In a significant development for legal professionals, UK lawyers will continue to enjoy the right to practise and requalify in Switzerland without having to complete a Swiss law degree or sit for local exams. This follows a new agreement on the recognition of professional qualifications between the UK and Switzerland, ensuring a smooth pathway for lawyers to requalify in both jurisdictions. It is particularly relevant for lawyers preparing for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), as they can expand their career opportunities across borders after passing the SQE.
No matter where you are in your SQE journey, whether it’s SQE1 or SQE2, our expert resources are here to support you throughout:
The UK-Switzerland Recognition of Professional Qualifications agreement
On 14 June 2023, a historic agreement was signed, creating a permanent route for UK-qualified lawyers to requalify in Switzerland. Under this agreement, UK lawyers can continue to practise in Switzerland by registering and practising Swiss law for a minimum of three years. The agreement, which builds on provisions in the previous UK-Swiss Citizens’ Rights Agreement (CRA), was set to expire at the end of 2024 but has now been extended indefinitely. This new accord is expected to come into effect on 1 January 2025.
Key benefits for UK lawyers
No requirement for Swiss law degree or exams
UK lawyers, including SQE-qualified solicitors, can requalify in Switzerland without the burden of obtaining a Swiss law degree or sitting local exams.
Three years’ practice to requalify
After registering with the relevant Swiss authorities, UK lawyers must complete three years of regular and effective practice to requalify. However, this period can be reduced if the lawyer has suitable professional experience, similar to the Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) requirement for the SQE.
Permanent recognition
Unlike temporary measures, this agreement guarantees a permanent route to requalification, allowing UK lawyers of any nationality to continue practising in Switzerland for the foreseeable future.
Requalification process in Switzerland
The process to requalify in Switzerland involves several key steps:
1. Register with Local Competent Authorities: UK lawyers must register with the relevant Swiss legal authority to begin practising.
2. Complete Three Years of Practice: Lawyers must practise Swiss law effectively and regularly for three years. Alternatively, if they have relevant experience, the time required for requalification may be reduced.
3. Apply for Qualification Recognition: After completing the required practice period, lawyers, whether they qualified through traditional routes or the SQE, must apply to have their UK qualifications recognised by Swiss authorities.
Oversight by Swiss regulators
Swiss authorities maintain oversight to ensure the quality and competence of those practising law. They may:
– Refuse an application to join the register or cancel registration if the lawyer fails to meet the requirements set for Swiss-qualified professionals.
– Restrict certain professional activities for UK lawyers during the requalification period.
– Require the use of home-country legal titles (e.g., solicitor, barrister) during the adaptation period to distinguish between local and requalifying lawyers.
What does this mean for solicitors?
For UK solicitors, this agreement offers a streamlined and less burdensome path to practising in Switzerland. By simply registering and completing three years of effective practice, they can requalify without needing to obtain further qualifications or pass Swiss exams. This is a considerable advantage for those who have recently qualified through the SQE pathway, as it opens up international career opportunities.
The new agreement also avoids the much more difficult process that UK lawyers would have faced had they registered after December 2024 without the current provisions in place. Without this agreement, the requalification process would have been more complex and costly.
What’s next for UK-Swiss legal relations?
The UK-Switzerland Recognition of Professional Qualifications Agreement is not the only area of focus for legal services. UK lawyers can currently provide short-term legal services in Switzerland under the Services Mobility Agreement (SMA), which allows business visits for up to 90 days per year without a work permit or visa. However, the SMA provisions are set to expire at the end of 2025. Maintaining or renewing these provisions will be crucial to ensure that UK lawyers continue to offer short-term services in Switzerland with ease.
SQE preparation with the Academy of Smart Lawyers
At the Academy of Smart Lawyers, we recognise the increasing demand for UK solicitors to broaden their professional horizons, especially with agreements like the UK-Switzerland Recognition of Professional Qualifications creating new opportunities. To support legal professionals, including those aiming to requalify in Switzerland, we offer comprehensive SQE preparation packages tailored to help you pass both the SQE1 and SQE2 exams.
SQE1 course and Mentorship Programme
- SQE 1 prep course (recorded lectures, Synopsis Notes, live interactive sessions, SQE1 mock tests, and much more)
- Assistance with SQE2 exemption applications or further SQE 2 preparation
- English Language Lessons (on demand) focusing on Legal English
- Mentorship Programme for French-speaking candidates
Our SQE French study groups are led by dual-qualified solicitors in England & Wales and France, Catherine Mathieu and Mathieu Quenin, who have successfully passed the SQE exams. They offer invaluable insights on bridging French and English legal practices. Read more here.
SQE2 preparation
- SQE2 1-to-1 mock exams: Experience real exam conditions with our timed mock tests, closely aligned with the actual SQE format.
- SQE private tutoring: Receive personalised feedback and guidance from experienced legal professionals.
- Legal skills lectures and sessions: Enhance your practical skills, including legal research, advocacy, and client interviewing, to prepare for both UK and international legal practice.
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Ready to begin your journey? Drop us an email or book a call to take the first step toward expanding your legal career.
