Frequently asked
Who can still qualify via Equivalent Means?
Equivalent Means is part of the Legal Practice Course (LPC) route, which is gradually closing (applicants have until 31 December 2032 to apply for admission via this route). Eligibility turns on the Solicitors Regulation Authority's (SRA) transitional arrangements - here's what they mean in practice.
In short - if you started a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) in September 2022 or later, the Equivalent Means route is not available to you. You must qualify through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), alongside qualifying experience such as a training contract, in-house scheme or solicitor apprenticeship. Anyone qualifying via the LPC route, including Equivalent Mean, must be admitted by 31 December 2032. The information below explains the limited exceptions and edge cases.
Eligibility under the transitional arrangements
What Equivalent Means actually exempts
Equivalent Means vs SQE — making the call
Process & timing
Still have questions?
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, book a call with the team and we'll talk it through together.
Book a callGuidance only - not regulated legal advice. Sources: SRA, Equivalent Means information pack (updated 25 October 2023) and Becoming a solicitor with the Legal Practice Course (transitional requirements) (updated 25 November 2025). Always verify against the current SRA published versions before relying on this information.