Future trainee with recent driving conviction

[Aspiring_City_Solicitor]

Hi all,

I have recently been charged with being in charge of a vehicle while unfit to drive through drink and am due to appear in the Magistrates' court within the next couple of weeks. I am expecting either 10 penalty points or a driving ban.

I am currently studying for the SQE and hold a training contract with a City firm, which I am due to commence in September 2026. I want to be clear that I fully accept responsibility for my actions, and recognise the seriousness of the offence as well as the potential risks posed to other road users. While I was under significant pressure at the time due to the SQE exams, I do not consider this to be in any way an excuse for my reckless behaviour. I am so disappointed in myself, given the privileged position I am in to have a TC and be sponsored by my firm to sit the SQE.

When I was 17 I was also convicted of a drink-driving offence. Whilst this is spent, I disclosed this when applying for transparency. These incidents are entirely out of character for me, and are lapses of judgment made in moments of stress, mental anguish and foolishness. I have abstained from alcohol and will continue to do so.

I would be really grateful for any guidance on the following:

1. I will disclose the recent driving offence to my future employer immediately following my court hearing. However, I am concerned that my TC will be rescinded. Is this a strong likelihood?
   
   
2. How will the SRA view this in the context of character and suitability, and what steps I can take now to mitigate any adverse findings? Should I get in contact with the SRA, or ask my employer for some advice (provided they do not rescind my TC)?

Thank you so much.

 

[JohnDCurrie]

Hi all,

I have recently been charged with being in charge of a vehicle while unfit to drive through drink and am due to appear in the Magistrates' court within the next couple of weeks. I am expecting either 10 penalty points or a driving ban.

I am currently studying for the SQE and hold a training contract with a City firm, which I am due to commence in September 2026. I want to be clear that I fully accept responsibility for my actions, and recognise the seriousness of the offence as well as the potential risks posed to other road users. While I was under significant pressure at the time due to the SQE exams, I do not consider this to be in any way an excuse for my reckless behaviour. I am so disappointed in myself, given the privileged position I am in to have a TC and be sponsored by my firm to sit the SQE.

When I was 17 I was also convicted of a drink-driving offence. Whilst this is spent, I disclosed this when applying for transparency. These incidents are entirely out of character for me, and are lapses of judgment made in moments of stress, mental anguish and foolishness. I have abstained from alcohol and will continue to do so.

I would be really grateful for any guidance on the following:

1. I will disclose the recent driving offence to my future employer immediately following my court hearing. However, I am concerned that my TC will be rescinded. Is this a strong likelihood?
   
   
2. How will the SRA view this in the context of character and suitability, and what steps I can take now to mitigate any adverse findings? Should I get in contact with the SRA, or ask my employer for some advice (provided they do not rescind my TC)?

Thank you so much.

It’s great that you're taking responsibility. Transparency is key.

 

[Alison C]

Hi all,

I have recently been charged with being in charge of a vehicle while unfit to drive through drink and am due to appear in the Magistrates' court within the next couple of weeks. I am expecting either 10 penalty points or a driving ban.

I am currently studying for the SQE and hold a training contract with a City firm, which I am due to commence in September 2026. I want to be clear that I fully accept responsibility for my actions, and recognise the seriousness of the offence as well as the potential risks posed to other road users. While I was under significant pressure at the time due to the SQE exams, I do not consider this to be in any way an excuse for my reckless behaviour. I am so disappointed in myself, given the privileged position I am in to have a TC and be sponsored by my firm to sit the SQE.

When I was 17 I was also convicted of a drink-driving offence. Whilst this is spent, I disclosed this when applying for transparency. These incidents are entirely out of character for me, and are lapses of judgment made in moments of stress, mental anguish and foolishness. I have abstained from alcohol and will continue to do so.

I would be really grateful for any guidance on the following:

1. I will disclose the recent driving offence to my future employer immediately following my court hearing. However, I am concerned that my TC will be rescinded. Is this a strong likelihood?
   
   
2. How will the SRA view this in the context of character and suitability, and what steps I can take now to mitigate any adverse findings? Should I get in contact with the SRA, or ask my employer for some advice (provided they do not rescind my TC)?

Thank you so much.

I've only just seen this but I'm sorry of course.

I currently work in professional conduct investigations for a global accountancy regulator dealing with this type of case (amongst many others). For my employer, one of the key things is PROMPT notification. I really hope that you've told your employer about this as any delay just makes you more subject to difficulties. They are likely to have a policy, as will the SRA who are the real regulators here. The SRA's regulations will have a clause around prompt notification, but that may only be an issue when you apply for membership, and for a DBS if you need one.

I cannot overstate how important it is to be upfront and honest.

Professions such as law and accountancy hold honesty and integrity in the highest esteem, and so they should.

You may be able to call the SRA anonymously - eg my using a friend's phone - if that feels safer to you. But you need to act and you need to act fast. I am hoping you've already done this.

I've come across a number of people in the accountancy profession who have turned their lives around after incidents like this, and far worse (eg death by careless driving, which was desperately sad to read about). Learning and moving forward is the important thing.

And in your case, tackling the drinking.

Good luck.