Will law firms pay for SQE?

Apr 02, 2023

Written By Sophie Wilson

The SQE is taking the legal world a while to get its head around. With the change in exam style questions and the timing of exams, students need to learn what is expected of them on the course. But, funding is also a huge element that needs to be considered. So, what has the SQE meant in terms of how students can fund the course?

Did law firms fund the LPC?

When students completed the LPC, many law firms would pay the course fees of those who had secured a training contract with them. Some would also provide a grant to cover living costs. Students could also: combine the LPC with an LLM to get a master’s loan, secure a bank loan, work alongside the LLM, utilise savings or apply for scholarships and bursaries.

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Will law firms pay for SQE?

The actual examinations themselves cost £1,798 for SQE1 and £2,493 for SQE2. If any of these are to be retaken then the full price of the assessment is charged again (or £811 if you fail one part of SQE1).

Then, there is the cost of preparation courses. If you study with the University of Law, the SQE1 preparation course varies in price from £4,200 to £5,900 depending on location. For the SQE2, it varies from £4000 to £5,650.

Many firms are paying for the cost of the assessments and the course, if they are offering the student a training contract. Firms such as Slaughter and May, Addleshaw Goddard and Kingsley Napley have all already adopted the SQE route, paying for the exam fees, a preparation course and a maintenance grant.

Alternative funding options

A firm paying for your fees is hugely beneficial financially, as well as offering the security of a job once you’re a qualified solicitor. But, what happens if you cannot secure funding? What are the other options?

Have a look at some scholarships that are available. The University of Law offers scholarships to promote social mobility and diversity, and so these may help with the cost of the course and the assessments.

Taking a loan out for a postgraduate degree is still an option, but may not cover the whole costs. Therefore, working alongside it or saving up before starting it may be an option.

Working part-time and studying part-time is also an option. This is easier to do under the SQE than it was with the LPC; the SQE is meant to be a more flexible approach to studying to become a lawyer.

If your part-time work is in the legal industry, it will count towards the two years qualifying work experience requirement. Solicitor apprenticeships also should not be forgotten about. Although a longer route to qualification, you'll recieve practical work experience, earn a salary, and have all exam and preparation costs covered. It's a good idea to look at what routes firms offer regarding apprenticeships, as eligibility may depend on what stage in your career and legal journey you are at.

Whichever way you choose to study the SQE, taking into account how to fund it is really important. If it means studying part time and working part time, this can be frustrating. But, completing the SQE is the necessary next step in your journey, and the hard work will pay off.

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