We have obtained clarification from the SRA on what evidence they would accept of the supervisor's qualification when considering an application for exemption from the SQE2 exam.
Generally, it is only those who are already qualified as a lawyer in a jurisdiction who may apply for an exemption from the SQE2 exam. If you are completing sections 7b or 7c you will need to submit, along with the other items, proof of the supervisor's professional qualification. (If they are not a lawyer, then you will need also, in the Letter of Reference, need to set out why they are suitable to supervise your work.)
The application form makes reference to this evidence as 'their certificate(s) of good standing'. We have sought clarification on this as clients whom we have been helping through this process have, from time-to-time, been encountering problems with their supervisor being unable to obtain & supply a Certificate of Good Standing.
The SRA have replied to us that with regard to a supervisor regulated by the OISC: "In the absence of a certificate of good standing we can use other resources to confirm the qualification of the supervisor. In this instance it may include using the OISC Adviser Finder and/or contacting the regulator directly."
The SRA have also written with wider guidance:
"We have always been able to consider a range of documents to confirm the supervisor’s professional legal qualification. We do not limit this evidence to just a certificate of good standing, although this is generally the document most applicants and their supervisors will provide.
Our guidance was recently updated to better explain the types of documents we can consider. As such, the requirements have not been relaxed and continue to apply across all jurisdictions we assess.
We can therefore consider any evidence that confirms a supervisor’s qualification. The wording will vary between jurisdictions, but we can consider any document that confirms the individual is a qualified lawyer and the date they were admitted/qualified in that jurisdiction. This can include admission/enrolment certificates, ID cards issued by the regulatory body, and certificates of fitness/good standing. This list is not exhaustive.
We would generally advise against sending a practising certificate as this does not usually confirm the supervisor’s date of qualification. If the qualification date is confirmed on the practising certificate then we would be able to consider it on a case-by-case basis."
The general guidance on the SRA web page now reads: "an admission certificate or a certificate of good standing", although the application form itself still states only 'Certificate of Good Standing'. It is clear that, despite what the application form states, the SRA will accept a wider selection of proof with regard to the applicant's supervisor.
For general advice & assistance with applications for exemption from the SQE2 exam:
https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/sqe2-exemption-for-foreign-lawyers-review-advice/
For Videos about SQE2 exemptions:
https://www.youtube.com/@hunningsconsultancy999/videos
Copies of the emails from the SRA:
OISC Regulated Supervisor:
General Guidance:
QWE - confirmation by an External Solicitor
If you are NOT qualified as a lawyer in any jurisdiction, you will have to have a minimum of 2 years' Qualifying Work Experience confirmed to a the SRA by an SRA regulated solicitor. If you do not have anyone in your company to do this, we can help.
https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/external-qwe-certification-service-2/
