SRA Handbook

Interpretation and eligibility

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Version 15 of the Handbook was published on 01/11/2015. For more information, please click 'History' Above

Part 1: Interpretation and eligibility

Regulation 1: Interpretation and definitions

1.1

The SRA Handbook Glossary 2012 shall apply and, unless the context otherwise requires:

(a)

all italicised terms shall be defined; and

(b)

all terms shall be interpreted;

in accordance with the Glossary.

Regulation 2: Eligibility for admission

2.1

Subject to regulations 2.2 and 2.4 below, if you seek to establish eligibility to apply for admission under these regulations, you must provide such evidence as we may require to show that you:

(a)

are a qualified lawyer in a recognised jurisdiction;

(b)

have followed the full route to qualification in the recognised jurisdiction;

(c)

are entitled to practise as a qualified lawyer of the recognised jurisdiction;

(d)

are of the character and suitability to be admitted as a solicitor; and

(e)

have passed all QLTS assessments subject to any exemptions we may agree.

2.2

For the avoidance of doubt, any lawyer applying for admission pursuant to European Communities Directive 2005/36/EC or any legislation implementing that Directive in the UK is deemed to have satisfied 2.1(b) above.

2.3

Any lawyer applying for admission pursuant to the Establishment Directive or any legislation implementing that Directive in the UK, is deemed to have satisfied 2.1(b) above.

2.4

Where regulation 3.3 applies, if we are satisfied that you are eligible, and we have determined that you do not need to take any of the QLTS assessments, then you may proceed to admission.

2.5

These regulations apply to qualified lawyers seeking to be admitted as solicitors via transfer from another jurisdiction or barristers. Such individuals are not eligible to qualify under the SRA Training Regulations.