Comprehensive SQE Students Guide?

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is a rigorous assessment designed for aspiring solicitors in England and Wales, ensuring adherence to the highest professional standards.

Replacing the LPC and GDL, the SQE marks a new era in legal qualification, with its inaugural assessment slated for later this year. Notably, candidates with equivalent qualifications or relevant work experience can qualify as solicitors without a traditional degree.

To become a solicitor in the UK, all candidates must complete both SQE assessments, consisting of Assessments 1 and 2.

Effective from September 1, 2021, the SQE supersedes the LPC while remaining available for a transitional period of at least three years.

Previously, the standard qualification path entailed obtaining a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) or undertaking a non-law degree followed by a law conversion course like the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). Subsequently, candidates pursued the LPC and completed a two-year training contract with a law firm, accompanied by attendance at the Professional Skills Course (PSC) and passing its final assessment.

Under the SQE framework, requirements have evolved:

• A degree or equivalent remains necessary, though it may be in any subject.
• Passing the new SQE assessments is mandatory.
• Candidates must accumulate a minimum of two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).
• Applicants must still demonstrate satisfactory character and suitability for the legal profession.

How the SQE Works

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) introduces a comprehensive assessment process mandatory for aspiring solicitors.

SQE Assessment 1: Comprising two exams, SQE1 evaluates ‘functioning legal knowledge’ through 180 multiple-choice questions. The first exam encompasses topics such as business law, contract law, and constitutional law, while the second covers property practice, wills, solicitors’ accounts, and criminal law.

SQE Assessment 2: SQE2 assesses essential professional skills over five days through 16 practical exercises, including written and oral tasks. These exercises evaluate skills like client interviewing, legal drafting, and advocacy across various practice contexts, such as criminal litigation and property practice.

The SQE was launched on September 1, 2021, with the inaugural SQE1 assessment scheduled for November 2021. Transitional arrangements will be in place until 2032 for individuals already on the qualification path. To qualify under the existing route, candidates must have accepted an offer for a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) or a conversion course (CPE/GDL/PGDL) by August 31, 2021. Non-law graduates who accepted a training contract offer before August 31, 2021, have until August 31, 2022, to apply for and commence their course.

Those on the path to becoming solicitors have until 2032 to qualify under the current route, provided they commence the LPC by August 31, 2026. However, candidates may choose to transition to the SQE route, although options may become limited as current programs phase out.

Costs for SQE assessments vary:

• SQE Stage 1 Centralised Assessments: £1,558
• SQE Stage 2 Centralised Assessments: £2,422
• SQE 1 and 2 Centralised Assessments: £3,980

These costs exclude expenses related to SQE preparation courses.

Undergraduate Degree or Equivalent Qualification

To qualify as a solicitor, you must pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and hold an undergraduate degree or an equivalent qualification. The degree can be in any subject. When we say “equivalent,” we mean a qualification or experience comparable to a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Examples of such equivalents include:

• A level 6 or 7 apprenticeship
• A level 6 or 7 professional qualification

SQE Assessments 1 and 2

The SQE consists of two stages: SQE1 and SQE2. Both stages are assessed on a pass/fail basis.

SQE1

SQE1 should be taken after completing your degree. It assesses functional legal knowledge through two exams, each comprising 180 multiple-choice questions. The first exam covers the following areas:

• Business law and practice
• Dispute resolution
• Contract law
• Tort law
• The legal system of England and Wales
• Constitutional and administrative law
• EU law and legal services

The second part of SQE1 covers:

• Property practice
• Wills and administration of estates
• Solicitors’ accounts
• Land law
• Trusts
• Criminal law and practice

These computer-based examinations must be taken together within the same assessment window. Passing SQE1 in its entirety is a prerequisite for attempting SQE2.

Qualifying Work Experience

You can gain the required two years of qualifying work experience at any point during your SQE journey. However, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) expects most graduates to pass SQE1 before starting their main work experience period.

