The experience requirement removed for the new QLTS versus the QLTT which required 2 years of experience. The QLTS replaced the QLTT. Appears this went into effect September 2010.
http://www.qlts.com/blog/qlts-news/experience-requirement-removal-on-new-qlts
Additional info on the removal of the experience requirement on the QLTS
http://www.qlts.net/profiles/blogs/experience-requirement-removal-on-new-qlts
BUT UPON CLOSER READING:
Under the previous QLTT exams, all English, Welsh, Northern Irish barristers and non-EU lawyers seeking to become English solicitors had to demonstrate that they completed two years’ legal experience – with a minimum of one year spent practising the law of England and Wales. The QLTS programme removed this requirement and replaced it with practical assessments instead.
Not exactly true since one cannot gain experience practising law of England & Wales without having a license
to practice The SRA found difficulties in assessing the quality of each applicant’s legal experience, as some international lawyer’s experience may not have been gained in regulated conditions, such as on a training contract. This made it difficult to verify the legal competence of individual candidates. This made assessment of the practical abilities of the individual could not properly be assessed, potentially resulting in those without the necessary skills and experience being admitted to the roll of solicitors of England and Wales.
"Hmm what does that mean? How many US lawyers have the equivalent of a training contract?" Since the experience requirement is no longer a factor, this potentially creates the possibility that some foreign lawyers will be admitted to practise in England and Wales without the necessary experience. The QLTS is structured in such a way, however, that only those with suitable aptitude will pass the tests.
More difficult test perhaps to weed out the baddies eh? The QLTS consists of numerous practical tests to measure inter alia: professional knowledge and skills; client understanding and ability; knowledge of ethics and professional conduct; and legal skills. Only those able to demonstrate throughout the QLTS training, the appropriate level required to practise as an English solicitor will succeed.
Same as the QLTT
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