Articles From the Team

Lawyers from overseas to the UK…

I recently worked with a candidate that was able to secure a position with a top international law firm in the Midlands. Sounds like the norm right? Well this candidate originally qualified overseas and had a dream of one day practicing in the UK. They achieved their ultimate goal and I was pleased I was able to be the consultant to make this happen for them.

When I speak with candidates that are overseas it is always interesting to hear of their reasons as to why they want to practice law in the UK. Salaries are of course a major attraction, they can be much higher in the UK that other countries.

Also the market can be a lot stronger in the UK than in the European market and other Countries. The legal market in the UK is booming and there is always a need for lawyers which is why firms are looking at those who have qualified overseas and prepared to qualify and practice in the UK.

It brings about a desire for candidates to complete the QLTS (Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme) to enable them to practice in the UK. At that point it can then be difficult to secure a position with a law firm. In some cases it can require visa sponsorship, some firms can provide this and it is a relatively easy process and candidates are guided through the process by the firm and by us.

I cannot reiterate enough how important the QLTS can be in this process. By completing the QLTS a foreign qualified solicitor will be much more readily accepted by UK law firms. Additionally the salary attracted by solicitors is generally higher than paralegals. This can be particularly important if an applicant requires a Tier 2 work VISA.

It may be that you are a qualified Lawyer overseas and you have a desire to practice in the UK. If you are completing or have completed the QLTS, here at BCL Legal we can talk through your options with you.

Here at BCL Legal I focus on private practice recruitment in the East Midlands and Home Counties, specialising in recruiting partners, directors, senior associates, associates, solicitors and newly qualified solicitors of across all commercial disciplines.

If you would like to talk about your job search or perhaps just get an update on what’s going on in the market, please do get in touch with Victoria Noble or visit our website BCL Legal.