To work in a position of significant trust and influence as a lawyer or solicitor, you will need to take a standard DBS check.
DBS checks are statutory criminal record checks operating under the terms of the 1974 Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. The purpose of these checks is to ensure only those suitable are employed in frontline positions in the UK.
A standard DBS check for a lawyer or solicitor will verify whether you have any unspent or spent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings in existence on the Police National Computer.
DBS checks are required by regulatory authorities across the legal sector, including the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Throughout your career, you will have a duty to disclose any information which could compromise the integrity of your role.
Your DBS check for a lawyer or solicitor will be administered by the Disclosure and Barring Service. If you live in Scotland, the search will be managed by Disclosure Scotland. Visit unlock.org.uk to find out more.
