The Solicitors Regulation Authority
LPC If you are planning on becoming a solicitor through the domestic route outlined above, you need to complete the LPC. Before enrolling, you need to satisfy the provider that you have met the academic requirements for admission. Period of recognised training The period of recognised training is a period of supervised training with an SRA-registered training establishment (eg, a firm of solicitors, local authority or legal department within a commercial organisation). It usually lasts for two years, but can be completed over a longer period if working or studying part time. During this time, you will be expected to develop your understanding of legal practice and of the responsibilities you will take on when you are admitted to the roll. The following criteria must be met during your training: • You will need to develop and apply the skills set out in the SRA’s Practice Skills Standards. • You will need to keep a record of your training and the skills you have gained. • You must be appropriately supervised by solicitors and other individuals with the necessary skills to provide effective supervision. • You must receive regular appraisal of your performance and development areas. You may also demonstrate that you have met the requirements of the period of recognised training through equivalent means (see www.sra.org.uk/students/resources/ equivalent-means-information-pac). You need to notify the SRA when you start your period of recognised training. Admission to the roll Four weeks before the end of your period of recognised training you will receive an email from the SRA asking you to complete the pre-screening process. You can apply
for admission on the SRA’s website after completing the pre-screening process.
To be eligible for admission to the roll you must have: • complied with the SRA Authorisation of Individuals Regulations (available at: www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/standards- regulations/authorisation-individuals- regulations/); • passed the LPC; and • completed and passed the PSC. Find out more about admissions at www.sra.org.uk/trainees/admission/ admission.page. If you started, or accepted an offer to start, a QLD or Exempt Law Degree (ELD), the CPE/GDL, the LPC, or a period of recognised training, before 1 September 2021, then you can choose whether to qualify as a solicitor through the old route (as long as the courses remain available) or through the SQE. The old route will remain open for you to be admitted until 31 December 2032. More information about the arrangements for moving from the existing routes to qualification to the SQE can be found at www.sra.org.uk/students/sqe/transitional- arrangements/.
Further information Once admitted, solicitors are under a
professional duty to make sure they can offer a proper standard of service to their clients. They must therefore ensure they stay up to date and are competent to practise in their particular field of work. To make sure they meet this requirement, solicitors are required to make an annual declaration that they have reflected on the quality of their work, and address any learning needs they identify through appropriate training and development. This is a broad outline of what you need to do to start your career as a trainee solicitor.
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