SRA Standards and Regulations

Criminal conduct

The SRA will consider criminal conduct when assessing your character and suitability, in accordance with Table 1 below, subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order) 1975 and bearing in mind the public interest in supporting the rehabilitation of offenders. For the avoidance of doubt, Table 1 is a non-exhaustive list. Table...

Firm authorisation

As set out in the SRA Authorisation of Firms Rules: A decision made under rule 2.2 to refuse authorisation. A decision made under rule 3.1 to impose conditions on authorisation. A decision to refuse approval for the taking of steps specified in conditions under rule 3.3(c). A decision under rule 4.3 or 4.4 to revoke or suspend a body's authorisation. A decision made under rule 12.1 to extend,...

Apprenticeships

To complete an apprenticeship for the purposes of regulation 3A.1(a)(i), you must meet the requirements set out in the assessment plan for the Apprenticeship Standard for a Solicitor (England) approved by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, or set out in the Apprenticeship Framework specified in the Level 7 Higher Apprenticeship in Legal Practice (Wales). This must include...

European Communities (Lawyer’s Practice) Regulations 2000

If you are an REL or you were an REL immediately before the end of IP completion day, you will be eligible for admission as a solicitor under Part V of the European Communities (Lawyer's Practice) Regulations 2000 to the extent that they continue to have effect in accordance with the Services of Lawyers and Lawyer's Practice (Revocation etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020, if: you satisfy the...

Reserved legal activities

Subject to regulations 9.2, 9.3, 9.5 to 9.10 and 10.2(b), if you are a solicitor with a current practising certificate, or an REL, you are entitled to carry on all reserved legal activities except notarial activities. If you are an REL you may only exercise a right of audience before a court, conduct litigation or prepare court documents, in conjunction with a solicitor or barrister who is...

Financial services activities

If you are a solicitor, an REL RFL or RSL you may carry on regulated financial services activities under the SRA Financial Services (Scope) Rules, provided that such activities are undertaken through an authorised body.

Higher rights of audience

If you are a solicitor or an REL you may exercise civil or criminal advocacy in the higher courts if the SRA is satisfied you have successfully and satisfactorily completed the appropriate higher courts advocacy qualification and that you have done so after the date of your admission as a solicitor or initial registration as an REL, or you are: an REL or lawyer to whom the European Union...

Eligibility for admission of qualified lawyers

You will be eligible for admission as a solicitor if the SRA is satisfied: you hold a legal professional qualification that is recognised by the SRA, which confers rights to practise in England and Wales or in an overseas jurisdiction; and subject to regulation 3.2, you meet the criteria in regulation 1.1(a), (b),(d) and (e). Subject to regulation 3.3, if you hold a qualification recognised...

Removal from and restoration to the roll

The SRA may remove your name from the roll if: following an enquiry made by the SRA under regulation 5.4: you tell the SRA that you do not wish to remain on the roll; you do not, within eight weeks from the date of the notice, reply to the SRA and pay the fee specified under regulation 5.5, or you apply to have your name removed from the roll. Where regulation 5.6(a)(ii) applies, the SRA must...

Higher rights of audience

If you are a solicitor or an REL you may exercise civil or criminal advocacy in the higher courts if the SRA is satisfied you have successfully and satisfactorily completed the appropriate higher courts advocacy qualification and that you have done so after the date of your admission as a solicitor or initial registration as an REL, or you are: an REL or lawyer to whom the European Union...