How to Confirm QWE?

To have your Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) confirmed, the solicitor or Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) responsible for the confirmation must verify several key aspects of your placement. They will confirm details such as the location and duration of your QWE, whether it provided opportunities to develop some or all of the specified competencies, and ensure there were no character or suitability issues that could impact your qualification. Their role is not to assess your competence, which is determined by passing the SQE assessments.

It is essential to identify the solicitor or COLP responsible for confirming your QWE from the start of your placement. If this individual changes, your organisation should inform you and provide another qualified individual to confirm your experience. Having a designated solicitor or COLP ensures that your QWE aligns with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) requirements throughout your placement.

Solicitors and COLPs involved in confirming QWE are expected to uphold the SRA’s Principles and Code of Conduct. This means they must act honestly and fairly, provide effective supervision, and avoid taking unfair advantage of individuals. The SRA may take action against a solicitor or COLP who refuses to confirm QWE that meets the established criteria or who fails to adhere to the Principles and Code of Conduct in how they manage and confirm QWE. This ensures that the confirmation process remains transparent, fair, and consistent with professional standards.