What is the CLC Overseas Graduate Exemption?

The CLC Overseas Graduate Exemption explains how a law degree from outside England and Wales can shorten your route to a CLC licence. Every CLC lawyer must show the right knowledge and competence, normally through the Level 4 and Level 6 Diplomas in Conveyancing or Probate Law and Practice. If you already hold a law degree from another country, you will not have to complete the full Level 4 Diploma.

What you do need depends on one question: is your legal system based on English common law? The CLC's specialist subjects, from land registration to the administration of estates, are rooted in English common law. If your degree was taught in that tradition, you already have the foundation. If it was not, the CLC asks you to build it with one Level 4 unit first.

Which route applies to me?

Many legal systems in Commonwealth countries grew out of English common law, while most of continental Europe and Latin America follow civil law traditions. Some countries have mixed systems, so do not assume. The deciding factor is the legal system your degree was based on, not simply the country, and it is for you to show it.

How do I show my degree is from a common law jurisdiction?

The CLC places the responsibility for demonstrating this on you as the applicant. In practice that may mean asking your university or awarding body for written confirmation that your law degree was based on English common law, before you contact the CLC.

Why is Level 4 Land Law required for other legal systems?

Land law is the foundation of almost everything at Level 6. Conveyancing is the transfer of interests in land, and probate regularly involves dealing with property in an estate. Land law also differs more between legal systems than almost any other subject, so a law degree from a civil law country will not normally have covered estates, interests, registration and co-ownership as English law treats them.

For that reason the CLC treats Level 4 Land Law as the minimum academic requirement for graduates from outside the common law tradition. It must be completed and certificated as a standalone unit, and it cannot be met through prior learning or work experience, however relevant.

Will I need to study Law of Contract as well?

Not as a requirement. In some cases we may advise you to do additional reading in the Level 4 Law of Contract unit to strengthen your foundation before Level 6, particularly where contract law in your home system works very differently. The CLC leaves this to your training provider to judge case by case, and we will talk it through with you before you start.

Does a Masters in law (LLM) count?

Not normally. The CLC does not usually accept a Masters in law as a relevant qualification, because the subjects studied rarely match the CLC's specialist topics and learning outcomes. A UK LLM on its own will not move you onto either route.

I'm already a qualified lawyer abroad. Does this apply to me?

Yes. The same rules apply whether you are new to the profession or cross-qualifying from another legal role. Your degree decides your academic route as set out above, and you must still complete qualifying practical experience in England and Wales: at least 1,200 hours of relevant legal work in a suitable legal workplace, evidenced by a Statement of Practical Experience submitted with your licence application. Our guide to the CLC practical experience requirements explains what counts and who can supervise you.

How does this compare with other ways to qualify?

Read more about the law degree fast-track and the Graduate Conversion Exemption for non-law degrees.

How much does it cost?

If your degree is from an English common law jurisdiction, you pay for the Level 6 Diploma only: £1,920, or from £160 a month over 12 months at 0% interest. If it is from another legal system, you add the Land Law unit at £555 (or three interest-free instalments of £185), making £2,475 in total. The CLC charges its own licence fees separately when you apply.

For payment plans and CLC fees in more detail, see how much a CLC qualification costs.

How does it work in practice?

There is no separate exemption to apply for or register with us. Your law degree (and, if your legal system is not based on English common law, your Level 4 Land Law certificate) is your entry requirement for the Level 6 Diploma, and the CLC checks everything when you apply for your licence.

1. Work out which route applies. If you believe your degree is from an English common law jurisdiction, get confirmation from your university now, as you will need to show it.
2. Study Level 4 Land Law if your route needs it. Study online at your own pace with tutor support, pass the assessment and receive your Land Law certificate.
3. Enrol on the Level 6 Diploma in Conveyancing or Probate Law and Practice. We will let you know if we recommend any supplementary Law of Contract reading.
4. Complete at least 1,200 hours of supervised experience, usually alongside your Level 6 studies.
5. Apply to the CLC for your licence once you hold the Level 6 Diploma and your Statement of Practical Experience is signed off.

Not sure where you stand? Use our CLC Exemptions Calculator or get in touch with our team.

Start your route

Frequently asked questions

Can I become a licensed conveyancer with a foreign law degree?

Yes. If your law degree was awarded in a jurisdiction based on English common law, you can go straight to the Level 6 Diploma under the Law Graduate Fast Track Exemption. If it was awarded under another legal system, you complete the Level 4 Land Law unit first and then the Level 6 Diploma. Either way you need at least 1,200 hours of supervised practical experience before applying to the CLC for your licence.

How do I know if my country's legal system is based on English common law?

Many Commonwealth legal systems derive from English common law, while most of continental Europe and Latin America follow civil law. Some countries have mixed systems. The responsibility for showing that your degree was based on English common law sits with you, so ask your university or awarding body for written confirmation.

I was told I would need the full Level 4 Diploma. Has that changed?

Yes. Under earlier CLC guidance, a law degree from a legal system not based on English common law gave no exemption, so you completed the full Level 4 and Level 6 route. The CLC has since changed its policy: you now need only the Level 4 Land Law unit, certificated as a standalone unit, before progressing to the Level 6 Diploma.

Can my previous study or experience replace the Land Law unit?

No. For degrees from outside the English common law tradition, the CLC treats Level 4 Land Law as the minimum academic requirement. It must be completed and certificated as a standalone unit and cannot be met through prior learning or experience.

Does a Masters in law (LLM) count towards the exemption?

Not normally. The CLC does not usually accept a Masters in law as relevant, because the subjects studied do not match the CLC's specialist topics and learning outcomes.

I am a qualified lawyer in another country. Do I still need practical experience?

Yes. Qualifying practical experience is required whether you are new to the profession or cross-qualifying from another legal role: at least 1,200 hours of relevant legal work in a suitable legal workplace, evidenced by a Statement of Practical Experience with your licence application.

Will I have to study Law of Contract too?

It is not a requirement. In some cases your training provider may advise supplementary reading in the Level 4 Law of Contract unit to support your Level 6 studies. This is decided case by case, and we will discuss it with you before you start.

Authoritative sources: CLC, Overseas Graduate Exemptions, and the CLC guidance document Recognition of Law Degrees or other Legal Qualifications obtained outside England and Wales. Always check the current CLC requirements, as rules can change.