A Personal Guide to Gaining an UK SQE2 Exemption as a Foreign-Qualified Lawyer.

A Personal Guide to Gaining an SQE2 Exemption as a Foreign-Qualified Lawyer

Amaka Onuoha

I am a foreign-qualified lawyer and a UK qualified Solicitor who successfully gained my SQE2 exemption in 2023, I have since mentored over 120 fellow lawyers from various jurisdictions in their journey to secure the same exemption. With demand steadily increasing, I’m sharing this article to help anyone navigating the process of obtaining an SQE2 exemption as a foreign-qualified lawyer. If you’re considering this path, read on to learn everything you need to know. The information shared here is based on my personal experience.

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Understanding the Basics: What Is an SQE2 Exemption?

An SQE2 exemption allows qualified lawyers to bypass the practical skills component of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE2). To qualify for this exemption, you must:

1.???? Be a qualified lawyer. This means holding a professional legal qualification that confers rights to practise in England and Wales or another jurisdiction.

2.???? Have already been admitted in your jurisdiction to apply for the exemption.

3.???? Demonstrate that your skills align with the standards assessed in SQE2. This can be achieved through your qualifications, practice rights, and professional legal work experience, or a combination of these.

There are two types of exemptions: agreed exemptions and individual exemptions. In this article, I will focus on individual exemptions, where you must showcase your skills and experience to justify the exemption.

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Key Practice Rights for SQE2 Exemption Applications

When applying for an individual exemption, you need to demonstrate your proficiency in these five practice areas:

·?????? Criminal litigation, including advising clients at the police station.

·?????? Civil litigation, referred to as dispute resolution in the application form.

·?????? Property practice.

·?????? Wills and intestacy, probate administration, and practice.

·?????? Business organisations, rules, and procedures.

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Preparing Your Application

Documents You Need to Submit

To successfully apply for an SQE2 exemption, you’ll need the following:

1.???? Application form (downloadable from the application portal).

2.???? Reference letter from your referee(s).

3.???? Certificate of good standing from your regulatory authority (e.g., law society, bar association, or supreme court).

4.???? Referee’s certificate of good standing or their call-to-bar certificate.

5.???? Your admission certificate or call-to-bar certificate.

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Writing a Strong Reference Letter

The reference letter is one of the most critical parts of your application. Here’s how to ensure it meets the SRA’s requirements:

·?????? The letter must be provided for each period of experience claimed.

·?????? It should be written specifically for the application and dated within the last three months.

·?????? Use letterheaded paper.

Referee Requirements

Your referee must:

1.???? Confirm the dates they supervised you and the total hours worked per week.

2.???? Provide a summary of your role and the standard of your work.

3.???? Clearly describe the supervision arrangements in place.

4.???? Review your application and supporting evidence, confirming that they have done so.

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Some Jurisdiction-Specific Guidance

Here are examples of requirements for lawyers from different jurisdictions:

Nigeria

·?????? Certificate evidencing your professional qualification from the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

·?????? Reference showing at least two years of legal work experience post-qualification as a barrister and solicitor.

·?????? Proof of your referee’s professional qualification (e.g., admission certificate or certificate of good standing).

India

·?????? Evidence of passing the All India Bar Exam.

·?????? Admission certificate or certificate of good standing.

·?????? Reference showing at least two years of legal work experience post-qualification as an Indian advocate.

South Africa

·?????? Admission certificate or certificate of good standing.

·?????? Articles of clerkship:

o?? If you completed one year, provide a reference showing 12 months’ legal work experience post-qualification.

o?? If you completed two years, no reference is required.

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Step-by-Step Application Process

1.???? Review Eligibility

o?? Confirm that your qualifications and experience align with the SRA’s exemption criteria.

2.???? Prepare Documentation

o?? Gather all necessary documents, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

3.???? Submit Application and Pay Fee

o?? Complete the application online in mySRA. The application fee is ￡265.

o?? Log in to your account, select "Start new applications," and choose "Apply for qualified lawyer exemption from the SQE assessments."

4.???? Await Decision

o?? The SRA will notify you of their decision within 180 days. Once submitted, you cannot amend or reapply for a different exemption under the same application.

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Important Notes for Applicants

·?????? Certificates of Good Standing: If you are qualified in more than one jurisdiction, you must provide a certificate from each authority.

·?????? No Exemptions for Failed Attempts: If you’ve failed or are awaiting results for any part of the SQE, you cannot apply for an exemption.

N/B: You can apply for SQE2 exemption from anywhere in the world as it is done online.

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Conclusion

Gaining an SQE2 exemption as a foreign-qualified lawyer can significantly streamline your journey to becoming a solicitor in England and Wales. With careful preparation, adherence to SRA guidelines, and a thorough application, you can demonstrate your skills and experience effectively.

If you’re considering this path, I hope this guide has provided clarity and motivation to begin your application. Good luck!