Italian lawyers who want to work inhouse have to de-register as avvocatos. It's a thing in the Italian jurisdiction. On the face of it, it would create a problem with them meeting the requirements for being able to apply for exemption from the SQE2 exam (part of the SQE route to qualify as a solicitor of England & Wales).

We asked the SRA if that meant that Italian lawyers working inhouse could not apply for exemption from the SQE2 exam unless they left inhouse employment & re-registered as avvocatos. We've heard from the SRA that they do not need to do that. It would appear that this would apply to other jurisdictions with similar circumstances.

Here is the wording of their reply:

"Dear Ingemar Hunnings

Thank you for your email of 6 January 2025.

Qualified lawyers working in-house will not have to re-register to be able to make an application for exemption. The evidence required remains the same as for qualified lawyers, as detailed on our website.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, let us know.

Yours sincerely

Karen Williams (she/her)

Authorisation Officer

Authorisation Directorate

Solicitors Regulation Authority /Awdurdod Rheoleiddio Cyfreithwyr"

Help we offer

For general advice & assistance with applications for exemption from the SQE2 exam:

 https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/sqe2-exemption-for-foreign-lawyers-review-advice/

For Videos about SQE2 exemptions & QWE:

https://www.youtube.com/@hunningsconsultancy999/videos

External Solicitor QWE Confirmation Service

If you are NOT qualified as a lawyer in any jurisdiction, you will have to have a minimum of 2 years' Qualifying Work Experience confirmed to a the SRA by an SRA regulated solicitor. If you do not have anyone in your company to do this, we can help.

https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/external-qwe-certification-service-2/