Dual Qualification

what is the difference between solicitors and barristers?

Many of our members are qualified attorneys in one of more States in the USA. Many attorneys, depending of course on their area of focus, spend their time both outside and inside a courtroom. In very loose terms, sometimes the role of an attorney resembles that of both solicitor and barrister.

The University of Law has published a nice summary of the differences between solicitors and barristers. Please see their article here.

Are you a US-qualified attorney interested in becoming a UK solicitor?

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is the governing body for solicitors in England and Wales. This section of the SRA website gives general information about becoming a solicitor.

A common route for our members to become solicitors is to take the SQE - the Solicitors Qualifying Examination. This exam format was launched in September 2021. You may have heard of the older examination, sometimes referred to as the “transfer exams”, the QLTS (Qualified Lawyer Transfer Scheme). If you explored or studied for the QLTS, you would likely find the new SQE exam format is similar, with distinct differences.

AWLL is proud to partner with Barbri, the bar prep course provider you likely heard of from your days at your US-based law school! Barbri offers a comprehensive course to help you pass the SQEs. Several of our members have taken Barbri’s SQE course to help them pass the exams and become a solicitor in England and Wales.

Depending on your law practice experience outside the UK, you may qualify for an exemption from part of the SQE. We recommend you read the SRA website regarding these exemption possibilities. Additionally, Claire at Barbri would be happy to discuss exemptions with you. Please click the button at the right.

how do i become a barrister in england and wales?

The Bar Standards Board is the governing body for Barristers in England and Wales. Their website provides detailed information on the requirements for becoming a barrister, including information for transferring lawyers.