Vital change or blocking the best? Law society warns SRA on new exam.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s proposed plans for one ‘super-exam’ for all solicitors has been brought under scrutiny from The Law Society, who have suggested that there is the possibility of a diluting of standards with any changes from the existing model.

Whilst the Society has backed a policy of centralised assessment, it has made it exceptionally clear that unless the standard is set to an appropriate level, they will not be approving such a move – as it would damage the positions of British-trained lawyers both in the UK and abroad.

President of The Law Society, Jonathan Smithers, stated that: ‘We are not convinced the SRA’s plans will result in standards being maintained and we know that many in the profession feel the same way.’

Although the SRA has stated that the planned new assessments will be at a degree standard, the fact that there is no need for a supporting degree-level course, such as a law degree or an apprenticeship-based accreditation, have set alarm bells ringing across much of the sector.

The feeling remains that the removal of these standards of quality within the industry could result in the jeopardisation of the position and standing of the solicitor qualification, especially on an international stage.

Furthermore, the SRA are yet to fully commit to a period of pre-qualification work in relation to their examination, and has not highlighted what this would entail. Smithers added that the society ‘believes work-based learning is essential and must take place in a legal environment, under the supervision of a solicitor, for a substantial period of two years.’

There is no formal opposition to centralised assessment as yet, but the Society has called for the full details of the SRA’s proposals to be made public, so that they can be scrutinised fully and their implications on future solicitors considered, in order that the aims proposed can be achieved. 

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