Foreign Qualified Lawyer Trying To Secure TC In UK

[Muhammad Shahrez]

Hi!

I am a Lawyer actively practice in another Jurisdiction for 1 Year now. So my goal is to secure a TC in the UK. I've got a Band 8 in my IELTS and the plan is to enroll in an LLM SQE prep course September 2025 in either UWE or ULaw and pass the SQE 1 and 2 By 2026 December.

I then plan to apply for a PSW for 2 years so no employer has to sponsor me. Then the plan is to try to land a Paralegal Job for 1 Year before securing a Training Contract with a half decent firm.

Does anyone have any advise or recommendations regarding this route. I know it sounds too hopeful and optimistic but that's the ultimate dream , to become a solicitor in the UK.

Will I even be eligible to sit the SQE exam even tho I don't have a UK Qualifying Law Degree but I am an Admitted Solicitor in a Non European Country.

Someone please guide me, I'm so lost and I don't know what route to follow .

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi @Muhammad Shahrez

It's great that you're considering qualification in the UK! One of the best parts of pursuing a legal career in London is meeting foreign-qualified lawyers like you who bring so much experience and diversity to the profession. I understand how daunting it can feel, so I completely get your need for more guidance here. While @Jessica Booker would be the ideal person to answer, I wanted to share a few thoughts based on things I've learned.

First, it’s definitely possible to qualify in the UK without a UK Qualifying Law Degree. The SRA's page on qualifying through the SQE confirms that you don’t need a UK law degree to sit the SQE. The SRA does allow foreign-qualified lawyers to take the SQE, though it’s always a good idea to double-check your specific situation with them. But generally, it appears you won't need additional degree-level studies in the UK.

When it comes to securing a training contract (TC) or a role, some firms may prefer you to apply for qualified lawyer positions rather than TCs, while others are open to considering overseas-qualified lawyers for TCs. It really depends on the firm. If you have certain firms in mind, it's worth reaching out to them directly. I've personally met foreign-qualified lawyers who have secured both TC and qualified positions at firms like Freshfields, Cooley, and Dentons.

Finally, one thing to keep in mind—Jess has mentioned in previous threads that firms typically recruit trainees 2–3 years in advance, using vacation schemes as a pipeline for TCs. Since you could technically qualify through the SQE within that time, some firms might be less inclined to offer you a vacation scheme spot. Most will expect you to have passed the SQE before starting a TC, so this might be worth discussing with particular firms.

Again, Jess and other forum users might have more to add, but I just wanted to get a response to you, as I imagine it's quite stressful planning for these things in your situation.

Feel free to ask more questions, and the Community Assistants will do our best to help!

 

[Muhammad Shahrez]

Hi Ram Sabaratnam

Thanks Alot for the information, it was really helpful and offered a lot of insight into the matter. I will definitely be exploring all the options you've just mentioned. Including the SQE, TC and NQ routes.