In a recent Platforum9 Session, Claire Flores, Head of International Business Development at Barbri Global, shared valuable insights about the process of dual qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales. With her extensive experience helping thousands of international lawyers qualify in different jurisdictions, Flores provided a comprehensive overview of the qualification process.
The Growing Trend of Dual Qualification
Flores noted a significant increase in international lawyers seeking qualification in England and Wales, driven by several factors:
“English law is actually the number one choice of firms… for global contracts, cross border transactions, corporate contracts, and international arbitration,” Flores explained, noting that “it’s used in 48 percent of all global contracts followed by New York.”
Understanding the English Legal System
Solicitors vs. Barristers
Before beginning the qualification process, it’s important to understand the distinction between solicitors and barristers:
- Solicitors (approximately 220,000 in England and Wales) handle legal work outside court
- Barristers (approximately 17,000) represent people in court through advocacy
- The qualification routes differ significantly for each profession
The Solicitor Qualification Route for International Lawyers
Prerequisites
- University degree
- Practicing lawyer status in home jurisdiction
- Certificate of good standing
- Proof of practice
- English competency proof
The SQE1 Exam
Key details about the Solicitors Qualifying Examination 1 (SQE1):
- Two-day multiple choice exam
- 360 multiple choice questions
- Computer-based testing at Pearson Vue centers globally
- Offered twice yearly (January and July)
- Cost: £1,888
- Pass rate: 44-54% overall; 72% for Barbary students completing 90% of study plan
Study Options
Barbary offers three course durations:
- 10-week course (40 hours/week) – for recent graduates
- 20-week course (20 hours/week) – for working professionals
- 40-week course (10-12 hours/week) – for working professionals
Course Delivery
The program features:
- Fully online learning management system
- On-demand lectures
- Interactive content with embedded questions
- Animations for practical examples
- One-on-one learning coaches
- Workshop sessions
- Digital and hard copy materials
SQE2 for Non-Qualified Lawyers
For those who cannot obtain an exemption, SQE2 focuses on practical legal skills:
- Oral and written assessments
- Advocacy
- Client interviewing
- Legal writing and drafting
- Legal research
- Cost: £2,902
- Must be taken in England or Wales
- 20-week course option (15-20 hours/week)
- 79% pass rate for course participants
Geographical Distribution of Students
Barbary’s current student demographics:
- 66% from UK
- Significant numbers from:
- UAE
- China
- India
- United States
- France
- Germany
Benefits of Dual Qualification
Flores emphasized several advantages:
- Enhanced career opportunities
- Competitive advantage in international firms
- Ability to handle cross-border transactions
- Expanded practice capabilities
Practical Considerations
When pursuing dual qualification:
- Book exam centers early, especially in global cities
- Complete at least 90% of the study plan for optimal results
- Consider the time and financial investment
- Research course providers and support systems
Conclusion
Flores concluded with strong encouragement for international lawyers to consider dual qualification: “Considering qualifying in a second jurisdiction if you’re an international lawyer is something strongly to consider. I think it is something that a lot of young lawyers should start considering when they think about their career, especially if they want an international career.”
The structured approach to qualification, combined with flexible study options and support systems, makes the process more accessible than ever for international lawyers seeking to expand their practice capabilities through qualification in England and Wales.
