Potential changes to the rules regarding how foreign solicitors can qualify in England and Wales if there’s a no-deal Brexit have been put out for consultation. Currently, EU lawyers can apply for exemptions from the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS), which all foreign-qualified lawyers must sit to qualify here. Under World Trade Organisation rules, however, such preferential treatment would not be possible. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Consultation on Exemptions for Qualified Lawyers asks for views on offering the right to apply the exemption to all foreign-qualified lawyers. Arrangements for solicitors from Scotland and Northern Ireland will remain unchanged. The consultation ends on 10 January 2019 and will then be put to the Legal Services Board for approval. Paul Philip, SRA Chief Executive, said: ‘It is important that we are prepared.’
11 December 2018
Foreign solicitors rule change?
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Debevoise & Plimpton—Mary Lavelle
Debevoise expands London secondaries team with addition of Mary Lavelle
Excello Law—Hestia Private Client
Excello Law welcomes ex-Irwin Mitchell team to launch Hestia Private Client
Carpmaels & Ransford—Christopher Stothers
Heavyweight patent litigator will bolster Carpmaels Ransford’s rapidly growing Litigation team as firm marks its 250th anniversary
NEWS
Lawyers have welcomed plans to create specialist rape and serious sex offences courtrooms at every Crown Court
The Supreme Court has settled a long-running dispute over part-time workers: unfavourable treatment need be a significant or effective cause, not the sole cause
Arbitration may be private, but its confidentiality is no impenetrable shield. Writing in NLJ this week, James Glaysher of Kingsley Napley examines when courts will permit arbitral material to surface in open litigation
A telecoms operator may be able to hold over under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, yet still be unable to secure a renewal: an outcome described as a legal ‘paradox’
The Financial Reporting Council’s revised Audit Enforcement Procedure will alter the balance of power in corporate investigations
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