Becoming An Attorney-At-Law In Sri Lanka: A Guide

If you want to become an attorney-at-law in Sri Lanka, you have several pathways to choose from. One option is to pass the A/L exam with high marks and enter a local university to pursue an LL.B. degree. Alternatively, you can attend a private university, either domestically or abroad, that offers an LL.B. degree approved by the Incorporated Council of Legal Education. After completing your LL.B. degree, you'll need to pass the Final Examination conducted by the Sri Lanka Law College, which is the only institution in the country authorised to qualify students for admittance to the legal profession. Once you've passed this examination, you'll undertake a six-month apprenticeship with a senior lawyer before being enrolled by the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka and officially becoming an attorney-at-law.

Pass the A/L exam with high marks and enter law faculty

To become an attorney-at-law in Sri Lanka, one of the first steps is to pass the A/L exam with high marks and enter the law faculty. This is a crucial step as it sets the foundation for your legal career. Here's a detailed guide on what you need to do:

Study Hard and Prepare for the A/L Exam:

The Advanced Level (A/L) examinations in Sri Lanka are likely highly competitive and play a significant role in determining your future academic path. To increase your chances of success, create a study plan that covers all the relevant subjects. Dedicate ample time to understanding the concepts, revising the material, and practising past exam questions. Seek additional resources, such as textbooks, study guides, and even online tutorials, to enhance your preparation.

Aim for High Marks:

Passing the A/L exam is one thing, but achieving high marks is what will set you apart from other candidates. High marks in the A/L exam will not only increase your chances of entering a reputable law faculty but also demonstrate your academic prowess. Remember, the legal field is highly competitive, so strive for excellence in your exam results.

Choose a Reputable Law Faculty:

Once you have achieved high marks in the A/L exam, it's time to select a law faculty that aligns with your career goals. Research different law faculties in Sri Lanka, considering factors such as their reputation, faculty expertise, curriculum, and alumni success stories. Opt for a faculty that offers a comprehensive and updated curriculum, providing you with a solid foundation in legal studies.

Prepare for the Challenges of Law School:

Law school is notoriously demanding, so be prepared for rigorous coursework, extensive reading, and intense debates. Develop excellent time management and study skills to keep up with the pace. Engage in extracurricular activities, such as moot courts, legal clinics, and student law associations, to gain practical experience and build your legal acumen.

Network and Seek Mentorship:

During your time in law faculty, build relationships with professors, legal professionals, and peers. Attend legal conferences, seminars, and networking events to expand your connections. Seek mentorship from established attorneys or legal scholars who can guide you through your academic journey and offer valuable insights into the profession.

Stay Motivated and Focused:

Pursuing a career in law requires dedication and perseverance. Stay motivated by reminding yourself of your long-term goals and the impact you want to make in the legal field. Manage stress effectively and maintain a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout. Remember, the journey to becoming an attorney-at-law is a marathon, not a sprint.

By following these steps and maintaining a strong work ethic, you'll be well on your way to entering a prestigious law faculty and taking the next steps toward becoming an attorney-at-law in Sri Lanka.

Pass the Law College Entrance exam and enter Sri Lanka Law College

To become an attorney-at-law in Sri Lanka, you must pass the Sri Lanka Law College Entrance Examination. Only around 250 candidates who pass this annual exam will be admitted to the Sri Lanka Law College. This is the fastest way to become a lawyer in Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka Law College Entrance Exam

The Sri Lanka Law College Entrance Exam is held once a year, in June. The exam consists of two papers: General Knowledge and General Intelligence (2 hours/100 marks) and Language Skills (3 hours/100 marks). You can choose to take the exam in Sinhala, English, or Tamil. If you choose Sinhala or Tamil for the first paper, you must take the second paper in English. If you choose English for the first paper, you can take the second paper in Sinhala or Tamil. To pass the exam, you need to score more than 50 marks on each paper.

