How to join
Before you can join the Law Society, you must apply to be registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
This register is known as the roll of solicitors in England and Wales. It entitles you to practise as a solicitor.
Once you’re admitted to the roll, you’ll automatically become a member of the Law Society.
Admission to the roll of solicitors
To apply for admission, you must have:
- complied with the SRA Training Regulations
- passed the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE)
- a satisfactory standard disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service
Pre-admission screening
Eight weeks before the end of your training, the SRA will contact you to arrange pre-admission screening. This helps to assess your character and suitability to be a solicitor.
It includes checks on:
- your identity
- your finance
- whether you have a criminal record
Read the SRA's information about screening
Apply for admission
Once you have your screening results you can apply for admission on the SRA website.
Apply for admission to the roll
Read the SRA’s information about routes to admission.
You can only apply for your first practising certificate once you have been admitted to the roll.
Admissions ceremony
The admissions ceremony is a unique opportunity to celebrate entering the solicitor profession and to acknowledge friends and family who have supported you on the way.
Ceremonies take place at the Law Society in London. Places are limited so book early.
Resources
Find out what the Law Society does
Our Junior Solicitors Network offers a range of services for students, trainees and newly qualified lawyers.