Firm letter of reciprocity
August 2025
You may need a letter of reciprocity if your firm plans to open an office in an approved jurisdiction to confirm that we offer reciprocal arrangements.
The letter will state:
- the name of your firm
- your firm's SRA number
- that the profession of the jurisdiction has been approved under Schedule 14 paragraph 2(2) of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 and it is considered that the profession is regulated to the appropriate level to allow members of that profession to be managers of recognised bodies
- to facilitate practice with solicitors of England and Wales, the profession of the jurisdiction may register with us as Registered Foreign Lawyers
- that their practice as a foreign lawyer is permitted as a:
- manager
- employee
- member
- interest holder
- that these forms of practise demonstrate the reciprocity of treatment between English and Welsh Solicitors and the named profession of the jurisdiction.
The authorised signatory or organisation contact of a firm can apply for a letter of reciprocity.
There is no fee for a firm letter of reciprocity.
- Check that the firm you are requesting a firm letter of reciprocity for is regulated by us.
- Check that the profession of the jurisdiction has been approved for RFL status.
- Note that we can only accept requests for a firm letter of reciprocity from the authorised signatory or the organisation contact of the firm.
Download a Firm letter request form (PDF 1 page, 211KB)
We can only accept requests for a firm letter of regulatory standing from the authorised signatory or the organisation contact of the firm.