Frequently Asked Questions

What is the International Division?

The International Division is a membership service provided by the Law Society to help its members develop their international business and build global relationships and profile.

How do I join the International Division?

You can sign up online through this link www.lawsociety.org.uk/international/join

How can I stay up to date with the International Division and the work of the International Department?

Sign up to our monthly e-newsletter, International Update, to stay informed of all news, events and Division exclusive benefits from the International Department. Sign up here: http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/news/newsletters/

Can foreign lawyers join the International Division?

Foreign lawyers and law firms can join the International Division through the option of corporate membership.

Can I contact you via social media?

Yes you can. We have a dedicated international Twitter account and you can find us by searching for the handle @LSInternational. Many of our announcements relating to news and events are tweeted first so do join the 15,000 people already following us.

We also have a Law Society of England and Wales International LinkedIn Group which enables over 20,000 internationally minded members and stakeholders to come together and discuss key issues occurring in the international legal marketplace.

How do I make a complaint against a foreign lawyer?

Complaints against foreign lawyers should be directed to the regulatory body in the country in which he/she is admitted to practise. Read this article for complaints about a lawyer in another European jurisdiction.

How do I check if a foreign lawyer is genuine?

Check with the law society or bar association in the jurisdiction in which he/she is admitted.

How can I find a solicitor in other countries around the world?

The Find a solicitor service will help you find solicitors wherever they may work. The solicitors profession is a truly global one and the chances are you will be able to find a solicitor in the country of your choice. You can also use our International Directory to view solicitor profiles in a number of jurisdictions across the globe.

How can foreign lawyers dual-qualify as a solicitor of England and Wales?

The Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS) is a fast-track scheme for lawyers from recognised jurisdictions to dual qualify as a solicitor. Find out more at http://www.sra.org.uk/qlts/

I am an overseas lawyer/student looking to work in a foreign jurisdiction, what are my options?

This website provides practice guides for solicitors admitted in England and Wales. We cannot comment on the rules for lawyers admitted in other jurisdictions. Our country profiles do, however, provide the latest market intelligence, regulatory and representative information which may help when considering opportunities in other jurisdictions.

How do I get a Certificate of Good Standing?

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) can issue solicitors with a Certificate of Good Standing. The certificate confirms your admission date, your address, that you have not been struck off or suspended from practice, that there are no disciplinary proceedings pending against you, and that there is nothing on our records to your discredit.

Find out more at: www.sra.org.uk

Telephone 0870 606 2555

Email: contactcentre@sra.org.uk

How can I find out about legal jobs in England and Wales?

The Law Society’s Gazette website has a section dedicated to international and UK based jobs for lawyers. Visit it here: http://jobs.lawgazette.co.uk/?=lshome.

Can you help me with my legal problem?

The Law Society of England and Wales cannot offer legal advice or recommend an individual solicitor or firm. Our Find a solicitor service will help you find legal help in England and Wales.

If you need to find legal help for a problem that has arisen outside of England and Wales, or that has a foreign dimension, there are a variety of sources available: http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/for-the-public/legal-help-abroad/.

Who can help me with a visa application?

Visa applications and renewals are managed by the UK Home Office. For information about the types of visa available, eligibility criteria and application details visit the UK Border Agency website.

The Law Society cannot provide individual advice about visas or immigration issues. If you have a visa issue which requires legal assistance, you should speak directly with a solicitor. Alternatively, you can use our Find a solicitor search tool to locate a firm specialising in immigration and nationality issues.