Apply As Foreign Registered Lawyer In UK
A Pakistani lawyer is eligible to apply as Registered Foreign Lawyer and after being licensed or registered as Registered Foreign Lawyer – RFL) in the UK, can actively work in lot of capacities as well advise on Pakistani Law and International Law.
Registered Foreign Lawyer (RFL) Status in the UK
The primary mechanism for foreign lawyers to practice in England and Wales without re-qualifying as English solicitors is through registration with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) as a Registered Foreign Lawyer (RFL).
Key Points of RFL Status:
Definition: An RFL is a “foreign lawyer” (a person qualified in a jurisdiction outside England and Wales) who is registered with the SRA.
Scope of Practice: An RFL can:
Practice under their home-country professional title (e.g., “Advocate of the High Court, Pakistan”). Provide legal services in their home-country law (Pakistani law). Provide legal services in public international law.
Potentially provide legal services in English/Welsh law, but only if they are directly supervised by an English solicitor and for non-reserved activities (they cannot, for instance, conduct litigation or conveyancing without being fully qualified as an English solicitor).
Practice arbitration, conciliation, mediation, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution.
Areas of Demand for Pakistani Law Expertise:
Pakistani Diaspora in the UK: The large Pakistani community in the UK frequently needs advice on legal matters originating in Pakistan, such as:
Family Law: Divorce, marriage, child custody, maintenance, adoption under Pakistani family law (including Islamic personal law).
Inheritance and Succession: Matters related to property and assets in Pakistan, wills (Islamic wills or under Pakistani succession laws), and probate.
Property Law: Disputes, acquisition, sale, or management of land and property in Pakistan.
Immigration Matters (Pakistani Aspect): While RFLs can’t advise on UK immigration law without specific authorization (e.g., OISC registration or SRA firm oversight), they can advise on how Pakistani law impacts visa applications or status for Pakistani nationals.
UK Businesses and Individuals with Pakistani Interests:
Corporate & Commercial: Advising UK companies on doing business in Pakistan, establishing entities, joint ventures, or navigating Pakistani corporate governance and regulatory compliance.
Contracts: Drafting, reviewing, and advising on the enforceability of commercial contracts governed by Pakistani law.
Dispute Resolution: Providing expert opinions on Pakistani law for use in UK litigation or international arbitration proceedings concerning disputes with a Pakistani nexus. This is a common and high-value service.
Investment: Guiding on foreign direct investment into Pakistan, related regulations, and protections under bilateral investment treaties.
Intellectual Property: Advising on IP protection and enforcement in Pakistan.
Employed by, or Partner with, English and Welsh Solicitors
Partnership/Management:
If a Pakistani RFL wishes to become a manager or owner (e.g., a partner or director) of an SRA-authorised law firm in England and Wales, registration as an RFL is mandatory. This is a significant aspect, as it means they can hold senior positions and share in the firm’s profits, provided they meet the SRA’s stringent character and suitability requirements. This allows for multi-national practices where foreign lawyers are integrated into the management structure.
Employment:
An RFL can be a salaried employee in an SRA-regulated law firm in England and Wales. In this role, their primary function is to advise on the law of their home jurisdiction (Pakistani law), but they can also provide “unreserved legal services” related to English and Welsh law. This allows them to assist with many aspects of legal work within the firm, often collaborating with UK-qualified solicitors.
A. Scope of International Law Advice:
Public International Law:
Employment: An RFL can be a salaried employee in an SRA-regulated law firm in England and Wales. In this role, their primary function is to advise on the law of their home jurisdiction (Pakistani law), but they can also provide “unreserved legal services” related to English and Welsh law. This allows them to assist with many aspects of legal work within the firm, often collaborating with UK-qualified solicitors.
International Arbitration and Mediation:Acting as counsel or an expert on Pakistani law in international arbitration proceedings seated in London or elsewhere, where Pakistani law governs the dispute.
By successfully navigating the SRA registration process and strategically targeting roles that value their specific foreign law expertise, a Pakistani lawyer can build a rewarding career advising on Pakistani and International Law in the UK.
CONTACT
MAHMOOD SALEEM
Advocate High Court
Immigration Consultant
Call 0321-4314001
WhatsApp 0333-5769655
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