The Ultimate Guide to Qualifying Work Experience for the SQE

May 27, 2023

Written By Annika De Lathauwer

Part of the new process to become a qualified solicitor in England and Wales is completing two years’ qualifying work experience. The following article aims to demystify the requirements and the expectations of this work experience, and explain the different routes that may be taken.

What is the SQE?

SQE stands for Solicitors Qualifying Examination and, as the name suggests, is the way to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. This process is replacing the LPC (Legal Practice Course), which some people are still able to take based on strict criteria. However, for most people the SQE is the route they will have to take to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. The transition from LPC to SQE will be fully completed by 2032.

The SQE consists of two exams: SQE1 and SQE2. SQE1 tests ‘functioning legal knowledge’ and will be based on scenarios and multiple-choice questions. SQE2 tests practical legal skills, such as legal research and writing. However, as well as passing these tests, those who wish to qualify as a solicitor must complete two years of qualifying work experience before they are able to apply to the Solicitors Regulation Authority to be admitted as a solicitor.

What is Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)?

Qualifying Work Experience, or QWE, is in some ways quite similar to a training contract. It can be done at any time during the qualifying process, although most students will complete this after SQE1. It is recommended that it is completed before SQE2, as the skills and knowledge learned and developed during the QWE will be particularly helpful when applied in this exam.

The purpose of QWE is to allow those wishing to qualify as solicitors to be able to experience and develop a broad range of competencies and skills. QWE may be carried out with up to four legal employers. It must be signed off by these legal employers who must themselves be a solicitor or COLP (compliance officers).

There are many different types of QWE, such as summer work placements, paralegal work, working in a law clinic or working at a single law firm for two years. There is no minimum length of time for a placement that can be accepted, as long as it is signed off. It is important to remember that it is up to firms to decide whether they accept previous QWE or whether they require you to complete the full two years at their firm, regardless of previous completed work experience.

How to find QWE

QWE is designed to be flexible, making it relatively easy to find work that suits you and is accepted. Accepted QWE includes: working as a paralegal, volunteering at a legal clinic (or similar organisation), completing a training contract at a single law firm or completing work placements.

The application process for all these different types of work experience will vary, so ensure that you know what is required when applying, such as degree type, skills, and previous experience. Here are some things to think about when applying for these schemes and jobs:

- Spend time thinking about what type of work experience works best for you and where you would want to complete it

- Find out what qualifications and skills are needed for the work, and think about how you can show you have these

- Spend time perfecting your applications and presenting yourself well to these firms and organisations to ensure that you have a better chance of receiving a position or offer. You could ask one of your lecturers or the careers advice team at your university to look over your applications.

- Contact the admissions and jobs teams if you have any further questions that cannot be found on their website

Institutions such as The University of Law, also offer a period of guaranteed QWE to some of their students, to allow them to begin the process of qualifying as a solicitor. So, it may be useful to see if you are eligible for any of these sorts of schemes.

Other important things to know about QWE

The QWE structure will vary based on the firm or organisation that is running the work. It is important to ensure that the employer(s) is keeping accurate records of the work done and skills that have been developed. This should also be confirmed at the end of the placement, so that this evidence can be presented when applying to be accepted as a qualified solicitor.

QWE can be completed anywhere in the world as long as it meets the SRA’s requirements and is signed off by a solicitor of England and Wales. Therefore, you may choose to complete some or all of your QWE in a foreign jurisdiction.

Fully qualified foreign lawyers do not need to complete QWE before applying to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales.

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