The Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) is a new postgraduate law course that will be introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) over the next few years. It will replace the LPC and GDL courses, and will be a “super-exam” for graduates seeking to qualify as solicitors. There are a few things to be aware of when it comes to the SQE - have a read of our advice about it in this section.
Becoming a solicitor in the United Kingdom is a path filled with rigorous academic and professional challenges, and at the heart of this journey is the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). The SQE is a pivotal assessment for individuals seeking to enter the legal profession, and it comprises multiple components, one of which is SQE2. This article aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the SQE2, shedding light on its purpose, structure, and how to prepare effectively.
According to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), all candidates looking to qualify through the SQE route will need to complete two years full time (or equivalent) qualifying work experience (QWE). QWE can be any type of legal work: paralegal work, law clinic work, volunteering and work placements. But, once you have completed QWE, how do you document it?
To help you prepare for the new SQE exams, a number of law firms are offering preparation courses. These allow you to learn more about what the exam involves, and gain access to valuable study resources. Although the courses are useful, they’re not for everyone, as this article will explain.
If you are worried about the SQE1 exams, it’s important to remember that you can resit them if you fail. However, there are limits as to how many times you can resit.
For many people, their work commitments, caring responsibilities or any other factors may mean that studying an in-person SQE course may not be the best option for their lifestyle. Thankfully, there are opportunities to study the SQE online, making the qualifications required to pursue a legal career more accessible to all.
As we transition to the SQE being the centralised route to qualifying as a solicitor, many students have questions regarding the options which they have for their career. Is the SQE a flexible route to qualification - does it allow for part-time study and how long does this actually take? This article will answer these questions and more.
Taking the SQE is by no means cheap, especially if you are self-funding it. Thus, you may want to know whether it is possible to work at the same time. Whatever the reason, working alongside your studies is a viable option, with many potential benefits.
One fear that many have about the new SQE qualifying route is that it is made up of exams, and many people naturally struggle with test-taking. If you are in this position, you may be wondering if it is possible to fail the SQE and what happens in this scenario.
Despite SQE being a necessary part of your journey to qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales, it is not offered for free. Therefore, it is important to consider the methods that will work best for you to cover these costs. Luckily, there are several options that can be used either separately or alongside with each other to alleviate some of the cost.
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is a high stakes exam, where its success or failure will ultimately make or break your career plans of becoming a qualified solicitor in England and Wales.
Becoming a solicitor through the new SQE requires four elements. A degree or equivalent, passing the SQE1 and SQE2 exams, completing two years qualifying work experience (QWE) and meeting the character and suitability requirements . This new route makes the pathway into becoming a solicitor more accessible than the LPC route, which required you to obtain a training contract.
SQE2 is the final set of exams you need to complete on your journey to becoming a solicitor. Once you pass the exam, you can apply to be admitted to the roll of solicitors. However, you may be surprised to know you do not have to carry out your training contract or work experience before the SQE2.
One of the main benefits of the new SQE route to qualification is that you no longer need to do a training contract. Previously, you would need to have applied for training contracts two years before if you were studying law, or three years if you are a non-law student. Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) is extremely flexible, so it can be completed anytime before you apply for qualification as a solicitor.
The SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination) consists of four main elements. These include: holding an undergraduate degree or equivalent in any subject. passing the exams SQE1 and SQE2, completing two years of qualifying work experience (QWE) and the character and suitability assessment. Unlike the LPC however, QWE doesn’t need to be a training contract.
With the introduction of the SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Exams) and QWE (Qualifying Work Experience), there is much greater flexibility in the way students can now qualify as solicitors in England and Wales. However, as we are still getting used to this novel route to qualification, many students still have questions. So, does a job as a legal assistant count as qualifying work experience?
The introduction of the SQE has meant that there are now multiple routes to qualifying as a solicitor. While this has certainly meant more options for aspiring solicitors, what does this mean for the training contract, and does it count as part of the new ‘Qualifying Work Experience’ requirement?
