Why was the SQE introduced?

Feb 06, 2024

Written By Helena Kudiabor

You are probably aware that the SQE was brought in recently to replace the old solicitors’ qualification routes, the GDL and the LPC. Something you may be more unsure about is why the SQE was introduced in the first place, as learning about all the changes can be very confusing. In short, the exam was introduced to make becoming a solicitor more accessible.

What exactly is the SQE?

The SQE stands for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination, and is made up of two exams that all solicitors must take before they can be eligible to qualify. Unless you accepted an offer for law training (GDL/LPC) by September 1, 2021, you will need to take the SQE to become a solicitor.

The exam is split into two parts. The first one, SQE1, assesses general legal knowledge through multiple-choice questions. SQE2 assesses practical skills, such as client interviews. Both exams need to be passed in order to become a solicitor. Aside from these exams, you will need to complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) at any legal enterprise and pass the Character and Suitability requirements. These exams mean that doing the GDL or LPC is no longer a requirement.

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Standardisation between solicitors

The SQE exams mean that all solicitors will be assessed by the same standard, as they will all be taking the same exam. If you fail the exam, you will have to retake it. While most aspiring solicitors in the past completed the LPC, in this case differing law schools determined the pass marks and the type and variety of content.

Furthermore, students can become solicitors in a variety of different ways. For example: apprenticeships, legal work in a different field, via the GDL. Having a standardised route to qualification ensures that no route to law is seen as more difficult or more prestigious.

Reducing financial burden

The old route to qualification was very expensive. Doing the LLB would cost you £9,250 a year, with an even higher sum for international students. If you needed to undertake the GDL, the cost varied between providers, costing between £7,000 and £13,000. The LPC required an additional cost of £12,00-£17,000, meaning you could spend up to £40,000 on course fees. While there are part-time options, it is likely that you will be studying full time and thus not working a full time job. With the SQE, the LPC and the GDL requirements have been eliminated.

You still need a degree (or an equivalent, for example an apprenticeship), but you will only have to take the SQE1 and SQE2. SQE1 will cost £1,798, and the SQE2 will cost £2,766, meaning £4,564 in total. Even including the costs of preparing for the exam, this is much cheaper than the previous way. This allows more people to become a solicitor, regardless of cost.

Improving accessibility

With the LPC/GDL method, aspiring solicitors would have to complete a two year training contract. These can be incredibly competitive, and frustrating for those who already have legal experience.

The new SQE has replaced the training contract requirements with two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). QWE can be taken at any legal firm or department, and can be done before you take exams. Examples of QWE include pro bono work, a placement or working as a paralegal. While the majority of law firms have stated that they will continue to offer training contracts, this new method makes the route to law less competitive and more accessible.

While many are frustrated with the SQE and prefer the old method, the SQE provides many benefits. It allows aspiring solicitors to qualify in a variety of different ways, in ways that are far cheaper, as well.

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