The SRA Handbook is no longer in effect. It was replaced by the SRA Standards and Regulations on 25 November 2019.
SRA Handbook
Admission as a solicitor
Version 21 of the Handbook was published on 06/12/2018. For more information, please click 'History' Above
Regulation 2: Admission as a solicitor
- 2.1
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      We will admit you as a solicitor if: - (a)
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          you have completed: - (i)
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              the academic stage and vocational stage; or 
- (ii)
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              an apprenticeship. 
 
- (b)
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          you have complied with the SRA Admission Regulations; and 
- (c)
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          we are satisfied as to your character and suitability to be a solicitor in accordance with Part 1 of the SRA Suitability Test. 
 
- 2.2
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      We may admit you as a solicitor if you have completed all or any part of 2.1(a)(i) by equivalent means. 
- 2.3
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      Where 2.2 applies you must apply to us in writing in the prescribed form and support your application with such evidence as we consider necessary. 
- 2.4
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      If you are subject to the QLTSR those regulations apply to your admission as a solicitor and you are not subject to these regulations. 
- 2.5
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      You will have completed an apprenticeship for the purposes of 2.1(a)(ii) if you have met the requirements set out in the assessment plan for the Apprenticeship Standard for a Solicitor (England) or set out in the Apprenticeship Framework specified in the Level 7 Higher Apprenticeship in Legal Practice (Wales), including successfully passing an assessment which is either conducted by the SRA or approved by the SRA as suitable for the purpose.