SRA Handbook

Interpretation and eligibility

Back to version 21

Version 7 of the Handbook was published on 01/04/2013. 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

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)

have satisfied any applicable English language requirements published by us; and

(e)

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

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) and (d) above.

2.3

We shall acknowledge receipt of your application under Directive 2005/36/EC within one month of receipt, and shall inform you if any document is missing.

2.4

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) and (d) above.

2.5

If we are satisfied that you are eligible, and we have determined that you must pass one or more of the QLTS assessments, we must issue a QLTS certificate of eligibility to that effect.

2.6

If you do not hold a QLTS certificate of eligibility, you may not register with the assessment organisation to take any of the QLTS assessments.

2.7

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.

2.8

A QLTS certificate of eligibility shall remain valid for a period of five years from the date of its issue. You cannot apply for a second or subsequent QLTS certificate of eligibility before the expiry of any existing certificate of eligibility.