Can you be a “Trainee Solicitor” if you have technically already qualified through the SQE?

[Rachel123]

Hi!

I am currently a trainee solicitor and I have completed the SQE exams. Because of my previous experiences, I have enough qualifying work experience to send everything off now and ‘qualify’. However, I still want to complete my training contract for the experience. I just would like to have it all signed-off so that my “qualification year” on the SRA roll is a bit earlier in case that is helpful to me further down the line.

Does anyone know if it is ok to technically be a “qualified solicitor” on the SRA roll, whilst holding a “trainee solicitor” position? My firm has not seen this situation before.

Thank you in advance!!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi!

I am currently a trainee solicitor and I have completed the SQE exams. Because of my previous experiences, I have enough qualifying work experience to send everything off now and ‘qualify’. However, I still want to complete my training contract for the experience. I just would like to have it all signed-off so that my “qualification year” on the SRA roll is a bit earlier in case that is helpful to me further down the line.

Does anyone know if it is ok to technically be a “qualified solicitor” on the SRA roll, whilst holding a “trainee solicitor” position? My firm has not seen this situation before.

Thank you in advance!!

It’s not an issue to do this if your firm is happy for this to happen.

 

[Rachel123]

Thank you for getting back to me Jessica!