What to expect if disclosing a suitability issue

19 December 2024

When applying to be admitted as a solicitor, you must disclose any issues covered by our Assessment of Character and Suitability Rules. This includes matters identified in your background screening.

Providing information with your application

You will need to upload evidence as part of your application for admission to the roll.

If you do not give us the information needed within the time limits we set, your incomplete application will be closed.

Take a look at what evidence you will need.

What to expect after submitting your application

We will check that you are eligible to apply for admission and review the supporting evidence provided. We will contact you within four to six weeks to request any missing information.

When to expect a decision

We aim to decide within six months of receiving a completed application, but we will usually decide sooner than this. We will keep you updated of when to expect your decision.

Refusal

If we are considering the refusal of your application, you will be given an opportunity to respond to any draft decision or report before a decision is made. You can withdraw your application at any time before we decide.

If your application is refused, you will have 28 days to apply for a review of the decision.

Following a refusal of an application, you may only make another one where there has been a material change in your circumstances relevant to your application.

If you are not satisfied with our decision, you have a statutory right of appeal to the High Court.