How to get an SQE Exam Exemption?
Try our SQE2 Exemption
Finder by Jurisdiction.
Find the complete guide per jurisdiction to help apply for an SQE2 Exemption
as a foreign qualified lawyer.
Exemptions for Foreign-Qualified Lawyers
Obtaining an exemption in SQE2 might be relatively straightforward, but it still requires meticulous evidence.
SQE1 Exemptions for Foreign-Qualified Lawyers
Whichever jurisdiction you qualified in, you must convincingly prove two vital points:
- The scope and coverage of your own qualification.
- How the law you qualified in aligns with, and is not substantially different from, the law in England and Wales.
SQE2 Exemptions for Foreign-Qualified Lawyers
Securing an exemption in SQE2 may be somewhat simpler, yet it necessitates careful submission of proof. The SRA now prioritises practical application over theoretical knowledge.
For foreign-qualified attorneys, it’s essential to:
- Accentuate your right to practise in the jurisdiction you qualified in.
- Illustrate the similarities between your legal methodologies and those employed in England & Wales. This involves showcasing the resemblance in legal proceedings, client communications, and various attorney responsibilities between your own jurisdiction and that of England & Wales.
The SRA has pre-agreed exemptions for certain jurisdictions, deeming their legal education and practices equivalent or close to those in England & Wales. If your qualification is on that list, you can apply for the agreed SQE2 exemption. If it is not, you can still apply for an individual SQE2 exemption on the strength of your own evidence. Use the Exemption Finder above to see which applies to your jurisdiction and title.
What do you need to qualify
as a UK solicitor?
Achieving an exemption in SQE2 might be relatively more straightforward, but it still requires meticulous evidence.
This entails demonstrating how legal proceedings, client interactions, and other lawyerly duties in their home country resemble the practices in the England & Wales jurisdiction.
Completed application form, Fee of £265, Proof of qualification, a signed reference letter from your supervisor if needed.
Once all documents are in place, access the 'Apply for qualified lawyer exemption from the SQE assessments' option under 'Start new applications' on your mySRA dashboard.
The SRA aims to revert within 180 days. Remember that they are meticulously reviewing all provided evidence to ensure it aligns with the solicitor exemptions standards.
SQE2 Exemptions Guides by Jurisdiction
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