27.08 Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Consultation:

Arrangements for qualified lawyers transferring to become solicitors in England and Wales.

The SRA are seeking views on proposals to introduce a new scheme that will allow qualified lawyers from within the UK, Europe and many other countries to qualify as solicitors in England and Wales without following the full domestic requirements. The new scheme, the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme, will replace the current Qualified Lawyers Transfer Regulations and the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test.

The SRA propose the introduction of a transfer scheme that is based on the same standards of knowledge, skills and ability that are required of those who follow the domestic route to qualification,

• is based on the same test of character and suitability that is used to assess those following the domestic route to qualification,
• recognises that qualified lawyers who are eligible to apply under the transfer scheme should already have demonstrated by way of their home qualification scheme the core knowledge and skills needed of all lawyers,
• assesses the ability of applicants to apply their knowledge and skills in the context of English/Welsh law and legal practice,
• is open to lawyers qualified in a larger number and wider range of jurisdictions than is currently the case.

The consultation period ends on 6 February 2009.

The consultation can be accessed via the following SRA link:

www.sra.org.uk/sra/consultations/1454.article