Does paralegal work count as QWE?

Apr 02, 2023

Written By Panashe Nyadundu

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.

SRA QWE Guidelines

The SRA sets out questions which act as a guideline as to whether the work you carry out is classified as qualifying work experience. Working as a paralegal in a law firm or in house will more than likely mean you answer yes to the following questions.

- Does or did your job, role or experience involve providing legal services? The Legal Services Act 2007 (s. 12) defines legal activity.

- Does or did your job, role or experience involve real life legal services provision rather than stimulated legal services provision?

- Have you been exposed to at least two competences in the Statement of Solicitor Competence?

- Has or will your job, role or experience be carried out in no more than four organisations?

- Has or will your job, role or experience be at least two years' full time or equivalent? We will not prescribe what full time (or equivalent) means.

- Has or will your job, role or experience be confirmed by a solicitor or Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP)?

Working As a Paralegal

As a standard paralegal job meets the above requirements, it is safe to say that completing work within this role will meet the SRA’s QWE guidelines.

Candidates interested in satisfying the QWE requirements with paralegal work will need to work for a minimum of two years full-time (or part-time equivalent). They will also need to develop a minimum of two solicitor competences (i.e acting honestly and with integrity, undertaking legal research, communicating clearly and effectively), and have their work signed off by a solicitor qualified in England and Wales.

Bear in mind that your paralegal work doesn’t have to encompass the entirety of your QWE. You can work at a maximum of four legal organisations, including legal clinics and law centres.

Should I do my QWE before or after the SQE exams?

There’s no set rule, you can do the exams before, during or after your QWE. Some things to keep in mind include:

- Will my employer cover the costs of my exams?

- How will I cover general living expenses/SQE exam fees and prep?

- Will my QWE help me pass SQE2, given that SQE2 focuses on practical skills?

- How are my time management skills?

- Will I be able to balance studying and working?

- Do I want to take an SQE prep course?

SQE