Jenny Rawstorne studies the implications of the outcomes-focused qualified lawyers transfer scheme
It is now over a year since the qualified lawyers transfer scheme (QLTS) replaced what was colloquially referred to as QLTT, ie the qualified lawyers transfer test.
By 2010, QLTT was in need of a fundamental review: it allowed only lawyers from very specific (normally Commonwealth) jurisdictions to apply; the tests assessed a fraction of what we would expect to test in the domestic route; and a large part of the transfer route revolved around the work experience requirement, which was not outcomes-focused.
Expanded jurisidictions
The QLTT recognised 59 jurisdictions (excluding Europe); whereas the new scheme already recognises 74 jurisdictions and 21 of these are new, ie lawyers from these jurisdictions were previously unable to apply under QLTT. This is a new and exciting development. It means that the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is able to keep abreast of changes in the world economy and the international legal landscape. It is no coincidence that the world’s ‘”new” economies, the so-called “BRIC countries” of Brazil, Russia and China, were amongst the first
