Is QWE the same as a training contract?

Jun 09, 2023

Written By Zara Arif

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?

What is QWE?

As part of the reforms proposed by the SRA, Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) is two years of full-time/equivalent experience. Students must gain this, as well as passing the SQE, in order to fully qualify.

The SRA will not establish if each individual experience that candidates undertake counts as QWE but they do provide some guidelines.

They state that it must involve providing legal services as defined by the Legal Services Act 2007. The aim of QWE is to develop real life experiences and competencies in the legal field in a flexible and accessible way.

This experience must then be recorded and confirmed by a solicitor qualified to practise in England and Wales.

What is a training contract?

A training contract is a two-year employment contract in which a firm hires someone to be a trainee solicitor. They typically try out different departments the firm offers, and receive supervision from a senior lawyer or partner. Many trainees continue working with the firm at the end of their training contract, as newly qualified solicitors.

As you are providing legal services and working full time, a traditional training contract with a law firm does count as part of QWE.

Before the implementation of the SQE, students started on their training contracts after graduating from their undergraduate degrees and taking the legal practice course and, if necessary, a law conversion course. Now, you can do the SQE exams before, during or after the training contract.

In summary, a training contract absolutely does count towards QWE but it is not by any means the only type of valid work experience you can use towards gaining qualification.

What are the differences?

The biggest difference is that QWE is a lot more flexible than a training contract. For example, as part of your QWE you can carry out paid or unpaid work with charitable organisations, legal clinics etc. You can even work with up to four different organisations throughout the course of the two years.

Furthermore, QWE could also be a placement from your time at university, as you can claim it retrospectively for something that you have already carried out. You just need to make sure the experience has been recorded and signed off by an employer or figure of responsibility at the organisation you worked/volunteered at. QWE can also be gained abroad.

There are lots of different types of activities which fall under the bracket of QWE. QWE allows you greater freedom than a traditional training contract, as you can try a range of different experiences and work for different organisations.

Does it matter what type of experience you do?

The SRA specifically states that it has no preference of activity that is carried out as long as it meets the basic requirements detailed earlier.

The purpose of the introduction of the SQE and QWE is to allow the process towards qualification to be more flexible, and therefore allow greater access to the legal profession for a wider range of people.

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