New information on the SQE is trickling out all the time. The SRA have recently posted a series of webinars on this with more information on dates, costs and venues. We thought we would save you the effort of sifting through it all – so we’ve summarised it in a quick 2-minute read below.
What?
The SQE is the new route to qualifying as a solicitor. It combines a two-stage exam process – SQE1 and SQE2 – with “Qualifying Work Experience” (“QWE”) and will replace the current LPC and Training Contract model of qualification.
SQE1 tests students’ “Functioning Legal Knowledge” (“FLK”) primarily through multiple-choice questions (MCQs) across two exams. SQE2 examines practical skills such as interviewing and advising.
Broadly speaking, the syllabus for the SQE covers much of the material currently studied on the PGDL/GDL and LPC courses, split roughly equally into two FLKs. Each FLK will be tested a separate MCQ exam for SQE1. SQE2 will focus on specific areas.
When?
The SQE will be introduced on 1st September 2021. Registration opens in mid-July 2021. The first sittings for SQE1 will be on the 8th and 11th November 2021. From 2023 there will be two sittings for SQE1, in January and July, with SQE2 sittings in April and July.
Where?
Currently test centres are in London, Cardiff and Manchester. Two other venues are to be added and confirmed at a later date.
Who?
Students who have already commenced a qualifying law degree (“QLD”) or Legal Practice Course (“LPC”) by the end of 2021 will have the choice of qualifying via the SQE or via a traditional training contract route. From 2022, all new law students wishing to qualify as a solicitor will sit the SQE and complete two years of QWE.
How?
There are a number of training providers and course materials already available for the SQE, from traditional taught modules to self-study and “earn while you learn” programmes. Unlike the traditional QLD/LPC route, it’s not mandatory to sign up with a training provider.
Candidates will also need to complete two years’ (full time equivalent) QWE in order to qualify. This can be paralegal work, volunteer work at a law clinic, or any other role in which the candidate provides legal services (so not, for example, working in the I.T. or accounts department of a law firm) and has the opportunity to develop some or all of the key competencies. QWE must be (generally) signed off by a practising solicitor.
Unlike the traditional training contract, candidates do not necessarily need to undertake contentious work, nor do they have to gain experience in three difference practice areas (or “seats”). QWE can be logged retrospectively and there is no time limit.
Why?
The aim of the SQE is to make legal careers more accessible to candidates from all backgrounds.
The total cost of assessments, not including training, will be cheaper than the current LPC at £3980 (just over £1500 for SQE1, just under £2500 for SQE2).
However, once you include the cost of any courses needed to teach candidates for the SQE, total costs are likely to be similar to the LPC route.
We think the SQE is a golden opportunity to open up access to the law for students from a diverse range of backgrounds. We are therefore planning to release a series of SQE guides which will allow students to self-study for the SQE using our guides, and so avoid paying exorbitant fees to law schools. Join our SQE mailing list to be the first to here about our new guides.
We are also planning to sponsor students through the SQE – follow Law Answered on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn to hear when applications open.
Further information on the SQE can be found at www.sra.org.uk/sqe.