SRA Authorisation of Individuals Regulations


Introduction

These regulations set out the SRA's requirements relating to the authorisation of individuals as solicitors in terms of admission, and the issuing of practising certificates and the registration of individuals as an REL or RFL. They set out the effect of SRA authorisation on how an individual may practise, the requirements for and how the SRA will decide applications for authorisation, the conditions that apply during authorisation, and how authorisation may be revoked.

If you are unsure whether you are eligible for authorisation, or need to be authorised, please see our guidance.

They also set out the education and training requirements in place for those seeking to be admitted as solicitors, and to exercise higher rights of audience in the higher courts of England and Wales. Education and training underpins the regulation of solicitors and it seeks to ensure the development of competent and ethical practitioners. Note that regulations 3A-3F are transitional arrangements, and only apply to the individuals specified in Regulation 11.

The regulations also govern the qualification process for solicitors and barristers or other UK qualified lawyers seeking admission as a solicitor of England and Wales from another jurisdiction.

This introduction does not form part of the SRA Authorisation of Individuals Regulations.

Part 1: Admission as a solicitor

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Admission, retention, removal, and restoration to the roll

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Part 2: Practising certificates for solicitors and registration as a European or foreign lawyer

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What authorisation entitles you to do

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Supplemental notes

Rules made by the Solicitors Regulation Authority Board on 6 June 2023.

Made under sections 2, 13, 28, 31, 32, 33A, 34 and 37 of the Solicitors Act 1974, section 89 of, and paragraphs 2 and 3 of Schedule 14 to, the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990, section 9 of the Administration of Justice Act 1985 and section 83 of, and Schedule 11 to, the Legal Services Act 2007.

You are reading current version in effect from 1 December 2023

Guidance

Guidance

Vocational training for trainee solicitors - Guidance

Guidance: To help you understand the steps you need to take to complete the vocational part of training to become a solicitor.

Preparing to become a sole practitioner or an SRA-regulated freelance solicitor - Guidance

Guidance: To help solicitors understand how to set up a business trading on their own account providing legal services to the public.

When do I need a practising certificate? - Guidance

Guidance: To help you understand the circumstances in which you must have a practising certificate.