Pre-qualification Disciplinary Processes

Discipline can be applied to those who are not qualified, for example, students. This kind of discipline is based on assumptions about character. It assumes that people can behave in such a way that indicates unsuitability for a profession before they even begin education and training.

The SRA Training Regulations provide that the SRA can impose a number of sanc­tions when it is not satisfied as to the character and suitability of a potential entrant to become a solicitor.⁴⁸ These include cancelling the student’s enrolment, prohibiting entry into a training contract, refusing to register a training contract, terminating a training contract, prohibiting attendance at a Legal Practice Course (LPC) and prohibiting attendance at a Professional Skills Course (PSC). The regulations provide rights of review, including the right to appeal to the High Court within three months of receiving notification of the decision.⁴⁹

VI.