Globalise Your Legal Career Without Leaving Assam
In today’s interconnected world, legal professionals in Assam have a golden opportunity to take their practice to the international stage. Thanks to the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) of England and Wales, advocates from Assam can now qualify as solicitors in the UK—without ever leaving India.
If you’re an enrolled advocate with practical experience in district courts, tribunals, or the Gauhati High Court, this route enables you to become a dual-qualified solicitor in both India and England & Wales. It’s a chance to expand your professional identity and offer legal services that span jurisdictions.
What is the SQE?
The SQE is the new standardised pathway to becoming a solicitor in England and Wales, replacing the old QLTS and LPC routes. It comprises:
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SQE1: Multiple-choice assessments focused on legal knowledge
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SQE2: Practical skill-based assessments in legal writing, advocacy, client interviews, drafting, etc.
Who is Eligible?
You may be eligible to appear for the SQE and even seek SQE2 exemption if you:
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Are an enrolled advocate under the Bar Council of Assam
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Hold an LLB degree
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Have practical legal experience, such as client representation, legal drafting, or court practice
Take the SQE Exam from Assam
The SQE1 exam is conducted in Pearson VUE centres across India, including Kolkata, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. Advocates from Guwahati, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Silchar, or Sivasagar can conveniently appear without relocating abroad.
You can prepare for the SQE online via platforms like BARBRI, QLTS School, or The University of Law.
Can Assam Legal Experience Be Counted?
Yes! Your Indian legal practice may count as Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) if:
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It was conducted under a qualified legal supervisor
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You provided legal services (e.g., drafting, litigation, legal advice)
This means you may not need to work again in the UK to fulfil the solicitor experience requirement.
Roadmap: How to Qualify as a Solicitor from Assam
Step
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Apply for SQE2 exemption based on your Indian legal practice
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Prepare for SQE1 using online training
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Take SQE1 at a centre like Kolkata
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Submit your Indian legal work as QWE
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Apply for admission as a solicitor of England & Wales
Benefits of Becoming a Dual-Qualified Solicitor
1. Global Legal Practice
English law governs a large share of global contracts and arbitration. You can now offer services under UK law internationally.
2. Work from Assam, Serve the World
Offer remote legal advice to UK firms, NRIs, startups, and cross-border clients from your home office.
3. High Income Potential
Solicitors with Indian roots and UK credentials can earn ₹2–5 lakh/month or more by handling global work from India.
4. UK Career & Migration Options
With SQE credentials, you can apply for legal jobs in the UK with better chances of visa sponsorship and permanent relocation.
5. Stand Out Professionally
Your CV will be uniquely positioned among peers, opening doors to international firms, arbitration panels, and LPOs.
How to Earn Online as a Dual-Qualified Solicitor from Assam
1. International Legal Consultancy
Advise on English law, GDPR, immigration, and UK business law. Serve startups, NRIs, and cross-border clients.
2. Freelance Legal Drafting
Draft contracts, agreements, and M&A documents for UK clients on Upwork, Fiverr Pro, Lexoo, and more.
3. Legal Content & Online Courses
Publish legal blogs, create courses on UK law or SQE prep, or build a YouTube/LinkedIn presence.
4. Remote LPO Work
Take document review and due diligence projects from UK law firms or outsourcing platforms like Axiom or QuisLex.
5. NRI & Immigration Advisory
Help NRIs with property, wills, family disputes in Assam, or UK immigration queries—a rare cross-jurisdictional niche.
6. Arbitration & Cross-Border Litigation
Support in international arbitration, commercial disputes, or legal coordination between India and the UK.
7. SQE Coaching for Indian Lawyers
Use your experience to coach and mentor other Indian lawyers preparing for the SQE pathway.
Getting Started – Action Plan
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Create a legal website and LinkedIn profile
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Pick 1–2 focus areas (e.g., UK contracts, LPO, NRI advisory)
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Start with freelancing platforms or direct client outreach
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Build your brand and scale into a boutique legal consultancy
Final Word
From the courtrooms of Assam to the legal corridors of London, the journey is now open to every passionate advocate who dreams bigger. The SQE offers a realistic, affordable, and remote-first route to global legal practice. If you’re committed and qualified, there is nothing stopping you from becoming a globally respected dual-qualified solicitor—right from the heart of Assam.
