Hiring and Sponsoring Solicitors and lawyers (SOC Code 2412)

‍

Hiring solicitors and lawyers from overseas is a realistic option for UK law firms and legal departments that hold a sponsor licence. Solicitors and lawyers fall under SOC code 2412, covering roles in business law, criminal law, probate, litigation, contract drafting, court representation, and trust management. This guide explains what employers need to know about sponsoring workers in this occupation under the Skilled Worker route.

For related support, explore Annaizu’s sponsorship compliance software, mock audit inspection readiness and mock audit preparation.

Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers Hiring Solicitors and Lawyers

• SOC code 2412 covers solicitors, lawyers, and related legal professionals in the UK.
• Roles under this code are eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
• Employers must hold a valid sponsor licence before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship.
• The going rate and minimum salary thresholds must be met for each sponsored worker.
• Sponsored solicitors must be qualified or working towards qualification under a recognised legal framework.

What Is SOC Code 2412?

Definition and Scope

SOC code 2412 is the Standard Occupational Classification code assigned to solicitors and lawyers in the UK. It sits within the broader professional legal occupations group and covers individuals who provide legal advice, draft contracts, represent clients in court, manage probate and trusts, and handle criminal or civil litigation matters.

Roles Included Under SOC 2412

• Solicitors advising on business and commercial law
• Criminal defence and prosecution lawyers
• Probate and estate lawyers
• Litigation solicitors handling civil disputes
• Contract drafting and negotiation specialists
• Trust and wealth management lawyers
• In-house legal counsel working within corporate employers

Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility for SOC 2412

Is the Role Eligible for Sponsorship?

Yes. Solicitors and lawyers under SOC code 2412 are eligible for sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa route. The occupation meets the required skill level and appears on the list of eligible occupations maintained by the Home Office.

Salary Thresholds

Sponsored workers must be paid at least the higher of the general salary threshold or the going rate for SOC 2412. Employers should always check the current going rate on the official gov.uk going rates table before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship, as thresholds are updated periodically.

Points-Based Requirements

• The worker must have a valid job offer from a licensed sponsor - 20 points
• The role must meet the skill level requirement - 20 points
• The worker must meet the salary threshold - 20 points
• English language proficiency must be demonstrated

Sponsor Licence Requirements for Law Firms and Legal Employers

Obtaining a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring a solicitor or lawyer from outside the UK, your organisation must hold a Skilled Worker sponsor licence issued by the Home Office. Law firms, chambers, corporate legal teams, and public sector legal departments can all apply for a licence if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Key Sponsor Duties

• Assign a genuine Certificate of Sponsorship for each worker sponsored
• Record and report changes to the worker's employment or circumstances
• Carry out right to work checks before employment begins
• Maintain up-to-date contact and HR records on the Sponsor Management System
• Cooperate with any Home Office compliance visits or audits

Certificate of Sponsorship for SOC 2412

Once your licence is active, you must assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to the individual you wish to hire. The CoS must accurately reflect the job title, salary, and SOC code. For solicitors and lawyers, the CoS should reference SOC 2412 and confirm the role meets the going rate requirement.

Qualifications and Professional Registration

What Qualifications Are Required?

Solicitors practising in England and Wales must be admitted to the roll of solicitors and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Overseas-qualified lawyers may need to complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examination or apply for recognition of their existing qualifications before practising independently.

Trainee Solicitors and Newly Qualified Lawyers

Sponsored workers do not need to be fully qualified at the point of sponsorship, but the role itself must meet the skill level for SOC 2412. Trainee solicitors working towards qualification may be eligible if the employer can demonstrate the role genuinely requires that level of skill and the salary requirements are met.

Practical Steps for Hiring a Solicitor or Lawyer from Overseas

1. Confirm your organisation holds a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence or apply for one.
2. Identify the candidate and confirm their eligibility for the Skilled Worker visa.
3. Check the current going rate for SOC 2412 and confirm the offered salary meets the threshold.
4. Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship through the Sponsor Management System.
5. Ensure the candidate applies for their Skilled Worker visa with the CoS reference number.
6. Carry out a right to work check once the worker arrives and before employment begins.
7. Maintain ongoing compliance records throughout the sponsorship period.

Compliance Considerations for Legal Employers

Right to Work Checks

All employers in the UK must conduct right to work checks on every employee, regardless of nationality. For sponsored solicitors and lawyers, you must check and record the visa conditions before the first day of work and repeat checks when their permission to work is due to expire.

Reporting Obligations

Sponsor licence holders must report certain events to the Home Office within set timeframes. For solicitors and lawyers, this includes changes to their role, salary reductions, absences without permission, or if they leave the organisation before the end of their sponsorship period.

Avoiding Common Compliance Mistakes

• Failing to update the SMS when a sponsored lawyer changes their job title or responsibilities
• Not recording absences or extended leave accurately
• Allowing a sponsored worker to begin employment before completing right to work checks
• Paying below the going rate or reducing salary without checking the impact on sponsorship

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SOC code 2412?

SOC code 2412 is the Standard Occupational Classification code for solicitors and lawyers in the UK. It covers roles in business law, criminal law, probate, litigation, contract drafting, court representation, and trust management.

Can law firms sponsor overseas solicitors under the Skilled Worker visa?

Yes. Law firms and other legal employers can sponsor overseas solicitors and lawyers under the Skilled Worker route, provided they hold a valid sponsor licence and the role meets the salary and skill level requirements for SOC 2412.

What salary must I pay a sponsored solicitor?

You must pay at least the higher of the general Skilled Worker salary threshold or the going rate for SOC 2412. Check the current going rates on gov.uk before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship, as these figures are updated by the Home Office.

Do overseas lawyers need to requalify to practise in England and Wales?

Overseas-qualified lawyers may need to complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examination or seek recognition of their qualifications through the SRA before practising as solicitors in England and Wales. The specific requirements depend on where they originally qualified.

How long does it take to get a sponsor licence for a law firm?

Standard Home Office processing times for a sponsor licence application are typically around eight weeks. Priority processing is sometimes available. The timeline can vary depending on the completeness of your application and any additional information requested by the Home Office.

Can in-house legal counsel be sponsored under SOC 2412?

Yes. Corporate employers with an in-house legal team can sponsor qualified lawyers and solicitors under SOC 2412, provided the employer holds a sponsor licence and the role and salary meet the Skilled Worker requirements.

Conclusion

Sponsoring solicitors and lawyers under SOC code 2412 is a straightforward process when your organisation understands the licence requirements, salary thresholds, and ongoing compliance duties. Annaizu helps UK employers manage sponsor licence obligations, right to work checks, and workforce compliance in one place, making it easier to hire the legal talent your organisation needs.