When should you apply to the SRA?
The SRA aims to decide within 90 days but can take up to 180, and the clock only starts once your application is complete. Choose your opening date and work back from it.
Why six months
The SRA's rules give it six months to decide a complete application, extendable once to nine. Its guidance for sole practitioners says a decision typically takes about three months. Planning for six leaves room for questions, and gaps in an application stop the clock until they're filled.
What the application asks for, the business plan and role holder approvals are explained in SRA authorisation for a new law firm. To budget for it, use the start-up cost calculator.
Sources
- SRA: Apply for authorisation of a new firm
- SRA: How we make our decision to authorise a firm
- SRA: Decision on authorisation and dormant firms
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