Future of Indian Qualified Solicitors in UK & India (prospects and salary)
I understand that its a complex question, but I will try to explain my situation firstly and my questions next.
I am an Indian Lawyer trying to qualify as a Solicitor under the QLTT 2009 route. Recently I started working in a Small Law Firm in North West part of UK.
I have been trying to find the average salary of a Solicitor in UK. Pls note that I am not talking about the Solicitors who are working in the Magic-circle law firms in the main cities or even the corporate law firms. I am trying to find out as to what an ordinary Solicitor can earn in UK. I understand that it’s a difficult question we have to take into consideration various factors.
The reason I wanted to know about the salaries is that, the kind of stress that we have to undergo in UK Law firms has increased tremendously recently. It’s a good system because there are checks and balances but the stresses are more than the gains. I feel that to earn GBP 40,000 - 50,000 takes atleast 5-10 or even 15 years for some in UK (cant forget the 40% taxes) and to earn similar salaries in India it would take similar time (thankfully we pay less taxes). Now what I find is that - the growth of an average Lawyer in India is more rewarding and less stressful than that of a Solicitor in UK. So just wanted your opinion on this because you have also seen both sides of the coin.
My next question is - do you think qualifying as a UK Solicitor makes any difference in India? I found that it does not make a big difference here or there. Currently there isn’t really a demand for Indian Solicitors in UK except for very few Magic-Circle law firms who represent on behalf of their UK corporates. I understand that it’s again circumstantial but is dual qualification really an advantage especially when Indian-Legal market is being questioned so many times to open up for the foreign firms in future?
I kindly request you to throw some light on the above issues.
Thank You,
Farah
6 Replies
So true!
Prospects of an average Indian Qualified Solicitor in the UK = Humiliation, loss of self confidence and the acknowledgment that the “Law is ‘the science’ of the ENGLISH Language”.
If English is NOT your mother tongue,indeed you can expect the treatment of a foster mother!
Reality check from London:Many British Solicitors work for Supermarkets/cleaning companies etc., in and around London!
I am really glad to hear a feedback. I was confused for sometime if I thought I was wrong thinking this way.
I am not denying that there are no problems in India. But have to say that it is far more respectful and pride thing to be slapped by your own mom than by a foreigner.
Have to warn all those Indian Lawyers who are wanting to qualify as a Solicitor in UK - that it is utter waste of time. You are better of working hard in India. At least there is freedom which none of these countries ever understand.
As you rightly said law is nothing but science of english lang :).
I qualified as a QLTT solicitor after gaining a full 2 year experience in the UK. It was not a easy journey and I faced a lot of difficulties. But if you think this is difficult, please check with LPC students how difficult it is to get a training contract. Most of them never qualify.
It is really depressing what you guys have expressed about qualifying in UK. I think as in any profession you have to create your own demand. In India or UK if you call yourself an Advocate in India or a Solicitor in the UK, your primary speciality is language proficiency and your ability to communicate. If you don’t have communication skills then I think you are in a wrong profession to begin with.
In India we communicate (legally) in English and our laws are written in English as well!
Qualifying as a Solicitor in UK is a good decision.
India is awesome!
HI.. I am a qualified Lawyer from India and last year i finished my Masters degree of International Trade Law from Sussex University, UK. But i couldn’t find any job till now so now i have decided to to do Solicitors degree from UK. But i am afraid that whether i will get the good job after that or not.
So can someone plz help me that should i go for this degree or not or how can i check the details regarding this degree courses and admission process… Thanks
[quote=“shivankraina” post=4320]HI.. I am a qualified Lawyer from India and last year i finished my Masters degree of International Trade Law from Sussex University, UK. But i couldn’t find any job till now so now i have decided to to do Solicitors degree from UK. But i am afraid that whether i will get the good job after that or not.
So can someone plz help me that should i go for this degree or not or how can i check the details regarding this degree courses and admission process… Thanks[/quote]
No>>>you wont get a good job>>>sussex University!!!!i mean what were you thinking???