The framework of the new Solicitor’s Qualification Examination (SQE) has been designed to allow candidates flexibility and autonomy when choosing how to qualify as a solicitor, as many different roles, jobs and experiences qualify as QWE. Among the various roles in which you can choose to use as QWE, a common option is working as a paralegal.
The replacement of the training contract requirements with Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) as part of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam means that becoming a solicitor is now becoming more accessible. QWE can be any sort of legal work, regardless of whether it is paid or voluntary work.
The change from the LPC to the SQE has left many students wondering what their final year of law studies might look like. But, how difficult really is the SQE? The SQE exams are made up of two core assessments: SQE1 and SQE2. Their content is outlined below:
The QLTS (qualified lawyers transfer scheme) allows lawyers qualified abroad to practise in the UK. Booking the QLTS exam is relatively straightforward, as long as you know where to look. By following the subsequent instructions, you will be able to book your next QLTS exam online. However, the QLTS is currently being phased out, to be replaced by the SQE.
The Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS) gave foreign lawyers the right to practise law in England and Wales, however it has now been replaced by the SQE exams. Read on to learn more about this transition.
One of the non-negotiable hurdles to jump over in the pursuit of becoming a solicitor is passing the SQE. But passing the assessment is not the only challenge – funding the SQE can be pretty expensive as well.
Since the Solicitors Regulation Authority announced the new route to qualify as a solicitor, the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE), there has been a lot of buzz and confusion amongst aspiring solicitors. What does the SQE entail and what do you need to do now to become a solicitor?
Since SQE is a relatively new exam, there is a lot of uncertainty around what exactly will be expected from those who sit the assessments and how difficult it will be. It is important not to worry about how difficult others have found the exam, but to instead apply yourself to your studies and make sure that you are preparing as best you can, so that you receive a grade that accurately represents your abilities and knowledge.
To help you prepare for the new SQE, many law schools are offering prep courses. The courses are designed specifically for the new SQE exam, however they aren’t mandatory. Read on to find out how long prep courses are and whether we think you should take one.
If you are taking SQE1 soon, knowing the time constraints can make it easier for you to prepare when going through sample questions, to ensure that you are working quickly but accurately.
If you are planning on taking the SQE2, it’s a good idea to know how long the exam will last, so you can practice with time constraints. The exam is split into two parts, oral and written.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) supports those looking to qualify as a solicitor. They see integrity and character just as important as academic qualifications when assessing your suitability for a legal career. In this article, you’ll learn more about the screening process and how long you can expect it to take.
As a relatively new qualification, the ‘Solicitors Qualifying Exam’, or SQE, is still a subject which many students have questions about. Here, we take you through how many times you can sit the SQE, and how retaking the exam(s) works.
The Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS) is a conversion scheme allowing qualified lawyers from abroad to become solicitors in England and Wales. There are many costs associated with this test, as well as with its replacement, the SQE.
If you are planning to take the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) soon, you may be interested to know how much it will cost. In fact, you will be pleasantly surprised to find out that the cost is far lower than the LPC and/or the PGDL
SQE2 is the final step in your journey to becoming a qualified solicitor. Unlike the previous LPC and law conversion courses, which could cost up to £17,000, the SQE2 is relatively cheap.
Costs for the SQE have been revealed! Find out how much it cost when it is first introduced in autumn 2021.
Since the SRA announced the commencement of a new qualifying route for trainee solicitors, the Solicitors Qualifying Exams (SQE), there has been an ongoing debate as to whether aspiring solicitors and law firms should adopt the new system or remain with the tried and trusted Legal Practice Course (LPC) for as long as possible. This article will provide a comprehensive guide of options and practical advice so you can make an informed decision on which route is for you.
There are a variety of different ways to prepare ahead of sitting SQE1, whichever option you choose depends on the amount of law you have studied beforehand, and on your budget.
