This route to becoming a solicitor in Ireland applies if you are admitted as a lawyer in one of the following jurisdictions:

• an EU Member State
• an EFTA Member State
• New York (with one year post qualification experience ‘PQE’ in New York)
• California
• Pennsylvania (with five years ‘PQE’ in Pennsylvania)
• New South Wales (and other Australian States – provided you are eligible to practice in New South Wales)
• New Zealand
• Scotland (as a solicitor)

If you are a solicitor qualified in Northern Ireland, or England & Wales see the separate route to becoming a solicitor.

If you are a lawyer qualified in a jurisdiction other than those listed above including a barrister admitted in Northern Ireland, or England & Wales, you will need to undertake the standard solicitor training process - see Foreign University/college Graduate or Irish or UK university / college graduate (Level 7 minimum).

Step 1: Certificate of Eligibility to take the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test 

Before you can take the Qualifed lawyers' Transfer Test (QLTT) you must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility to take the QLTT.

• Learn more about the Certificate of Eligibility

Step 2: Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test 

The Qualified Lawyer Transfer Test (QLTT) is a conversion test, which enables lawyers, qualified in certain countries outside the Republic of Ireland, to qualify as solicitors in this jurisdiction.

• Learn more about the Qualified Lawyer Transfer Test

Step 3: Admission

When you have passed the QLTT, your file will be passed to the Admissions Administrator. You will be notified in writing of any further requirements at that stage.

Step 4: Practising Certificate

It is the statutory responsibility of each solicitor to ensure that they have a Practising Certificate (PC) in force before providing legal services of any kind whatsoever. After admission to the Roll of Solicitors, you can apply for your PC.

• Learn more about the Practising Certificate