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SRA scheme threatens end of training contracts

15 September 2008

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Husnara Begum

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has unveiled its long-awaited work-based learning pilot, which may result in the abolition of training contracts.


The regulator is piloting two separate models. The first, which is expected to generate the most controversy, will enable paralegals to qualify as solicitors while working in their current roles. The paralegals will take responsibility for their own training and development and will be assessed externally by Nottingham Law School.

The second model being piloted will work similarly to the training contract, but qualification as a solicitor will no longer be automatic, with trainees being subject to more rigorous assessment criteria.

Tim Pierce, development manager at SRA Education & Training, said: “This is an experiment so we can’t ­predict what will happen, but there’s no question of creating a two-tier system. We want to improve standards while at the same time creating greater flexibility.”

Firms participating in the pilot include Beachcroft, Freeth Cartwright, Jones Day and Linklaters. The new structure is expected to be rolled out in 2011.

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Readers' comments (4)

  • Kurian Abraham | 15-Sep-2008 5:33 pm

    Solicitor training contracts.

    This latest proposal from the SRA simply confuses the issue. Already the battle to secure a training contract is hard enough, now they are thinking of introducing a work based scheme?

    Surely, applicants are assessed both before starting their training contract and while doing it. So why bother with this take on anyone attitude?

    This would flood the market with even more graduates, making it even more difficult to apply for places. With the current system, those who do not yet have training contracts secured can still apply for other roles and perhaps work their way up towards becoming a solicitor.

    SRA's proposal changes nothing. Also, the ILEX system already has a work based training scheme.

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  • Trisha | 16-Sep-2008 10:47 am

    Excellent idea!

    BVC students can already work as paralegals for 2 years and do the QLTT's Professional Conduct and Accounts exam and be admitted to the roll of Solicitors. What difference does this new proposal make? Just the fact that we are now going to have to pay external providers like Nottingham Law School to assess our paralegal work as well. Definitely fairer than a training contract or pupillage, which only really gets offered to Oxbridge graduates who most of the time have book knowledge but not practical skills.

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  • Anonymous | 16-Sep-2008 12:01 pm

    Brilliant idea

    Training contracts are such a waste of time. The idea that someone can become qualified just be sitting it out for two years is completely against ensuring a good standard of legal service. Trainees should be assessed for certain skills during their training contracts as well as at law school. It so much fairer to judge people on the basis of their skills and not length of time in the job. I only wish it had been introduced in time for me!

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  • Hopeful trainee | 16-Sep-2008 12:07 pm

    Out with the LPC

    In that case we should just scrap the LPC altogether!

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