If you are planning on taking SQE2, you might be unsure as to how to prepare after taking SQE1. The exam is very new, meaning you can’t rely on other people’s experiences. Despite this, there are still quite a few resources available and ways you can study.
The planning and preparation to become a solicitor from 2021 and beyond will look differently than it has in recent years, with the upcoming implementation of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).
So if you’ve reached this article, you’ll perhaps know by now that the SQE is set to replace the GDL and LPC in autumn 2021. But what exactly are the differences between the two routes?
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has begun reforming the way in which solicitors in England and Wales can qualify. As part of the reforms, we have seen the introduction of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). This has caused some confusion as the idea of the training contract is well established and respected, and many firms plan to keep using it to train new talent. So, is QWE really the same as a training contract?
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is a new assessment-based route to qualification, which replaces the Legal Practice Course (LPC) The SQE by itself is not recognised as a master's degree that you might do in another subject. However, you can choose to undertake a master’s-level course to prepare for the exams, and there are a few advantages to doing so.
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the new standard exam that will be completed by all those training for the legal profession, whatever their academic background. It will be progressively phased in from Autumn 2021.
Many Welsh speakers campaigned for the SQE exam to be available in their language, given that students taking the LPC are allowed to sit their exams in it. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) initially rejected the proposal on the basis that translating the exam would be too expensive. However, following extensive campaigns and conversations with the Welsh government, the SQE is now being made available in Welsh in a phased implementation. We are part of the way through this process. See below for more details...
One of the reasons why the SQE was introduced was the fact that the previous route was very expensive, as you would have to pay for the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and sometimes the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). The new SQE route is a lot cheaper.
It’s important to remember that there’s no right way to become a solicitor, and there are a variety of different pathways you can take. In this article, you’ll learn about how you can become a solicitor by doing an apprenticeship, and the advantages and disadvantages of doing so.
Deciding whether to proceed with the LPC or the SQE is an important step on the path to becoming a solicitor. You might be tempted to think that the SQE is simply an updated version of the LPC but there are significant differences. Both options have their own merits, so understanding their differences is key to making an informed decision.
One of the most liberating things about the SQE is the way that it opens up differing pathways into being a solicitor. The thing with standardised qualifications is that they mean you can get to the point of entry in any way you like, so long as you conform to the requirements. We take a quick look at some of the options.
Introduced on 1 September 2021, the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the new path to qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales. As part of this change, candidates are required to undertake ‘Qualifying Work Experience’ (QWE), which involves two years of legal work experience. QWE replaces the LPC/ training contract route that many students will be familiar with. So, what has changed and how can the QWE component be completed?
The Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) is now being phased in as the new route to qualification, and is set to replace the Legal Practice Course (LPC) by 2032. One of the best things about the new route is that you don’t have to secure a training offer from a law firm in order to qualify. This will be reassuring news to many aspiring lawyers, given how much competition there is for a limited number of training contract places.
The SQE exams were designed to replace the GDL/LPC methods of qualifying as a solicitor. The SQE is the cheaper option, with the two sets of assessments totalling £4,564, compared to the £10,000+ required for both the law conversion course and the LPC. However, the cost of the SQE can quickly add up with the preparation courses offered for each exam. If you are interested in self-studying for the exams, here’s what you should know.
At the moment, there is an option for students to complete the LPC and qualify via the traditional route, or wait an (indefinite) amount of time until the SQE is launched. If you’re wondering what to do, this article might be of use.
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) stands as a pivotal benchmark in the journey to becoming a solicitor in the United Kingdom. Introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), it has transformed the legal education and qualification landscape. This comprehensive guide serves as a roadmap for aspiring solicitors, providing insights into the SQE's format, content and effective preparation strategies.
