SQE: a breakdown

Apr 14, 2021

Written By Becky Kells

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.

The Solicitors Qualifying Exam (or SQE) is a new method of qualification for solicitors. Designed to bring a standardised route into the legal profession, it will function in place of the GDL and LPC.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has been fine-tuning the SQE behind the scenes for a while now, and have reached a point where they can give us some insight into how it looks. So without further ado…

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The starting point

Before we get into the modules and structure of the SQE, here’s a word on what stage you need to be at to take it. Unlike in previous methods of qualification, you do not need to have a qualifying law degree to embark on the SQE—a degree in any subject will do. It goes even broader than this, as anyone who has an equivalent qualification to a degree or relevant work experience is eligible to start.

How will I be assessed?

Important distinction klaxon! The SQE is not a course in the same way that the LPC and GDL are. It is, pure and simple, an exam. There will be a variety of courses that you can take to get the grounding you need to sit the SQE assessments, but there’s no definitive SQE course—only a variety of courses approved by the SRA to deliver the most appropriate content. You can find a list of those courses and providers here.

Everyone hoping to qualify will fulfil the learning components on their chosen course providers, completing the same exams—SQE1 for the first stage, and SQE2 for the second stage—at the end of the academic year.

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What’s on SQE1?

The first part of the SQE is called SQE1, and focuses on functional legal knowledge. The SRA is also in talks to decide whether SQE1 will include practical legal skills assessments, or if these will be reserved for SQE2.

SQE1 will be divided into two assessments, each testing you on a different part of the functional skill set. The split looks like this:

1. Business Law and Practice; Dispute Resolution; Contract; Tort; Legal System of England and Wales; Constitutional and Administrative Law and EU Law and Legal Services.

2. Property Practice; Wills and the Administration of Estates; Solicitors Accounts; Land Law; Trusts; Criminal Law and Practice.

As it stands, both SQE1 assessments will consist of multiple-choice questions, with the SRA engaging with potential candidates and providers to make this as seamless as possible. You can have a read of the detailed specification of SQE1 here.

What’s on SQE2?

The second part of the exam, SQE2, will focus purely on legal skills assessments—so all of the practical elements of being a solicitor. These include:

client interviewing;

advocacy;

case and matter analysis;

legal research and written advice;

legal drafting.

The SRA is still fine-tuning exactly what the assessment for SQE2 will look like, but a pilot held last year consisted of computer-based and oral assessments, which provides some indication of what to expect. You can read more about what that pilot involved here.

The specifics

You need to complete and pass SQE1 before moving on to SQE2, and before you get signed off as a solicitor, you will also need to have completed your qualifying work experience. However, you can do this before, during or after sitting SQE1 and SQE2.

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