To be a successful solicitor you need more than excellent legal knowledge. You must also develop the soft skills you need in your day-to-day work.
SRA core competencies
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) uses continuing competence to make sure solicitors can do their jobs to the standard expected of them.
The SRA lists four core competencies for you to focus on:
- ethics, professionalism and judgement
- technical legal practice
- working with other people
- managing yourself and your own work
The SRA’s competence statement helps you meet the continuing competence requirement.
It recognises the importance of soft skills, such as how to:
- interact with colleagues
- build and maintain strong relationships with clients
- work effectively as part of a team
You’ll find resources below to help you learn, develop and improve skills like these.
The threshold standard sets the minimum level of competence needed for solicitors to continue to practise. This is set at level three, which is also the standard at which someone qualifying as a solicitor would be expected to perform.
Resources
Continuing competence guidance – our guidance on complying with the SRA’s requirements
Career companion resources – sign up for workshops and skills sessions, and access our online career zone
Publications
Smarter Legal Marketing – how to market yourself for work and career development
Webinars
Communication and assertiveness
Improve your presentation and public speaking skills
What does continuing competence mean?
