Join The Law Society: Steps To Membership

The Law Society is an independent professional body that guides solicitors in their work and ensures compliance with the rule of law. To become a member of the Law Society, you must be a qualified solicitor and registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). This registration is known as the roll of solicitors in England and Wales and entitles you to practise as a solicitor. Once admitted to the roll, you automatically become a member of the Law Society. There are several benefits to being a member of the Law Society, including career support, access to legal libraries, and networking opportunities. For those who are not yet solicitors but are interested in the legal system, there are other ways to get involved with the Law Society, such as signing up for My LS to receive relevant news, events, and resources.

Register with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

Registering with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is a crucial step towards becoming a member of the Law Society. The SRA is responsible for enforcing the rules and regulations that solicitors in England and Wales must comply with. Here is a detailed guide on registering with the SRA:

Compliance with SRA Training Regulations:

To register with the SRA, you must ensure that you have complied with their training regulations. This includes completing the required education and training necessary to become a solicitor. This could involve undertaking a law degree, completing the Legal Practice Course (LPC), or passing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

Passing the LPC or SQE Exams:

The LPC and SQE are comprehensive assessments that test your knowledge and skills in key areas of law and practice. Passing one of these exams is a mandatory requirement to demonstrate your competency and eligibility to practise as a solicitor.

Completion of the Professional Skills Course:

In addition to academic qualifications, the SRA requires you to complete the Professional Skills Course. This course focuses on developing essential skills such as client care, communication, and ethical behaviour, ensuring that you are well-equipped to handle the practical aspects of being a solicitor.

Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check:

As part of the registration process, the SRA will conduct a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to ensure your suitability for working in a legal profession. A 'satisfactory' standard disclosure from the DBS indicates that there are no known reasons that would prevent you from working in a role that involves a level of trust and responsibility.

Pre-admission Screening and Admission Ceremony:

Before being formally admitted as a solicitor, you will undergo pre-admission screening. This may involve providing additional documentation, verifying your qualifications, and ensuring that you meet all the required standards and regulations. Once you have successfully completed this process, you will be invited to attend an admission ceremony held at the Law Society's home in London, where you can celebrate your achievement.

Maintaining Your SRA Registration:

It is important to note that maintaining your SRA registration involves ongoing compliance with their regulations and standards. This includes keeping your details up to date through your mySRA account and adhering to any continuing professional development requirements to ensure your knowledge and skills remain current.

Pass the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE)

To become a member of the Law Society, you must be a qualified solicitor. One way to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales is by passing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

The SQE is a mandatory requirement and a centralised assessment for anyone who wants to become a solicitor in England and Wales. It is a new, four-stage route to becoming a solicitor, introduced in 2021. The SQE effectively replaces the GDL and LPC, although there is a long transitional period until 2032 for those who started a law degree, GDL or LPC before September 2021.

The SQE is split into two parts: SQE1 and SQE2. To qualify through the SQE route, you'll need to pass both parts. Here's what you need to do:

Have a Degree or Equivalent Qualification

You will need a degree or equivalent qualification in any subject. This can include a degree apprenticeship.

Pass SQE1 and SQE2 Assessments

SQE1 should be taken after your degree and will test your functioning legal knowledge (FLK) in two exams, each consisting of 180 multiple-choice questions. Each exam will cover different areas of law, and you must pass SQE1 before moving on to SQE2.

SQE2 will test your practical legal skills, including interviewing and case and matter analysis. This assessment is comprised of 16 practical exercises, including four oral skills assessments and 12 written ones. Ethics and professional conduct will be assessed throughout.

Undertake Two Years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)

You will need to complete a minimum of two years of qualifying work experience (QWE). This can be completed at up to four different legal employers and does not have to follow the traditional training contract format. QWE can include placements while studying for your degree, time spent as a paralegal, or working in a law clinic.

Meet Character and Suitability Requirements

You will need to pass background checks and meet the Solicitors Regulation Authority's (SRA) character and suitability requirements.

Additional Information

The SQE assessments are provided by Kaplan and are held at Pearson test centres across England and Wales. There are multiple sittings per year, and the SRA encourages candidates to register early as places are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

The total cost for taking both SQE assessments is £4,790 as of September 2024. This does not include any additional training costs, such as preparation courses, which are offered by various institutions.

