Does a training contract count as QWE?

Oct 25, 2024

Written By Nandini Jadeja

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?

Training contracts and QWE

The short answer is that yes, a training contract does count as Qualifying Work Experience, or ‘QWE’.

For a bit of background, the new requirements for qualifying as a solicitor mean that an individual needs to complete two years of QWE. Traditionally, this was done almost exclusively via the training contract, but now you can have up to 4 different ‘placements’ as part of your QWE.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) states that ‘QWE must involve providing legal services’. It can be paid or voluntary, with the SRA listing the following as suitable examples of QWE:

- A placement during a law degree

- Working in a law clinic

- At a voluntary or charitable organisation or a law centre

- Working as a paralegal on a training contract.

As you can see, this opens up what QWE consists of considerably

Will law firms accept my QWE?

It is important to note that many City law firms will want their associates to have done a training contract. This is because the training contract involves two years of full time work around different practice areas, while other forms of QWE (such as working in a law clinic) will not give solicitors exposure to the specific areas that a commercial law firm needs them to be exposed to. For that reason, you can complete your QWE, but a law firm may still ask you to do a training contract.

The best thing to do is to research what a firm’s QWE requirements are before you embark on your QWE journey, and then you can decide if doing a training contract alternative will suit you in the long term. If a firm requires that you do a training contract even after gaining two years of QWE, then you may want to consider just applying for a training contract directly, and saving two years of alternative QWE.

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Who decides when I sit my SQE exams?

Bear in mind that a firm will also usually decide when you sit SQE 1 and SQE 2 exams. If you choose to use other (non Training contract) placements for your QWE, then you will have more flexibility over when you sit your exams. Generally, they can be sat before or after QWE, though the SRA agrees that the skills you learn during your QWE will help prepare you for the SQE2 exam.

How do I fund my SQE?

Finally, a note on funding. If you complete different placements as part of your QWE, in many cases you will have to pay to sit the SQE exams yourself. The fees for SQE1 and 2 exams are:

- SQE1 - £1,622 (£1,798 from October 2023)

- SQE2 - £2,493 (£2,766 from October 2023)

You may also have to pay for SQE preparation courses if you are following a non-training contract QWE route.

The benefits of following the Training Contract QWE route are that the firm will usually cover your preparation course and exam fees, and you may also get a grant (the amount depends on the firm) to cover living expenses.

So, there are many advantages to pursuing a training contract for your QWE, especially if you know that you want to work in commercial law at a city law firm. However, if you do not know what area of law you want to pursue, the flexibility that the four placements can offer you may help you make a decision for your future career.

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