For anyone who is planning on taking the SQE, one of the requirements of the programme is to complete two years full-time qualifying work experience (QWE). QWE will help provide aspiring solicitors with hands-on experience in a legal environment. Organising QWE can be a daunting task, but with a little bit of planning and organisation, it is definitely possible for you to make the most of your time. Here are some of the key tips on how you can organise your QWE.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has created more options for aspiring solicitors to gain the experience required to qualify. But, what are these options, and how can you navigate them? Read on to find out.
The introduction of the SQE has left many students wondering whether it is still worth pursuing the traditional LPC (Legal Practice Course), or if it is worth choosing the new SQE (Solicitors’ Qualifying Examination) instead. This article will discuss the main differences between the two courses, including aspects such as the cost, time and assessment structure.
For wannabe solicitors, news about the SQE has been a long time coming. And while the first students are yet to begin the new route to qualification, the SRA has released some information about what the new exam will look like.
Put succinctly, a legal apprenticeship programme is a way to eventually become a solicitor without a obtaining university degree. At the end of the process, you can qualify as a solicitor. You earn while you learn, and although salaries are typically lower initially, about 80% of your experience involves on-the-job training, which offers certain advantages over students who qualify through the traditional route.
The introduction of the SQE has led to numerous questions and confusion. In order to dispel these, we are here to answer your queries and inform you what counts towards the SQE qualification criteria. This will ensure you know what exactly is required in order for you to successfully qualify as a solicitor.
The SQE, or Solicitors Qualifying Exam, is a new procedure for qualifying as a solicitor that will commence in September 2021. This new system raises issues that are of special concern for international students studying in the UK, or who intend to study in the UK.
Just 51% of candidates passed the recent SQE1 exam, giving this new route to qualification a reputation for being much harder than the previous LPC. Most people continue to attribute the low pass rates of the exam to its novelty, but this article will aim to uncover the real reasons behind the difficulties of the SQE. Fully understanding the SQE is important for all future lawyers as the LPC is being phased out and the SQE will soon become the only route to professional qualification.
The Solicitor Qualifying Examination was recently introduced by the SRA to replace the existing Legal Practising Course (LPC). All students who began their Qualifying Law Degree after September 2020 will only be eligible to take the SQE route to qualifying as a solicitor. This article will lay out a comprehensive explanation of both the SQE1 and SQE2 examinations, so that you can go into the next stage of your legal journey fully informed about the content and implications of this new stage.
The Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) is a course that has, at times, prompted more questions than answers. What is it? When will it be introduced? And what about all of the LPC and GDL students out there? Until the SQE launches, we’ll be bringing you all of the SQE updates, as and when they happen—so keep an eye on this page.
Part of the new process to become a qualified solicitor in England and Wales is completing two years’ qualifying work experience. The following article aims to demystify the requirements and the expectations of this work experience, and explain the different routes that may be taken.
Once you have passed both of the SQE exams and finished your two years of qualifying work experience, you will be able to apply for admission to the roll of solicitors. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) requires all potential solicitors to be of proper 'character and suitability', and screens them to ensure that they fit this role. This article will explain what this means and how it might affect you.
With the introduction of the SQE, the requirement to complete courses like the LPC and the GDL is no more. However, many law schools are offering preparation courses to prepare students for these exams. Read on to find out about what these courses involve and what the entry requirements are.
Competence – or capability – is required of all solicitors. Of course, it seems obvious that lawyers should have the skills and knowledge needed to provide accurate legal advice. However, competence is also important for ensuring that legal services are of a high quality and meet the requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
To ensure that you are suitable for a career as a lawyer, you’ll need to complete a screening process before you can qualify. In this article, you’ll learn about what the screening process involves and whether your background may bar you from becoming a solicitor.
The SQE exams are set to replace the LPC/GDL route to qualifying as a solicitor. One of the main differences between the two methods is that you no longer have to secure a training contract, instead any kind of legal work experience will now count towards qualification. This was designed to make the process fairer for those who have already done a bit of work experience, for example paralegals or apprentices.