SQE2

SQE2 assesses practical legal skills. The assessment spans five days and includes 16 practical exercises involving both written and oral tasks. Throughout SQE2, ethics and professional conduct are evaluated. The following skills are assessed:

• Legal drafting
• Legal research
• Interviewing clients
• Advocacy
• Case and matter analysis
• Practical legal writing

Undergraduate Degree or Equivalent Qualification

To become a solicitor, you must pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and hold an undergraduate degree or an equivalent qualification. The degree can be in any subject. The term “equivalent” refers to qualifications or experiences comparable to bachelor’s or master’s degrees, such as:

• Level 6 or 7 apprenticeships
• Level 6 or 7 professional qualifications

SQE Assessments 1 and 2

The SQE consists of two stages: SQE1 and SQE2. Both stages are assessed on a pass/fail basis.

SQE1

• Taken after completing your degree
• Assesses functional legal knowledge through two exams
• Covers areas like business law, dispute resolution, contract, tort, and constitutional law
• Computer-based exams taken together within the same assessment window
• Must pass SQE1 entirely before attempting SQE2

Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)

• Requires a minimum of two years of full-time equivalent work
• Provides an opportunity to develop solicitor competencies
• Can be gained in up to four different organizations
• Must be signed off by a Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) or a solicitor

Character and Suitability Assessment

The SRA considers integrity as crucial as knowledge and skills. You won’t be admitted as a solicitor if you don’t meet their character and suitability requirements.

SQE1 Format and Content

SQE1 must be completed before attempting SQE2. Both assessments involve multiple-choice questions, with the addition of practical testing in SQE2.

What Is Tested in SQE1?

SQE1 assesses functioning legal knowledge (FLK). It consists of two parts: FLK1 and FLK2. Here are the details:

• FLK1 and FLK2: These are single best answer multiple-choice tests.
• Duration: SQE1 takes place over two non-consecutive days.
• Purpose: SQE1 evaluates not only your legal knowledge but also your ability to apply it in real-life scenarios as a solicitor.

SQE1 Content Areas

The first 180-question exam covers the following areas:

1. Business Law and Practice
2. Dispute Resolution
3. Contract Law
4. Tort Law
5. Legal System of England and Wales
6. Constitutional and Administrative Law
7. EU Law and Legal Services

The second SQE1 exam covers:

1. Property Practice
2. Wills and Administration of Estates
3. Solicitors’ Accounts
4. Land Law
5. Trusts
6. Criminal Law and Practice

SQE2 Assessment Overview

Legal Skills Assessments

In SQE2, candidates are evaluated on various legal skills. These assessments include:

1. Client Interview and Attendance Note/Legal Analysis
2. Advocacy
3. Case and Matter Analysis
4. Legal Research
5. Legal Writing
6. Legal Drafting

While there is no separate assessment specifically for negotiation, all SQE2 deliveries incorporate at least one assessment involving negotiation. This aspect may be assessed within interview and attendance note/legal analysis, case and matter analysis, or legal writing.

Practice Areas

These legal skills are assessed across different practice areas:

1. Criminal Litigation (including advising clients at the police station)
2. Dispute Resolution
3. Property Practice
4. Wills and Intestacy, Probate Administration and Practice
5. Business Organizations, Rules, and Procedures (including money laundering and financial services)

Underlying Black Letter Law

Questions in these practice areas may draw on underlying black letter law covered in the Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK):

• Criminal Litigation: Focuses on criminal liability
• Dispute Resolution: Relates to contract law and tort
• Property Practice: Pertains to land law
• Wills and Intestacy, Probate Administration and Practice: Involves trusts
• Business Organizations, Rules, and Procedures: Addresses contract law

Professionalism and Ethics

Ethics play a central role in SQE2. Questions related to ethics will be pervasive throughout the assessment. Candidates must identify ethical and professional conduct issues and exercise judgment to resolve them honestly and with integrity.

Taxation Considerations

Taxation questions may arise in the context of Property Practice, Wills and Intestacy, Probate Administration and Practice, and Business Organizations, Rules, and Procedures.

Organizational Structure

For practical purposes, SQE2 is divided into two parts:

1. SQE2 Oral: This part includes interview assessments, attendance notes/legal analysis, and advocacy. It spans two half days, during which candidates complete four oral legal skills assessments.