Passing the SQE is an essential step on the path to becoming a qualified solicitor and a member of the Law Society.

Comply with SRA Training Regulations

To become a member of the Law Society, you must comply with the SRA Training Regulations. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is responsible for enforcing the rules that solicitors must follow, ensuring compliance with the regulatory objectives of the Legal Services Act. The SRA Training Regulations provide the requirements for becoming a qualified solicitor.

For trainees who started their training before 25 November 2019, the SRA Training Regulations 2014 apply. These regulations outline the standards and requirements expected of individuals during their training. Trainees must meet these requirements to qualify as solicitors. The regulations cover areas such as professional conduct, ethical practice, and the development of professional skills.

On the other hand, trainees registered since 25 November 2019 are governed by the Authorisation of Individuals Regulations and the Education, Training and Assessment Provider Regulations. These regulations replaced the SRA Handbook and offer greater flexibility, requiring trainees to exercise more professional judgment to ensure compliance.

The SRA Training Regulations are designed to ensure that trainees gain the necessary knowledge, skills, and ethical framework to practice as solicitors. They cover various aspects of training, including the period of recognised training (often known as a training contract), which provides individuals with supervised experience in legal practice. This practical training allows trainees to refine and develop the professional skills they will need to practice law.

To comply with the SRA Training Regulations, trainees must complete their training satisfactorily and meet the required standards. This includes adhering to the SRA's Codes of Conduct, which provide a framework for ethical and competent practice. Trainees must also be aware of their reporting obligations, promptly reporting any serious concerns or breaches of the codes of conduct to their firm's compliance officer or the SRA, depending on the situation.

Complete the Professional Skills Course

The Professional Skills Course (PSC) is the final step to qualifying as a solicitor and can be taken during your period of recognised training. It is a compulsory course that ensures trainee solicitors are competent to practise and can meet the ever-evolving needs of their clients.

The course covers three core subject areas that must be taught face-to-face for a minimum number of hours: financial and business skills (18 hours), advocacy and communication skills (18 hours), and client care and professional standards (12 hours).

In addition to the core modules, trainees must also complete 24 hours of elective modules. These can be chosen from a wide range of options and can be completed through distance learning. The elective modules allow trainees to personalise their programme and focus on areas of interest.

The PSC is typically completed within a two-year training contract or within a period of recognised training. If you are exempt from recognised training, it must be completed before admission.

The course is designed to build on the foundations laid by the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and provide formal instruction in matters that are best studied once trainees have some exposure to practice. It ensures that trainees are fully equipped to deliver the key competencies employers demand and can relate what they have learned to real-world scenarios.

The PSC is typically completed within 12 full-time days of attendance, including both the core and elective modules.

Attend networking events

To become a member of the Law Society, you must be a qualified solicitor, registered with the Solicitors' Regulatory Authority (SRA). The Law Society is an independent professional body that guides the work of solicitors and ensures compliance with the rule of law.

Attending networking events is a great way to connect with fellow solicitors, build expertise in your practice area, and expand your network. Here are some tips to make the most of networking events:

Set Clear Goals

Before attending a networking event, set clear goals and objectives. For example, you may want to expand your client base, meet new contacts, or connect with a specific person. Having a clear agenda will help you focus your efforts and make meaningful connections.

Be Prepared

Look at the attendee list in advance and conduct research on individuals you are likely to meet. Prepare conversation starters and develop ideas to make your interactions more engaging. Also, prepare an "elevator speech" to briefly and effectively explain what you do and the types of clients you represent.

Arrive Early and Stay Engaged

Arrive early and stay until the end of the event to make the most of the networking opportunities. Introduce yourself to the hosts, sponsors, or organizers if you don't know anyone. Actively participate in conversations by asking questions and listening more than you speak.

Be Authentic and Strategic

Approach interactions with authenticity and a genuine interest in others. Showcase your expertise without being overly promotional. Be strategic in your approach, such as choosing a good table companion during meals or following interesting individuals into the room.

Follow Up

Networking doesn't end when the event is over. Be sure to follow up with people you connected with. Send personalized emails or messages thanking them for the meeting and expressing interest in future collaborations. Include something you learned about them from your conversation. Prompt follow-up shows professionalism and keeps the momentum going.

By attending networking events and following these tips, you can effectively expand your network and build meaningful connections within the Law Society.

Frequently asked questions