As the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) replaces the Legal Practice Course (LPC) as the route to qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales, it is important to understand what exactly this new route consists of. One of the biggest changes is the new work experience requirements. Instead of securing a training contract you can now use a specific type of legal work experience, known as qualifying work experience, to qualify as a solicitor.
SQE1 is the first exam of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), which was designed to replace the Legal Practice Course and the Graduate Diploma in Law.
The SQE2 exam is the final exam that aspiring solicitors must pass as part of the new Solicitors Qualifying Examination.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has created a dedicated section to provide updates about the SQE. Here, we outline some of the main points and latest developments.
The SQE route to qualification has been dubbed the ‘super exam’, as it is made up of two sets of assessments, SQE1 and SQE2. The SQE1 will be the first exams to be taken, and should take place after you finish your law degree or any preparation courses.
The second part of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination is known as SQE2, and you will need to pass both sections to be able to apply to become a solicitor. Once you have passed the SQE2 exams and completed your Qualifying Work Experience, you can apply to become a recognised solicitor with the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
As of September 2021, the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) has replaced the Legal Practice Course (LPC) as one of the key stages of becoming a solicitor. While the LPC contained a formal education element, the SQE does not. However, there are a variety of organisations offering preparation courses to help candidates acquire the knowledge and skills required to pass the SQE. So, how do you choose the best SQE preparation course for you?
The first-ever SQE1 exam results were released on 20 January 2022 and only 53% of candidates passed. You might be surprised to hear that about half of those that took the £1,588 exam failed, which equates to around £800,000 in wasted exam fees.
Put simply, the SQE stands for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination. It is the culmination of the consultations and reviews of the Training for Tomorrow programme – an assessment, standardised, which all solicitors will be required to take before they are accepted as qualified. Unless you accepted your training (PGDL/CPE, LPC, training contract or a law degree) by 1st September 2021, you will need to take the SQE to become a solicitor.
The SQE1 is the first part of the SQE exam and aims to assess what is known as functioning legal knowledge. The exam is given in the form of computerised multiple choice questions at an assessment centre. It is divided into two parts - FLK1 and FLK2.
SQE2 is the second and last part of the SQE superexam, meaning you will be able to apply for qualification once you pass the exam. It has two parts, an oral section and a written section.
Understandably, you'll need to complete SQE1 before SQE2, but how and when should you fit in the other elements of the SQE?
Of course, you'll need to complete SQE2 after you have passed SQE1, but how and when should you fit in the other elements of the SQE?
Completing SQE1 is an important first step of becoming a solicitor. Here’s everything you need to know about the booking process:
To ensure that the public can be confident that their lawyers are suitable for the job, you’ll need to complete a screening process before you can qualify as a lawyer. In this article, you’ll find out about when you’ll begin the screening process, what it involves, and what to do if you have a criminal record.
Many of you will be wondering when the Solicitors Qualifying Examination will be brought into play. Here, we’ll keep you updated with the key start times, as and when they get announced.
You are probably aware that the SQE was brought in recently to replace the old solicitors’ qualification routes, the GDL and the LPC. Something you may be more unsure about is why the SQE was introduced in the first place, as learning about all the changes can be very confusing. In short, the exam was introduced to make becoming a solicitor more accessible.
The SRA recently introduced a new method - the SQE - for qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales, which will soon overturn the existing Legal Practising Course (LPC). While some questions have been asked about the SQE’s academic rigour, the recent pass rates, which are notably lower than the LPC pass rates, show that if you have a choice between the two, the SQE should not be seen as the easy option.
The SQE is taking the legal world a while to get its head around. With the change in exam style questions and the timing of exams, students need to learn what is expected of them on the course. But, funding is also a huge element that needs to be considered. So, what has the SQE meant in terms of how students can fund the course?
One of the more talked-about aspects of the new Solicitors’ Qualifying Exam (SQE) is that it will allow paralegals or others working within law firms to use ‘equivalent means’ – on-the-job experience - to qualify as a solicitor.