SRA Handbook

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Version 8 of the Handbook was published on 01/10/2013. For more information, please click 'History' Above

Part 3: Rights from previous professional status

Regulation 5: Qualification gained in a European jurisdiction

5.1

You may apply for a qualification to exercise rights of audience in all proceedings in the higher courts if you are an REL or a lawyer to whom Directive 2005/36 applies.

5.2

Each application will be considered by us on its merits and we may require you to undertake such steps as we may specify in order to gain the qualification.

Regulation 6: Conversion provisions for barristers

6.1

In accordance with paragraph 86 of Schedule 21 of the LSA, a barrister with existing higher rights of audience will automatically be awarded the solicitors' higher rights of audience when applying to the roll.

Guidance note

(i)

You will be required to declare when applying to be admitted to the roll that you were formerly a barrister with higher rights of audience and that you have no disciplinary proceedings in progress against you.

(ii)

You may not undertake criminal advocacy unless you are accredited under the SRA QASA Regulations . If you have qualified as a solicitor under the QLTSR on the basis of being a barrister you will be entitled to bring your QASA accreditation level with you .

Regulation 7: Conversion provision for RELs

7.1

If you are an REL who is granted a qualification listed in regulation 3.1, you shall keep that qualification upon being admitted as a solicitor.