Threshold standard for competencies
About the threshold standard
Because the competence statement is generic and applies to all solicitors, a threshold standard was developed to set out the level at which the competences in the competence statement should be performed upon qualification as a solicitor.
Level three is the threshold standard required at the point of qualification; the other levels are provided for the purpose of context.
Threshold standard
| Level | Functioning knowledge | Standard of work | Autonomy | Complexity | Perception of context | Innovation and originality | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Recognises some of the standard legal issues relevant to the particular case or transaction area of practice | Unlikely to be satisfactory unless closely supervised on a task by task basis | Needs close supervision or instruction | Unable to do more than simple routine tasks | Tends to see actions in isolation | Works within given procedures or instructions | |
| 2 | Recognises some of the standard legal issues relevant to the area of practice, and begins to see how they apply to a particular case or transaction | Straightforward tasks likely to be completed to an acceptable standard | Achieves some steps using own judgment, but supervision needed for overall case or transaction | Able to deal effectively with straightforward cases and transactions |
Sees actions as a series of steps |
Uses experience to check information provided | |
| 3 | Identifies the legal principles relevant to the area of practice, and applies them appropriately and effectively to individual cases’. | Acceptable standard achieved routinely for straightforward tasks. Complex tasks may lack refinement. | Achieves most tasks and able to progress legal matters using own judgment, recognising when support is needed. | Able to deal with straightforward transactions, including occasional, unfamiliar tasks which present a range of problems and choices. | Understands the significance of individual actions in the context of the objectives of the transaction/strategy for the case. | Uses experience to check information provided and to form judgments about possible courses of action and ways forward. | Threshold Standard required at qualification |
| 4 | Applies a depth of understanding of the area of practice and a broad background awareness of legal principles to solve problems and progress the case. | Full acceptable standard achieved routinely | Takes full responsibility for progressing the case or transaction | Deals with complex transactions through deliberate analysis and planning | Develops a strategy for the case/transaction to deliver the overall objective and uses it to analyse individual steps. | Produces innovative solutions and ways forward | |
| 5 | Uses mastery of the area of practice and a broad background awareness of legal principles to develop and critically evaluate a range of options to overcome dilemmas and problematic situations. | Excellence achieved with ease | Takes full responsibility for outcomes of case or transaction | Deals with complex transactions intuitively and with ease; confident decision-maker | Understands clearly the strategy for the case/transaction and alternative approaches to deliver it within a vision of what may be possible. | Develops innovative solutions and ways forward in complex and unpredictable situations |