How do you qualify under SQE?

Jun 04, 2023

Written By Zara Arif

Since the Solicitors Regulation Authority announced the new route to qualify as a solicitor, the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE), there has been a lot of buzz and confusion amongst aspiring solicitors. What does the SQE entail and what do you need to do now to become a solicitor?

What is the SQE?

The SQE is a new qualification that hopes to produce more well-rounded and efficient solicitors through two types of examinations. The SQ1 is more theoretical whilst the SQ2 assesses the practical skills which are required for advocacy.

The SQE replaces the Legal Practice Course (LPC) route, which aspiring solicitors traditionally embarked upon having achieved a qualifying law degree or completing a law conversion course. While law conversion courses are still available – Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) – they are no longer compulsory. However, some non-law graduates are opting to take the PGDL to help them pass the SQE exams.

Currently we are in a transition period, in which the SQE is being phased in as the main way to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. In the meantime, those who started a qualifying law degree or law conversion course before September 1, 2021 can qualify via the LPC route. It is hoped that the full transition and phasing out of other qualification routes will be completed by 2032.

Who can take the SQE?

The changes proposed by the introduction of the SQE, mean that anyone can take the exams in order to qualify as a solicitor. You don’t even need to have studied law at university, although you do need a degree or extensive work experience.

Knowledge of the English and Welsh legal systems is helpful, however. So, schools like the University of Law provide law conversion courses or prep courses to help students pass the exams.

How long does the SQE take?

The SQE is divided into two different exams. The SQE1 tests precise technical knowledge and takes the form of multiple choice questions, whereas the SQE2 examines the practical skills needed for successful advocacy.

The SQE can be studied part-time or full-time, therefore there is no set time which takes to complete. However, it is estimated that it takes around a year full-time to study for and pass both exams.

What happens after the SQE exams?

In order to fully qualify as a solicitor, you are also required to undertake two years of legal work experience, known as Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). A wide range of legal experiences count towards QWE, including working as a paralegal, volunteering in a legal advice clinic and the traditional training contract. All aspiring solicitors must complete two years full-time (or equivalent) legal work experience, at a maximum of four different organisations. This work experience can be completed before, during or after the SQE exams.

After completing the SQE, you must undergo screening to assess your character and suitability, before being able to apply for admission to the roll of solicitors.

Can international students take the SQE?

Often it can be difficult for students from overseas to qualify into roles in England and Wales. However, with the SQE, it doesn’t matter what kind of degree you have. Your legal work experience from abroad can even count towards QWE. Qualified foreign lawyers are even exempt from QWE, and may be exempt from some or all of the SQE exams.

With the SQE, international students are free to enrol into SQE preparation courses and go on to take the exams in order to qualify as solicitors. The only thing to bear in mind is having the right visa for work experience and studying.

Essentially, the SQE is a reform to the way in which students can qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. It involves passing two sets of exams and two years of legal work experience. It is hoped that these reforms will allow flexibility and innovation, that will renew the legal field and allow wider accessibility and participation.

SQE