How difficult is it for lawyers (i.e. people with a law degree) from
other EU countries to practice law in the UK? What are the possible
ways for such a person to start working as a solicitor in the UK?
Thanks,

Marco

"Marco" wrote in message
ups.com...
How difficult is it for lawyers (i.e. people with a law degree) from
other EU countries to practice law in the UK? What are the possible
ways for such a person to start working as a solicitor in the UK?
Thanks,

Marco

A law degree on its own does not allow you to practice law in the UK. To
become a solicitor you need either a law degree or any other degree plus a
one-year Common Professional Examination qualification. Then you must do the
Legal Practice Course, of one year, and if successful complete a two-year
Training Contract with an approved trainer (a solicitors' firm or a
government department for example).

Try the Law Society website for details.

"Owain" wrote in message
...
Marco wrote:
How difficult is it for lawyers (i.e. people with a law degree) from
other EU countries to practice law in the UK? What are the possible
ways for such a person to start working as a solicitor in the UK?

I think Edinburgh University, in conjunction with the Law Society of
Scotland, run conversion courses for English solicitors who wish to
practice in Scotland (England and Scotland having separate legal systems).

I don't know if such conversion course would be accepted for solicitors
from other countries wishing to practice in Scotland.

The Law Society or the Law Society of Scotland would be the people to ask.

Owain

For lawyers qualified in other EU jurisdictions there is the Qualified
Lawyers Transfer Test, by which the process of qualification can be much
abbreivated.

Note however that the qualification rules in other jurisdictions vary - some
places want only a law degree, whereas others want more academic and/or
practical training. The matter is being made more complicated by the changes
to undergraduate and post-graduate education as a result of the Bologna
Agreements on the subject.

Andrew McGee