Threshold standard
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 judgement, 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 judgement, 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 judgements 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 |
|
Use www.sra.org.uk/threshold to link to this page.