From September 2021, the SQE is being introduced meaning the route to legal qualification in England and Wales is changing. Old routes, including the GDL, LPC, QLTS, are being phased out and will be replaced by the SQE. Anyone, including UK and foreign graduates with a law or non-law degree, aspiring to become a solicitor in England and Wales will have to take the SQE.
Qualifying with SQE
To qualify as solicitor in England and Wales through the SQE route, you will need to satisfy 4 steps only:
SQE EXAM STAGES
The SQE consists of two stages:
SQE1 - Computer-based exam testing your functioning legal knowledge by way of multiple-choice questions.
SQE2 - Practical legal skills assessments, such as client interviewing, advocacy, case and matter analysis, legal research and written advice, and legal drafting.
Candidates must first pass the SQE1 before proceeding to SQE2.
SQE1
OFFERED IN MAY AND NOVEMBER EACH YEAR
The SQE1 is a computer-based functioning legal knowledge assessment which consists of 2 exams of 180 multiple-choice questions, 360 in total. SQE1 combines substantive and procedural law, and is a test of candidates functioning legal knowledge, ie application, problem solving and decision making. Both examinations must be taken in single assessment window.
Kaplan is the sole authorized exam assessment provider, and SQE1 assessments will be available in designated examination centers across England and Wales and internationally. As the assessment provider, Kaplan is not authorized to provide SQE1 preparation courses.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is the governing body that determines the knowledge which candidates must demonstrate on the exam. BARBRI SQE Prep always recommends that candidates visit the SRA website for any recent revisions.
Candidates must register first for the exam with Kaplan SQE by their registration deadline.
Candidates are advised to book their assessment as early as possible as all assessment places may be filled some time before the booking deadline. Please always check the latest test dates and deadlines.
SQE 2
OFFERED IN APRIL AND OCTOBER EACH YEAR
After passing SQE1, you will be eligible to apply and sit for SQE2. SQE2 consists of practical legal skills assessments such as client interviewing, advocacy, case and matter analysis, legal research and written advice, and legal drafting.
BARBRI SQE Prep
BARBRI now offers 3 types of preparation course for you to be ready for SQE1:
BARBRI also offers 2 types of preparation course for you to be ready for SQE2:
a. 16 weeks - Part time
b. 8 weeks - Full time
For details regarding BARBRI SQE Prep, please press here .
To enroll or for more information, please email us at [email protected].
