The Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) was introduced in September 2021. Anyone intending to become a solicitor must now pass this to qualify.
Candidates now have to pass the two stages involved with the SQE and like the older system, undertake and complete two years of appropriate, qualifying work experience (QWE). However, there is a difference now where placements can be split between up to four firms/organisations.
Unlike the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and Legal Practice Course (LPC - the final stage of training to become a qualified solicitor), the new SQE isn’t a course itself but a series of exams that doesn’t itself comprise any education or training.
Law schools and universities have responded with the development of new courses to help prepare students for the SQE. Law schools are now replacing the old LPC with new law conversion courses that run alongside the GDL. They now offer a new, appropriate range of options to support students who want to prepare for taking the SQE.
For non-law students, they now no longer need to undergo a law conversion course before taking the SQE. However, to ensure candidates preparing for SQE remain up to date, most courses helping to prepare for the SQE offer preparation courses that include features of both the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) and GDL.
To qualify as a solicitor through SQE, there are four ‘qualifiers’ required. You must:
- possess a university degree or equivalent in either a law or non-law subject
- pass both of the SQE stages (SQE1 and SQE2)
- pass the existing suitability and character assessment tests of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
- have two years’ QWE.
SQE in more detail
SQE1
SQE1, with two exams of 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) each looks at candidates’ ‘functioning legal knowledge’. It is not about knowledge of the law, but how you would go about applying that knowledge, research supplementary information needed and then write it up as if you were a practising solicitor. The first set of 180 SQE1 exam questions covers:
- business law and practice
- constitutional and administrative law
- contract
- dispute resolution
- EU law and legal Services.
- the legal system of England and Wales
- tort
The second set of 180 SQE1 exam questions covers:
- criminal law and practice
- land law
- property practice
- solicitors accounts
- trusts
- wills and the administration of estates
SQE2
SQE2 is much more about solicitors' core, “everyday” legal skills. These include written and oral assessments to check that practical performance is up to the demands of being a newly-qualified solicitor. It does have a lot in similar with LPC exams.
Five key skills are examined:
- advocacy/persuasive oral communication
- case and matter analysis, including negotiation preparation
- interviewing clients
- legal drafting
- legal research and written advice
These skills are further assessed across five regular legal practice areas through 12 written and four oral skills assessments:
- business practice
- criminal practice
- property
- resolving disputes
- wills and the administration of estates
The 16 exercises in these assessments, held over several days, are identical for all students. The results are combined into one resultant mark.
Two years of QWE alone might not be enough to gain the skills and knowledge across all practice areas necessary to sit an SQE2. So, while a grounding course is not statutorily required, it is highly recommended. Some employers also provide the grounding course.
Where are SQE assessments being held?
For flexibility, the intention is to hold multiple exam sittings throughout the year. Although SQE2 oral assessments will only initially be available in Cardiff, Manchester and London (more locations will be announced), the written SQE will be held at Pearson test centres throughout England and Wales. These are the centres currently used for the driving theory test.
What qualifies as QWE?
For flexibility, QWE can be carried out before, during or after SQE. Unlike SQE, the SRA doesn’t have an input into the QWE assessment, although QWE is very important to teach the candidate the skills they need to pass SQE2. The trainee also no longer has to work in several specified areas within the practice.
As previously mentioned, QWE can be at up to four separate placements. There is no set minimum period which can include holding a paralegal role at a law firm or volunteer work at a law clinic, all at completely different organisations, providing the full two years are completed.
The confirming solicitor in each QWE organisation used has the task of confirming that the work done confirms the requirements of the SRA. The placement itself has to be signed off by either the organisation’s solicitor, legal compliance officer, or otherwise, an outside solicitor who has direct knowledge and experience of the work of the candidate.
Firms have different approaches to training contracts for trainee solicitors. Some have longer periods to enable trainees to earn while they prepare for SQE. Others provide day-release opportunities for further education. And some offer “straight from university” work opportunities combining paid work experience before taking their SQE.
And the cost of SQE?
The current cost for the SQE is £3,980 - £1,558 for SQE1 and £2,422 for SQE2 - excluding the cost for any SQE-preparation courses undertaken.
Preparation courses for SQE
There are numerous full or part-time postgraduate SQE1 and SQE2 courses available from numerous organisations including BARBRI, BPP, QLTS School and The University of Law. As mentioned, candidates don’t have to undergo a preparation course for SQE, but it is very strongly recommended.
Say you have already started the GDL or LPC course?
You can still qualify via the ‘old’ scheme up until 2032 if you started your law degree, GDL or LPC before September 2021. You can, however, use the new SQE should you prefer. It is suggested you check out in advance what any preferred law firm might now be doing, because they won’t want to have both types of graduates in any one particular trainee intake. However, some may continue to do so during the changeover period. As a current law student, you may still be able to choose between the LPC or SQE route.