Do you need a training contract for the SQE?

Mar 26, 2023

Written By Lawrence Topley

The SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination) consists of four main elements. These include: holding an undergraduate degree or equivalent in any subject. passing the exams SQE1 and SQE2, completing two years of qualifying work experience (QWE) and the character and suitability assessment. Unlike the LPC however, QWE doesn’t need to be a training contract.

From LPC to SQE

In developing a more flexible and accessible pathway, the new SQE has removed the need to obtain a training contract, which was a prerequisite of completing the traditional LPC. Training contracts are very competitive and only a fraction of applicants are successful.

Instead, candidates are required to complete two years of QWE. This can be done across four different placements and does not require you to work as a trainee in a law firm. For example, you could work as a paralegal or in a law clinic, so long as you provide a form of legal services.

By removing the need to obtain a training contract in an incredibly competitive market, the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) has opened up the route to qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales, whilst still providing real life skills and experience to develop your career.

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Why might I still need a training contract?

Training contracts are highly competitive for a number of reasons, such as the opportunity to work in your chosen firm or to expose yourself to high level work. However, one of the key benefits of obtaining a training contract is that some firms (typically high-profile city firms) provide a grant or cover the cost of your LPC or SQE.

Despite the SQE being more affordable than the previous LPC, the SQE exams cost £4,564 in total, with SQE1 costing £1,798 and SQE2 costing £2,766. Preparation courses are not mandatory, but can be between £4,000-£14,000 depending on your location and how much preparation you need.

Therefore, if you are unable to afford this, obtaining a training contract may be helpful in order to finance this stage of your career. Law firms offering training contracts are also likely to offer their trainees a full-time job once they are fully qualified, although this is not guaranteed.

However, training contracts are not for everyone, so it’s a good idea to think about the pros and cons. There are also financing alternatives, such as completing an LLM with your SQE prep to become eligible for a postgraduate loan.

Overview

Overall, you do not need a training contract for the SQE. One of the great benefits of this new pathway to qualifying is that it is more accessible in that it does not require a training contract. Instead, you will have to complete your SQE exams and undertake two years of qualifying work experience. This is more flexible than working as a trainee in a law firm but extends to working as a paralegal, in a law clinic, or even abroad. You can even use previous work experience. Thus, the SQE route allows aspiring solicitors to obtain work experience and gain the necessary skills to be successful in law.

However, there are disadvantages to this. Firstly, training contracts often come with the funding of the firm. Without this finance you may have to self-fund your SQE which is expensive. Although you should not see this as a dead end, since there are alternative funding routes. Secondly, upon completion of your training contract you typically begin your role as a solicitor in the firm. On the other hand, the organisation(s) in which you complete your qualifying work experience is under no obligation to offer you a role as a solicitor upon your qualification.

SQE