Requirements to Sit the Exam

To be eligible to sit the exam, you must meet the following requirements:

• Passed the Sri Lanka GCE (A/L) examination with two Credit Passes and one simple pass at one and the same sitting
• Obtained Credit passes for English Language and Sinhala or Tamil Language at the Sri Lanka GCE (O/L) examination or N.C.G.E. Examination
• Completed 17 years of age by the application deadline

After Passing the Exam

If you pass the exam and are admitted to the Sri Lanka Law College, you will have the opportunity to pay an annual facility fee of around Rs. 15,000. There are no other fees besides the examination fee. The curriculum at Sri Lanka Law College is extensive and comprehensive, covering a wide range of topics to prepare you for your future career as a lawyer. The examinations at the college occur in three stages: Preliminary, Intermediate, and Final-year exams. After completing the Final Examination, you will need to undergo a six-month apprenticeship with a senior lawyer, along with a practical training programme conducted by the college. Once you have completed these steps, you will be qualified to practice law in Sri Lanka.

Complete a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree

To become an attorney-at-law in Sri Lanka, you will need to complete a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. This is typically a four-year programme that can be undertaken at either a local or private university. Local universities select students based on academic merit at the local Advanced Level examinations, while private universities may have their own entrance requirements.

The LLB degree will provide you with a solid foundation in legal studies and is a prerequisite for further training to become an attorney. It is important to note that foreign LLB graduates must meet certain requirements, as stipulated in the Extraordinary Gazette No. 2208/13, and will need to sit for a Special Entrance Examination to be eligible for the bar examinations.

Upon completion of your LLB degree, you will need to enrol in the Sri Lanka Law College (SLLC), which is the sole institution authorised to permit students to qualify for admittance to the legal profession. At SLLC, you will undergo further examinations and training to prepare for your career as an attorney-at-law.

Pass the Sri Lanka Law College Final Examination

To become an attorney-at-law in Sri Lanka, you must pass the Sri Lanka Law College Final Examination. This is the last of three examinations that students must pass to qualify for admittance to the legal profession in Sri Lanka. The other two are the Preliminary and Intermediate Examinations, which LL.B graduates are exempt from. However, LL.B graduates who did not study Labour Law and Interpretation of Statutes and Documents are required to take Industrial Law and Interpretation of Statutes and Documents at the Final Examination.

The Sri Lanka Law College is the only institution in Sri Lanka that is authorised to permit students to qualify for admittance to the legal profession. The college is governed by the Council of Legal Education and has been producing qualified attorneys-at-law since 1874.

The Final Examination is a challenging test of your knowledge and skills, and it is important to be well-prepared. Here are some tips to help you pass:

• Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to study and prepare for the exam. Don't leave it until the last minute.
• Create a study plan: Organise your study time effectively by creating a study plan that covers all the topics you need to know.
• Practice: The more you practice, the better your chances of passing. Go through past exam papers and practice answering the questions within the given time limit.
• Seek help: If you get stuck, don't be afraid to ask for help. Consult with your professors, classmates, or even consider hiring a tutor if you need extra support.
• Take care of yourself: Make sure to take breaks, eat healthily, and get enough sleep. Maintaining your physical and mental well-being is crucial for effective studying.
• Stay updated: Keep yourself informed about any changes or updates to the exam syllabus or format. Refer to the Sri Lanka Law College website for the most current information.

Passing the Sri Lanka Law College Final Examination is a significant step towards becoming an attorney-at-law in Sri Lanka. With dedication, hard work, and effective preparation, you can successfully complete this examination and move closer to your career goals.

Complete a six-month apprenticeship with a senior lawyer

Once you have completed your LLB degree and passed the Final Examination at Sri Lanka Law College, you will need to complete a six-month apprenticeship with a senior lawyer. This is a mandatory requirement for all aspiring lawyers in Sri Lanka.

The apprenticeship will give you the opportunity to apply the knowledge you have gained during your studies in a practical setting and develop the skills needed to become a competent and ethical legal professional. You will be guided and supervised by your senior lawyer, who will provide you with mentorship and support throughout your apprenticeship.

During this period, you will be able to observe your mentor's work, learn from their experience, and gradually take on more responsibilities. You will also be expected to adhere to the professional standards and ethics of the legal profession, including maintaining confidentiality and acting with integrity.

It is important to make the most of this opportunity by being proactive, asking questions, and seeking feedback. This will not only help you consolidate your legal knowledge but also develop essential skills such as legal research, analysis, and communication.

Upon successful completion of your apprenticeship, you will be well-prepared to take the next step in your journey to becoming an attorney-at-law in Sri Lanka.

Frequently asked questions