The LawCareers.Net Handbook 2023

The Solicitors Regulation Authority

Admission to the roll Four weeks before the end of your period of recognised training you’ll 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 • completed and passed the PSC.

LPC If you’re eligible to become a solicitor through the transitional arrangements outlined above, you can complete the LPC. Before enrolling, you need to satisfy the provider that you’ve 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’ll be expected to develop your understanding of legal practice and of the responsibilities you’ll take on when you’re admitted to the roll. The following criteria must be met during your period of recognised training: • You’ll need to develop and apply the skills set out in the SRA’s Practice Skills Standards. • You’ll need to keep a record of your training and the skills you’ve 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’ve met the requirements of the period of recognised training through equivalent means (see SRA website, as above). The SRA may monitor training establishments to ensure that the quality of training is adequate. During your period of recognised training you may be asked to complete a questionnaire about your training and your firm.

Find out more about admission 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.

In the case of a QLD and ELD, these arrangements apply to anyone who

completed, started, accepted an offer of a place or paid a non-refundable deposit by 21 September 2021 (inclusive). In most cases, for the QLD, ELD and CPE, the relevant course must have started at the latest on or before 31 December 2021. Again, 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

You need to notify the SRA when you start period of recognised training.

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