We have had quite a few aspiring solicitors asking for guidance on this subject - quite understandably. The SRA has published some helpful guidance on this subject. Below are some of the most pertinent points.
However, first of all here is a link to a really useful tool the SRA have put up. It is a decision tree as to whether to take the SQE or LPC route. It's in the form of a series of questions, the answer to which take you to advice.
Our transitional arrangements may already apply to you because you have started or completed a qualifying law degree, the Common Professional Examination / Graduate Diploma in Law or an exempting law degree. . But you can also choose to qualify on the current route or take the SQE, if you have started or completed the LPC, or if you have accepted an offer to start on the LPC, or paid a non-refundable deposit, before 1 September 2021.
Once you have the LPC, to qualify on the current route by 31 December 2032, you'll also need to:
If you have started, or accepted an offer to start, a period of recognised training (also known as a training contract) before 1 September 2021, then you can qualify as a solicitor through the current route.
To qualify this way, by 31 December 2032, you'll also need to:
If you are unable to complete a PRT, you can chose to qualify through the SQE.
It is possible that some non-law students may accept the offer of a PRT before 1 September 2021, and before they have been offered a place on a CPE/GDL.
In this case you may start a CPE/GDL programme up until 31 August 2022, and which meet our requirements for the CPE/GDL.
You will need to keep the evidence of your accepted offer in order to be accepted onto the CPE. For example, this could take the form of the exchange of correspondence between you and your training provider, accepting the offer of a PRT.
This is a route where you are asking the SRA to look at what you've done and agree that it is equivalent to what you need for an alternative way of qualifying. More info here: https://www.sra.org.uk/students/resources/equivalent-means-information-pack/
Learn here how we can help you get the experience that you have acquired Confirmed so that it counts towards your 2 year requirement under the SQE. https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/external-qwe-certification-service-2/
