Extending Training Contract SRA: What You Need to Know

If you’re a trainee solicitor in England or Wales, you’ll be familiar with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the rules that govern your training contract. One of the most important of these rules is the time limit on your training contract – you have two years to complete it. But what happens if you need more time? Can you extend your training contract SRA? In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of extending your training contract SRA.

Why Extend Your Training Contract?

There are a number of reasons why you may need to extend your training contract, including:

– Illness or injury: If you become ill or are injured during your training contract, you may need to take time off work. This can delay your training and mean you need more time to complete your contract.

– Mitigating circumstances: If there are exceptional circumstances that have impacted your training, such as a family bereavement, you may need more time to complete your contract.

– Change of firm: If you switch firms during your training contract, your new firm may want you to complete a longer training contract than the two years required by the SRA.

– Exams: If you fail any of your exams during your training contract, you may need to retake them, which could extend the length of your contract.

How to Extend Your Training Contract SRA

If you need to extend your training contract, you’ll need to follow the SRA’s guidelines. Here’s what you need to know:

– Speak to your employer: The first step is to talk to your employer and explain why you need to extend your contract. Your employer can then make an application to the SRA on your behalf.

– Apply to the SRA: Your employer will need to make an application to the SRA to extend your training contract. You’ll need to provide supporting evidence, such as a doctor’s note if you were ill or injured, or a letter explaining your mitigating circumstances.

– Pay the fee: There is a fee to extend your training contract, which is currently £102. Your employer will need to pay this fee when they make the application.

– Wait for a decision: The SRA will review your application and make a decision. They may grant your extension, but they could also refuse your application if they don’t believe your reasons for extending your contract are valid.

– Notify your training principal: If your extension is granted, your training principal will need to be informed. They will then update your training plan to reflect the new end date of your contract.

It’s important to note that the SRA will only grant extensions in exceptional circumstances. If you’re thinking about extending your training contract, it’s important to speak to your employer as soon as possible and provide as much supporting evidence as you can.

In Closing

Extending your training contract SRA isn’t something to be taken lightly – there are strict guidelines and procedures that must be followed. However, if you’re in a situation where you need more time to complete your training contract, it’s important to know that there is a process in place. Speak to your employer and the SRA, provide as much evidence as you can, and if your application is successful, make sure your training plan is updated to reflect the new end date of your contract.