How to Become a Solicitor
The first step towards becoming a solicitor is to obtain a degree in law. In most cases, this is the normal undergraduate degree in law. This course will include a one-year course called the Legal Practice Course. Afterwards, students must complete a two-year apprenticeship with a solicitor. The apprenticeship period is known as articles. After completing the training period, students will become a solicitor and be admitted to the roll. The ‘roll’ is a list of qualified solicitors. It is kept by the Master of the Rolls, who is also the head of the Court of Appeal in England and Wales.
The SRA also has a qualification examination to ensure that all solicitors have the same standards. The examination is open to all types of candidates, and requires a high level of legal knowledge, practical skills, and intellectual ability. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates must complete a period of two years of qualifying work experience. The period of qualifying work experience can be flexible, and a foreign lawyer is exempt. As long as the applicant passes the exam, they are entitled to practice in the UK.
Although conveyancing lawyer Bundoora has strict regulations regarding solicitors, it is unlikely that they will ever change them. In the meantime, the SRA has also introduced a policy known as ‘equivalent means’. This enables applicants to demonstrate that they have the same knowledge and skills as a qualified solicitor, but has a lower standard. The new policy has been implemented in order to make it easier for people to become a solicitor in the UK.
In-house lawyers work for companies and other large organisations. The BBC, Government Legal Service, Virgin Media, and Virgin are all examples of companies with in-house legal departments. Some even offer trainees in-house training contracts. However, most solicitors begin their careers in a law firm and move to in-house once they have gained sufficient relevant experience. They have different skills and requirements than law firm lawyers and are therefore more likely to move from one to the other.
The SRA’s policy on ‘equivalent means’ allows applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills to meet the SRA’s minimum requirements. The SRA may grant exemptions if a person has the same qualifications as a solicitor, but it is not mandatory. For example, the SRA can deny an applicant’s application for membership if he or she has a criminal record. But if a criminal conviction is less severe, it can be considered an excuse for not attending a training course.
In the United Kingdom, lawyers Epping are able to work independently as a lawyer. The SRA’s rules are similar to those for solicitors in the United States, but there are some differences. Applicants are often required to undergo the same training as barristers and must obtain separate licences. In addition, they must pass a re-assessment by the SRA. In some jurisdictions, the SRA is allowed to waive requirements for the same qualification.