This section discusses the options available to lawyers, with a qualification from outside Ireland, who want to practice in Ireland.
Overview
The Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test (QLTT) is a conversion Test which enables lawyers qualified in certain countries outside Ireland, to qualify as solicitors in this jurisdiction. There are two sittings of the Test each year – usually Summer and Winter- at the Law Society.
Certificate of Eligibility
Before entering for the QLTT examination, you must first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Law Society’s Education Committee. Completed Certificate of Eligibility Applications should be submitted to Pauline Smyth in the Law School.
Certificate of Admission - England/Wales/Northern Ireland
Unless the Society otherwise determines, solicitors whose first place of qualification is England and Wales or Northern Ireland are not obliged to pass any subject in the QLTT. However, you need to complete a Certificate of Admission and return with all supporting documentation to Philomena Whyte in the Law School.
EU Member State
If you are a national of a Member State of the European Union and are qualified to practise as a lawyer in your home Member State, you may be able to register as a foreign qualified solicitor under the Establishment Directive (98/5/EC). Find out more about the register of registered lawyers.
All Other Lawyers
All other lawyers (not qualified in the European Union or subject to a reciprocal agreement) are required to undergo the entire training process.
For further details please consult S.I. No. 85 of 1991, SI 732 of 2003 and the Solicitors Acts, 1954 and 1960 (European Community) Regulations 1991 and SI No 35 of 2010.
Steps to qualification via the QLTT
- Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility.
- Complete the Certificate of Eligibility application - applications for exemptions from QLTT examinations should also be made at this time.
- When you have been granted a Cert of Eligibility you can then apply to sit the QLTT.
- When you have passed all the QLTT examinations, you will be contacted for entry to the Roll of Solicitors in Ireland. A further admission fee will be required at this time.
- Once on the Roll of Solicitors in Ireland, you are not required to undergo any further examinations / undertake a training contract or pass the Irish examinations.
Contact Us:
Certificate of Eligibility Queries: contact Pauline Smyth
QLTT Exams Queries: contact Carmel Kearney or Emer Roche.
Support for students with disabilities
View the Law Society's Disbility Registration form
View the Law Society's Disibility Policy and Guidelines