SQE Training Options

With the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), you’ll have more flexibility to choose training that aligns with your circumstances. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) will no longer prescribe specific courses. Here are your training options:

Law Degree Integrating SQE1 Preparation

1. Some universities offer law degrees that include preparatory training for SQE1. For instance, SQE1 training might be available as a third-year optional module.
2. After passing SQE1, you’ll proceed to SQE2. Completing qualifying work experience will aid your preparation for the skills assessment.
3. Check whether universities provide academic law degrees with integrated SQE training.

Law Degree Plus Additional SQE Preparation

1. Other universities offer traditional law degrees that don’t integrate SQE training but cover subjects assessed in SQE1 (e.g., contract, tort, land law, equity and trusts, criminal law, EU law, English and Welsh legal system).
2. After graduating with this type of law degree, you can enhance your SQE preparation by studying the additional subjects assessed in SQE (e.g., criminal litigation, dispute resolution, wills and probate, property practice, and business practice).
3. Note that not all universities offer all the additional SQE subjects within their law degree.

SQE Training Options

When considering SQE training, it’s essential to explore the subjects offered by different universities. Here are the options available:

Law Degree Integrating SQE1 Preparation

1. Some universities provide law degrees that include preparatory training for SQE1. For instance, SQE1 training might be offered as an optional module during the third year.
2. After passing SQE1, candidates proceed to SQE2. Completing qualifying work experience (QWE) helps prepare for the skills assessment.
3. Verify whether universities offer academic law degrees with integrated SQE training.

Law Degree Plus Additional SQE Preparation

1. Other universities offer traditional law degrees that cover subjects assessed in SQE1 (e.g., contract, tort, land law, equity and trusts, criminal law, EU law, English and Welsh legal system).
2. Graduates from these law degrees may choose to enhance their SQE preparation by studying additional subjects assessed in SQE (e.g., criminal litigation, dispute resolution, wills and probate, property practice, and business practice).
3. Note that not all universities cover all additional SQE subjects within their law degree.

Non-Law Degree Plus SQE Preparation

1. Having a law degree is not mandatory for qualifying as a solicitor. However, you must learn the subjects assessed in the SQE.
2. Shorter SQE preparatory courses are available for law graduates, covering both SQE1 and SQE2.
3. Longer preparatory courses cater to non-law graduates who need to study the legal subjects assessed in SQE.
4. Non-law graduates can choose to:
   • Take SQE preparatory courses (for SQE1, SQE2, or both)
   • Use study materials for self-preparation
   • Gain work experience (e.g., paralegal work) to count toward QWE.

Equivalent Qualification or Experience

1. A degree qualification is not mandatory if you can demonstrate an equivalent qualification or work experience.
2. If your experience aligns with a UK degree, you can qualify as a solicitor without holding a formal degree.

If you possess an equivalent qualification or relevant experience, you might consider augmenting your knowledge to ready yourself for the SQE assessment. This can be achieved through participation in an SQE preparatory course or utilizing study resources provided by publishers.

Should your past work experience not fulfill the criteria for qualifying work experience, you’ll need to acquire two years of experience in providing legal services.

Regarding apprenticeships:

1. Solicitor Apprenticeship: You have the option to pursue a solicitor apprenticeship route, encompassing SQE training and assessments. Typically lasting 5 to 6 years, upon completion, you attain a Level 7 qualification, equivalent to a master’s degree. Meeting the SQE assessment criteria and demonstrating character and suitability requirements qualifies you for admission at the apprenticeship’s conclusion.
2. Graduate Apprenticeship: If you hold a law degree, enrolling in a graduate solicitor apprenticeship program is feasible. This program integrates qualifying work experience along with SQE1 and SQE2. Completion usually takes 2 to 3 years, and meeting character and suitability requirements upon conclusion pave the way for admission.
3. Other Apprenticeships: Alternative apprenticeships offer valuable work experience and may aid in developing legal knowledge and practical skills. Attaining a level six apprenticeship fulfills the requirement for a degree-level qualification. To prepare for the

SQE assessment, you may opt to:

3. Participate in an SQE preparatory course covering SQE1, SQE2, or both.
4. Utilize study materials to prepare adequately.
5. Obtain additional work experience if your prior experience doesn’t involve legal service delivery, where legal work experience could contribute to your qualifying work experience.

