Can you do the SQE while working?

Aug 31, 2023

Written By Annabel Gooden

Taking the SQE is by no means cheap, especially if you are self-funding it. Thus, you may want to know whether it is possible to work at the same time. Whatever the reason, working alongside your studies is a viable option, with many potential benefits.

What are the advantages of working while studying?

Striking the right balance between work and study can be tough. However, doing this successfully could help you demonstrate commitment and time-management skills likely to impress any future employer.

In our article, Seven qualities every good lawyer should have, we set out some of the attributes law firms look for. Many of these, such as people skills and perseverance, are things you can develop easily in a work environment.

If you are working in the legal sector, it’s now possible that your experience would be recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and could count towards qualification.

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Qualifying Work Experience under the SQE route

The new SQE system allows you to train in a more flexible way. Previously, aspiring solicitors would complete two years of practical training after completing the Legal Practice Course. This has now changed with the introduction of qualifying work experience (QWE).

To qualify under the SQE route, you need to obtain two years QWE. This can be done before, during or after you have passed the SQE exams. So, if you’ve already worked for two years as a paralegal (or similar role) and can get this signed off as QWE, you do not need to complete a two-year training contract as well. As long as you pass the SQE exams and meet the SRA’s suitability requirements you will be able to qualify as a solicitor. This is of course subject to any additional demands your employer may make.

What do the changes mean for prospective solicitors?

What is clear is that the SRA is more willing to recognise the value in a broad range of experiences, as the system slowly moves away from the traditional training contract model. This is great news for paralegals and other legal professionals hoping to qualify, as their work is now more than just a stepping stone to getting a training contract. It also means students don't need to worry so much about securing a highly-competitive training contract spot.

Bear in mind that law firms may still require you to undertake their structured training programme, regardless of whether you have QWE. Trainees with QWE under their belt would technically be able to qualify before the end of a two-year programme, although time will tell whether law firms will adapt their training contracts to mirror the flexibility of the SRA’s new system.

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