Solicitors Qualifying Examination

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the main process of qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales. The requirements comprise tertiary education (level 6, not necessarily a degree) in any subject, passing two SQE assessments, work experience for two years full-time (or part-time equivalent), meeting the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)'s requirements for character and suitability.[1][2]

History

The Legal Services Board approved the SQE route on 28 October 2020,[3] after nine years of consultation on solicitors' training.[4] It came into effect in Autumn 2021, with anyone starting to qualify as a solicitor in 2022 onwards having to take the SQE route.[5] A 10-year transition period to 2031 will allow the completion of qualifications commenced under the previous regime.[6]

Previous routes

There were previously four routes to qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales: for candidates with a law degree (Legal Practice Course), for those with a different degree (Common Professional Examination), for those qualifying in a different country (Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme), and for qualified legal executives.[7] The process is now simpler: any candidate with any background must undertake the SQE.[8][9]

Subject Tested
  • Ethics
  • Business Law and Practice (including Tax)
  • Dispute Resolution
  • Contract Law
  • Tort Law
  • Constitutional and Administrative Law, and EU Law, and Legal Services

FLK 2
  • Ethics
  • Land Law
  • Property Practice (including Tax)
  • Wills and the Administration of Estates (including Tax)
  • Trust Law
  • Criminal Law and Practice
  • Solicitors' Accounts

Oral

The client interviewing skills and completion of an attendance note and advocacy skills are tested through four oral exams that take place over two half days.

  • Day 1: Advocacy (Dispute Resolution); Interview and attendance note/legal analysis (Property Practice)
  • Day 2: Interview and attendance note/legal analysis (Wills and Intestacy, Probate Administration and Practice)

Written

Legal research, legal writing, legal drafting and case and matter analysis are tested in the five areas of law taking place over three half days.

References
  1. "Solicitor | Explore careers | National Careers Service". preview-staging.nationalcareers.service.gov.uk. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
  2. "Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route". www.sra.org.uk. 2020-05-18. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
  3. "Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)". www.lawsociety.org.uk. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
  4. "Green light for new solicitor exam". www.sra.org.uk. 2020-10-28. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
  5. "The SQE Explained". The University of Law. 2022.
  6. "Becoming a partner". www.lawsociety.org.uk. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
  7. "Education and Training: A report on authorisation and monitoring activity for the period 1 September 2013 to 31 August 2014". Solicitors Regulatory Authority. 22 May 2015.
  8. "Qualifying from abroad to work in England and Wales". www.lawsociety.org.uk. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
  9. "Apprenticeships". www.lawsociety.org.uk. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
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