The SRA Handbook is no longer in effect.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

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Version 19 of the Handbook was published on 01/10/2017. For more information, please click 'History' Above

Regulation 2: Admission as a solicitor

2.1

We will admit you as a solicitor if:

(a)

you have completed:

(i)

the academic stage and vocational stage; or

(ii)

an apprenticeship.

(b)

you have complied with the SRA Admission Regulations; and

(c)

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

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

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

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

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.