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[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
SQE 1[edit]
Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK) 1[edit]
- 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[edit]
- Ethics
- Land Law
- Property Practice (including Tax)
- Wills and the Administration of Estates (including Tax)
- Trust Law
- Criminal Law and Practice
- Solicitors' Accounts
SQE2[edit]
Oral[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
- ^ "Solicitor | Explore careers | National Careers Service". preview-staging.nationalcareers.service.gov.uk. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
- ^ "Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route". www.sra.org.uk. 2020-05-18. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
- ^ "Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)". www.lawsociety.org.uk. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
- ^ "Green light for new solicitor exam". www.sra.org.uk. 2020-10-28. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
- ^ "The SQE Explained". The University of Law. 2022.
- ^ "Becoming a partner". www.lawsociety.org.uk. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Qualifying from abroad to work in England and Wales". www.lawsociety.org.uk. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
- ^ "Apprenticeships". www.lawsociety.org.uk. Retrieved 2023-01-30.