SRA Handbook

Part-time study training contract

Back to version 21

Version 8 of the Handbook was published on 01/10/2013. For more information, please click 'History' Above

Regulation 22: Part-time study training contract

22.1

The part-time study training contract can only be commenced if:

(a)

you follow an LPC or an Integrated Course, or a course leading to a CPE, QLD, Exempting Law Degree, or Diploma in Law on a part-time basis;

(b)

you are serving as a trainee on a full-time basis at the same time as studying;

(c)

the total period of service is no less than would be served if you were in full-time employment and receiving training under a two year full-time training contract; and

(d)

we are satisfied that adequate training can be given.

22.2

The following conditions apply to part-time study training contracts:

(a)

if you fail the LPC whilst serving under a part-time study training contract, you will not be allowed to qualify until you have satisfactorily completed both stages of the LPC within any time limit we may specify for the course;

(b)

they usually run for two calendar years from the start of the course, and count as one year towards the training contract. Training contracts that start after commencement of the course will run from that date until the date that is two calendar years after the course commencement date;

(c)

the training is counted at half-equivalence.

Guidance note:

(i)

On a part-time study training contract, the study is the only element that can be part-time.

(ii)

The part-time study training contract normally lasts between three and four years.

(iii)

You can work and, at the same time, study:

(a)

the last two years of a part-time QLD;

(b)

the part-time CPE; or

(c)

the part-time LPC.

(iv)

A part-time study training contract is normally for two calendar years from the start date of the part-time course. However, you may commence a part-time study training contract part way through a course.

(v)

The options for part-time study training contracts are as follows:

(a)

the final two years of a part-time QLD followed by a two-year part-time LPC;

(b)

a two-year part-time CPE or Diploma in Law followed by a two-year part-time LPC; or

(c)

a two-year part-time LPC followed by one year in a full-time training contract.

(vi)

It is also possible to undertake a part-time study training contract during a part-time LPC and then do a part-time training contract.

(vii)

If you complete the training contract before you have satisfied the study element, you will be able to extend the term of the training contract in order to do so.

(viii)

The part-time study training contract may also be used where an LPC student has resits to complete within the allowed five year period.