The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) has been a topic of conversation and interest in the legal community for some time. As the newest route to becoming a solicitor in England and Wales, it represents a significant change in the traditional path to legal qualification.
In this blog, we aim to demystify the SQE by exploring its history, the reasons behind its creation, its impact on aspiring solicitors, and other essential information.
A Brief History of the SQE
The concept of a single, unified qualifying examination for solicitors in England and Wales was first proposed in the Legal Education and Training Review (LETR) in 2013. The LETR identified the need for a more consistent and practical way to assess candidates’ competence and readiness for legal practice. This recommendation led to the development of the SQE.
Why the SQE Was Created
The creation of the SQE was driven by several key factors:
Consistency: The SQE seeks to establish a consistent standard for assessing the competence of aspiring solicitors. It replaces the previous system of the Legal Practice Course (LPC) followed by a training contract, which varied significantly in quality across different institutions.
Access: The SQE is designed to be more accessible. It offers a standardized route to qualification, allowing individuals to choose where and how they want to prepare for the exam.
Global Recognition: The SQE aims to enhance the global mobility of legal professionals by providing a qualification recognized not only in England and Wales but potentially in other jurisdictions where English law is valued.
The Structure of the SQE
The SQE consists of two stages:
SQE1: This stage assesses candidates’ functioning legal knowledge and is multiple-choice format. It covers subjects such as contract law, criminal law, and property law.
SQE2: This stage assesses candidates’ practical legal skills. It involves a series of skills assessments, including oral and written legal skills and critical thinking.
Impact on Aspiring Solicitors
The introduction of the SQE has a significant impact on aspiring solicitors:
Financial Implications: The SQE aims to be more cost-effective than the previous LPC route, with the potential for reduced tuition fees and flexible study options.
Greater Choice: The SQE allows candidates to choose how they prepare for the examination, whether through law schools, universities, or other recognized training providers. This flexibility provides candidates with greater choice and convenience.
Global Opportunities: The SQE’s potential recognition beyond England and Wales opens up new possibilities for solicitors who wish to work internationally.
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination represents a fundamental shift in legal education and qualification in the UK. By understanding its history, purpose, and structure, aspiring solicitors can better prepare for the changes it brings. The SQE aims to create a more accessible and standardized route to becoming a solicitor, providing opportunities for a diverse range of individuals to enter the legal profession while maintaining high standards of competence. It’s an exciting development that has the potential to reshape the legal education landscape and offer new opportunities to those with a passion for the law.
Law Training Centre, a legal training provider whose mission from inception has been to increase accessibility to legal education and promote diversity in law, specialises in SQE preparation. Offering 10 SQE Prep course variations, flexible online learning and expert tuition and teaching resources, it is the perfect educational partner for those who aspire to become the next generation of solicitors within England and Wales.
To discuss the SQE in more detail and review the range of courses available, please contact the Student Support Team at Law Training Centre by email to info@ltckent.co.uk and they will be happy to advise, or visit the Law Training Centre website at www.ltckent.co.uk which has further details on all of the courses including an in-depth course comparison guide.
