How to Outsmart Your Peers on the SQE or LPC Debate

Sep 27, 2023

Written By Lewis Ogg

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.

Understanding the SQE

The SQE came into force in September 2021 as a means of phasing out the tried and tested LPC route. Currently, both paths are operating simultaneously, with anyone who began a law degree before September 2021 eligible for either route.

Unlike the LPC, the SQE is a centralised exam where a qualifying law degree is not necessary. Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) can be completed before, during, or after the SQE.

There is also far more flexibility in the cost of the SQE compared with the LPC. The cost of the two SQE exams combined is £4,564, with prep courses available too. In comparison, the LPC typically costs at least £8,000, but this figure can be significantly higher depending on where you are studying.

Several misconceptions have been circulating about the SQE exams, such as whether it’s too easy and whether law firms will prefer LPC students because of this. In terms of its rigour, the SRA introduced the exam specifically to create more standardisation, and, if anything, the slightly lower SQE pass rate (51% for SQE vs 57% LPC) would suggest the programme is equal to or more challenging than the LPC. In reality, firms are treating the LPC and SQE on a level playing field, and while it may still be a few years until the majority of training contracts are for SQE holders, it will soon be the rule rather than the exception.

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SQE vs LPC: Work Experience

In both cases, the requirement for becoming a solicitor is passing the relevant course/assessments in addition to two years of full-time Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). The main difference is that QWE allows for more flexibility with the opportunities you pursue. You can complete any sort of legal work: paralegal work, volunteering at a legal clinic, as long as it involves real-life cases. QWE can include previous work experience, work experience abroad, and can be made up of up to four different placements. However, all LPC students must complete a two-year training contract.

Another difference is that QWE can be completed before, during, or after passing the exams, while the LPC route requires the training contract to be completed after completion of the course.

SQE vs LPC: A Detailed Comparison

In terms of content, both the LPC and SQE routes have similar curricula, with common modules like Criminal Law, Business and Dispute Resolution and Property Law and Practice. However, the LPC allows students to pick elective modules that enable a more detailed exploration of subjects they might professionally pursue (IP law, family law). Greater content standardisation in the SQE means that such electives are not possible.

The main structure difference between the two routes is that the LPC is a singular year-long full-time course (or two years part-time). There are no formal examinations, but it’s significantly more expensive as a one-time payment than sitting the SQE exams alone. This is due to the highly structured course of the LPC, which means assessment and preparation cannot be managed separately as in the SQE case. For most candidates, the LPC is likely to be the more expensive of the two, and it is quite common for students to take two years to finish the course so that they can work simultaneously.

In contrast, the SQE has more flexibility in cost and timings. It is advised that students complete prep courses for both SQE exams, which are typically 8-12 weeks each. However, the choice of provider, duration, and intensity is up to the student. There’s also the option to convert your SQE prep course into a master’s of law course, which is eligible for a postgraduate loan. In either case, the training contract cycle is to remain largely unchanged. Similar to the LPC grants currently offered by large law firms, training contract holders pursuing the SQE route will receive grants covering exams fees, preparation courses and potentially living expenses.

Finally, students will have six years to pass both SQE exams, with a maximum of three tries for each exam. If you don’t manage to pass after these tries, you’ll need to wait for the six years to elapse.

Making an Informed Decision

You should consider several factors before deciding between the two routes, the most important of which is eligibility. Finances, amount of qualifying work experience, time constraints, and future work experience options should all play into your decision-making, with the SQE route being particularly beneficial to those with previous QWE. From a personal perspective, the formal assessment process of the SQE may also put off more nervous test takers.

When deciding which route is best for you, don’t be afraid to seek the advice of mentors, career advisors, or legal professionals. These individuals will be able to offer a new perspective into which pathway might be best for you, although the decision is ultimately your own.

Conclusion: Navigating the Debate

The key factors to bear in mind when making your decision are: finances, flexibility, time, elective options, and comfort with test taking.

Overall, his choice need not be stressful; with proper planning and consideration of your situation, it will become clear which of the two options is better suited to you. And if the best choice isn’t obvious to you, remember that either route will lead to you becoming a solicitor.

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