SRA approves first applicants via 'paralegal shortcut'

The SRA has received 29 applications to qualify as a solicitor through its equivalent means (EM) provision - dubbed the paralegal shortcut - and has already approved four applicants.

EM, introduced by the SRA in July of last year, allows paralegals who have passed their legal practice course (LPC) to qualify as a solicitor, providing they have sufficient experience.

Carol Cook, policy manager of education and regulation at the SRA, confirmed that four people have satisfied the training requirements under the provision and so are eligible to seek admission to the profession. This means they are equivalent to a candidate who has finished their training contract but has not been given a position as a newly-qualified solicitor thereafter.

Cook also confirmed that of the 29 applications received, five have been withdrawn and 20 were pending.

Discussing the process of qualifying via EM, Cook said: "We carry out an initial check on applications to see if we can provide guidance on overall quality and whether they might need additional detail or evidence. The applicant can make further representations on the detailed assessment of their application before we make a final decision. It's a tough process, but it's fair and transparent."

The SRA rebranded training contracts as 'periods of recognised training' (PRT) on 1 July 2014, under which qualifying by EM falls. The provision received a mixed response from the industry. The Junior Lawyers Division, said it would present a huge success for its membership, a large number of which are made up of LPC graduates struggling to obtain training contracts.

However, many have been hesitant over how EM will be tested and qualification granted - something Cook has discussed in more detail.

"To benefit fully from this, LPC graduates working as paralegals should plan now for future applications. They need to think about evidence to support their application, work with their employers to set objectives and development needs that meet training stage outcomes, plan their work, keep a diary, and keep records of appraisals and performance reviews.

"While the education and training community has been slow to respond to this provision, employers are seeing the potential. Paralegals are essential and highly-valued, but employers have not been able to offer formal training. Equivalent means could be an excellent development tool for them."

Cook's comment will appear in full in the upcoming cover story 'Young lawyers want a say on their future', authored by Young Legal Aid Lawyer committee member Camilla Graham Wood.

Laura Clenshaw is managing editor of Solicitors Journal

editorial@solicitorsjournal.co.uk | @L_Clenshaw