTS school has an excellent reputation and a high pass rate for candidates. QLTS courses are comprehensive and convenient, and you’ll have all the materials you need to study – including distance learning courses, video and audio lectures, and access to an online learning portal – and the freedom to study when it suits you. The Learning Portal allows you to network with other candidates and access all teaching tools including video, audio and PowerPoint presentations.
Created by skilled legal professionals who have worked extensively with international lawyers and understand their needs, the QLTS Schools program provides you with everything you need to pass your QLTS assessment and go on to enjoy a wide-ranging career as a UK lawyer.
