Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) Program

Program Overview

Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) Program

Overview

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the new route to qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales, introduced in 2021. It replaces the traditional Legal Practice Course (LPC) and consists of two stages: SQE1, which tests functioning legal knowledge, and SQE2, which assesses practical legal skills. Additionally, candidates must complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).

Our SQE programme is designed with a student-centric approach, offering personalised support and flexible learning options to accommodate diverse learning styles and schedules. We provide a comprehensive curriculum that integrates practical training with theoretical knowledge, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared for successful legal careers.

Entry Requirements

To qualify through the SQE route, candidates need to meet the following requirements:

• Educational Qualification: A degree in any subject or an equivalent level 6 qualification in the United Kingdom or another jurisdiction.
• SQE Assessments: Pass both stages of the SQE: SQE1 and SQE2
• Qualifying Work Experience: Complete two years of full-time (or equivalent) qualifying work experience, developing competencies outlined in the SRA’s Statement of Solicitor Competence.
• Character and Suitability: Meet the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) character and suitability requirements.
• Proficiency in English: Demonstrate proficiency in English.

Demonstrating Proficiency in English

• You can demonstrate proficiency in English or Welsh by passing the SQE2 assessment, or
• If you are granted an exemption from SQE2, you must demonstrate your language proficiency before applying for admission as a solicitor of England and Wales. This can be done by:
  • Providing evidence that the professional legal qualification on which your exemption was based was assessed in English or Welsh, or
  • Passing a language assessment at an appropriate level through tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.

Minimum Test Scores Required

• IELTS (Academic) UKVI: 7.5 overall
• Pearson PTE (Academic) UKVI: 78 overall
• LanguageCert (Academic SELT): 80 overall
• LanguageCert SELT C1 International ESOL: High Pass overall
• Trinity College London – SELT ISE III: Level III (Reading – Distinction; Listening – Distinction; Writing – Distinction; Speaking – Merit)

Equivalences

Candidates with equivalent qualifications or work experience, such as a Level 6 apprenticeship or a Level 6 CILEx qualification, can pursue the SQE. Foreign qualified lawyers may be exempt from parts of the SQE, depending on their home jurisdiction.

Our program includes specialized modules for international students and foreign-qualified lawyers, providing additional support to help them navigate the SQE requirements and transition smoothly into the UK legal system.

Qualification Structure

The SQE qualification structure includes:

• SQE1: Two exams testing functioning legal knowledge through multiple-choice questions.
• SQE2: Practical legal skills assessment, including client interviewing, advocacy, case and matter analysis, legal research, and drafting.
• Qualifying Work Experience (QWE): Two years of practical experience in up to four different legal settings.

We offer exclusive partnerships with leading law firms and legal organizations, providing our students with valuable opportunities for QWE placements. Our dedicated career services team assists students in securing these placements and offers ongoing support throughout their work experience.

Mandatory Units

The SQE covers various legal practice areas, including:

• SQE1:
  • Functional Legal Knowledge 1: Business Law and Practice; Dispute Resolution; Contract; Tort; Legal System of England and Wales; Constitutional and Administrative Law and EU Law and Legal Services.
  • Functional Legal Knowledge 2: Property Practice; Wills and the Administration of Estates; Solicitors Accounts; Land Law; Trusts; Criminal Law and Practice.
• SQE2:
  • Skills assessed: client interview and attendance note/legal analysis; advocacy; case and matter analysis; legal research; legal writing; legal drafting
  • Practice areas: Criminal Litigation, Dispute Resolution, Property Practice, Wills and Intestacy, Probate Administration, and Business Organisations.

Our curriculum includes additional workshops and seminars on emerging legal fields such as technology law, environmental law, and international human rights, giving our students a competitive edge in the job market.

Progressions

Upon passing the SQE and completing the QWE, candidates can apply for admission as solicitors in England and Wales. The SQE provides a flexible pathway, allowing candidates to gain diverse legal experiences and progress in their legal careers.

We offer a robust alumni network and mentorship program, connecting our graduates with successful legal professionals who provide guidance and support as they advance in their careers.

Duration

• SQE 1:
  • Fast Track: 2 – 6 months
  • Standard: 6 – 10 months
• SQE 2:
  • Standard: 3 – 6 months

Delivery Method

SQE preparation courses are offered through various delivery methods, including full-time or part-time study, online or in-person classes, and blended learning approaches.

We provide a state-of-the-art virtual learning environment, featuring interactive online modules, live webinars, and access to a library of legal resources. Our hybrid learning model combines the best of online and face-to-face instruction, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging educational experience.

Fee Structure

• Training Fees: Our institution charges tuition fees for the academic programs offered. These fees cover the cost of instruction, access to facilities, and other academic resources.
• SQE Assessment Fees: Please note that there is a separate fee for undertaking the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) assessment, which must be submitted directly to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). This fee is independent of the tuition fees charged by our institution.

Assessment

Our program includes regular mock exams and personalized feedback sessions, helping students to identify areas for improvement and build confidence ahead of the actual assessments.

The SQE assessments include:

• The two SQE1 Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK) assessments comprise the following subject areas:
  • Business Law and Practice; Dispute Resolution; Contract; Tort; Legal System of England and Wales; Constitutional and Administrative Law and EU Law and Legal Services (FLK 1).
  • Property Practice; Wills and the Administration of Estates; Solicitors Accounts; Land Law; Trusts; Criminal Law and Practice (FLK 2).
• The legal skills assessments in SQE2 are:
  • client interview and attendance note/legal analysis
  • advocacy
  • case and matter analysis
  • legal research
  • legal writing
  • legal drafting

Accreditation

The SQE is administered by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), ensuring consistent, high standards for all qualifying solicitors.

Our SQE program is accredited by the SRA and recognized for its excellence in legal education. We maintain rigorous academic standards and continuously update our curriculum to reflect the latest developments in the legal field.

SQE Exemptions

• Understanding SQE Exemptions
• Eligibility for Exemptions
• Types of Exemptions
  • SQE1 Exemption
  • SQE2 Exemption

Mentorship Program for SQE Students

• Objectives
• Planning and Vision-Setting
• Mentor Selection and Training
• Mentee Selection and Initial Coaching
• Matching Mentors and Mentees
• Regular Check-Ins and Communication
• Goal Setting and Progress Tracking
• Workshops and Seminars
• Feedback and Evaluation
• Alumni Network and Continued Support

Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) for SQE Students

• Overview of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)
• What Counts as QWE?
• How Our Institution Can Help Students Meet QWE Requirements
  • Exclusive Partnerships
  • Legal Advice Clinics
  • Pro Bono Opportunities
  • Internships and Work Placements
  • Mentorship and Support
  • Workshops and Seminars
  • Flexible Learning Options
  • Recording and Confirming QWE