Funding Your SQE: How to Finance the Solicitors Qualifying Examination

The anticipated cost of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) for graduates ranges between £3000 and £4500, marking a significant reduction from the previous £12,000-£17,000 required for the LPC. Various funding options are available:

Undergraduate Degree Some universities might integrate SQE1 preparation into their undergraduate law degree programs, although not all do. Student finance typically covers undergraduate degrees, including tuition fees and maintenance expenses. However, SQE assessment costs are separate and not covered by student finance.

Master’s Degrees Certain universities offer Master’s in Law programs incorporating SQE1 and SQE2 preparation, eligible for standard student finance. However, SQE assessment fees are not included and must be covered independently.

Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) Many law firms may sponsor their employees’ SQE preparation and fees. QWE can replace the training contract and may be completed with up to four different legal employers.

Bank Loans/Self-Funding individuals may combine two years of QWE with part-time SQE preparation study. Some SQE preparation course providers offer payment arrangements in installments.

Employer Funding Employers often fund training and assessment costs for their trainees.

Apprenticeships Two types of apprenticeships are available: school leaver solicitor apprenticeship and graduate solicitor apprenticeship. Apprentices receive training and assessment costs covered by their employer, potentially utilizing the apprenticeship levy fund.

Funding for SQE Assessments SQE assessments must be arranged and funded independently unless undertaken through an apprenticeship or sponsored by an employer.

Scholarship Opportunities Scholarship schemes like those offered by BARBRI and The Law Society’s Diversity Access Scheme (DAS) provide financial support for SQE preparation courses and other expenses. BARBRI scholarships can be need-based or merit-based, while DAS supports aspiring solicitors from less advantaged backgrounds with funding, work experience, and mentoring.

Frequently Asked Questions About SQE:

Do I Need a Degree to Sit the SQE1 and SQE2?

No, a degree is not required to sit the SQE1 and SQE2. However, to be admitted as a solicitor, you must possess a degree in any subject or an equivalent qualification, along with passing the SQE and fulfilling other requirements.

Equivalent qualifications include a level 6 or 7 apprenticeship or professional qualification. If you lack an equivalent qualification, work experience may be considered as an alternative.

Will the SQE Be Cheaper?

Yes, the total cost for both SQE examinations is £3,980, excluding any course or preparation fees. This contrasts with the LPC route, which can cost up to £17,000. Preparation courses for SQE, such as those offered by BARBRI at £2,999, are available.

What Will the SQE1 and SQE2 Examinations Test Me On?

SQE1 assesses “functional” legal knowledge through multiple-choice tests on broad legal rules and principles. SQE2 evaluates “practical” legal skills through written examinations and oral role-plays across six key skill areas.

Can I Still Qualify via Existing Routes?

Yes, you can qualify via the LPC route if you meet certain criteria. Individuals within this group have until December 31, 2032, to qualify under current routes.

Where Can I Study for the SQE?

While preparation courses are not compulsory, they enhance your chances of success. Various postgraduate preparation courses for SQE1 and SQE2 are available from providers such as BARBRI, The University of Law, The College of Legal Practice, and BPP.

How Many Times Can the SQE Be Taken?

The SQE can be attempted three times.

Can I Still Do the SQE If I Already Have the GDL/LPC?

Yes, completion of the GDL allows qualification through the full SQE route. If you’ve completed the LPC, you only need to pass SQE2 and complete two years of QWE.

How Will the SQE Change the Qualification Process for Lawyers?

The SQE aims to ensure consistent qualification standards for all aspiring solicitors, making qualification more accessible and cost-effective compared to the current routes.

What Are the Requirements for Qualifying as a Solicitor via the SQE?

To qualify via the SQE route, individuals need an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification, along with two years qualifying work experience and meeting character and suitability requirements.

What Is a Degree Equivalent Qualification?

A UK qualification is considered equivalent if it meets certain criteria, such as being accredited or regulated at a certain level.

What Is Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)?

QWE entails completing two years of work experience in a suitable legal setting. A solicitor must confirm it and involves evidence of competence in various areas.

Can Anyone Sign Off the Work Experience?

Work experience must be signed off by a qualified solicitor, who need not hold a practicing certificate. They confirm completion of the two-year QWE period and assess suitability based on set criteria.

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