Qualified lawyers scheme set for expansion into China and Japan

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has approved new regulations for the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS) that could see the scheme expanded to a host of new jurisdictions including China and Japan.

The proposed changes, which will come into effect in September if approved by the Legal Services Board, are intended to better regulate internationally-qualified lawyers seeking admission in England and Wales.

Under the current system, only lawyers from the Commonwealth, US and the European Union can work in the UK through the QLTS; however, the proposals could expand this list to notable exceptions such as China.

They could allow for lawyers from any country to use the scheme as long as certain benchmarks are met – including the requirement for an equivalent Bachelor's degree, and being bound by an enforceable ethical code.

Other changes included in the proposals include the abolition of the need for work experience, which is compulsory under the current scheme, and a far heavier focus on assessment. This would include a separate English language test which would have to be passed before lawyers begin the QLTS.

SRA head of education and training Clare Gilligan (pictured) said: "These proposals very much bring parity between the domestic qualification and those for overseas lawyers, with candidates being assessed against the same set of standards rather than relying on experience as in the past."

The City of London Law Society's (CLLS) training committee broadly supports the amendments; however, it is concerned about the increased assessment burden the regime may bring.

Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom London corporate partner and CLLS committee member Allan Murray-Jones said: "The SRA has clearly gone down the outcomes-based approach to assessment route, which will mean a lot more work for lawyers coming into the City. This, in fact, could serve as something of a deterrent to foreign lawyers who may opt to become registered foreign lawyers as a route to partnership."