SQE Entry Requirements
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To qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales under the SQE route, you need to complete the following steps and meet certain criteria as follows:
1. Obtain a Degree or Equivalent Qualification
First, you must hold a degree in any subject, or an equivalent qualification or work experience, recognised by the SRA. It is no longer necessary to pursue a qualifying law degree, such as an LLB or GDL.
2. Pass the SQE Assessments
Second, you must pass both SQE assessments. SQE1 assesses functioning legal knowledge (FLK1 and FLK2), while SQE2 focuses on practical legal skills and applied legal knowledge, such as advising clients at the police station, and client interview.
3. Complete Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)
Third, you must complete two years of QWE, which can be undertaken in various legal settings, including placements, training contracts, or volunteer work in legal roles.
4. Meet Character and Suitability Requirements
Finally, you must meet the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s character and suitability requirements to ensure you are fit to practise law.
It is important to note that you can only book and sit the SQE2 after successfully passing SQE1 unless you have been granted a full exemption for SQE1 by the SRA. However, there is flexibility regarding the timing of SQE1 and QWE. You are not required to have completed your degree (or equivalent qualification) before attempting SQE1, nor are you required to pass SQE1 and SQE2 before accumulating QWE.
1. Obtain a Degree or Equivalent Qualification
First, you must hold a degree in any subject, or an equivalent qualification or work experience, recognised by the SRA. It is no longer necessary to pursue a qualifying law degree, such as an LLB or GDL.
2. Pass the SQE Assessments
Second, you must pass both SQE assessments. SQE1 assesses functioning legal knowledge (FLK1 and FLK2), while SQE2 focuses on practical legal skills and applied legal knowledge, such as advising clients at the police station, and client interview.
3. Complete Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)
Third, you must complete two years of QWE, which can be undertaken in various legal settings, including placements, training contracts, or volunteer work in legal roles.
4. Meet Character and Suitability Requirements
Finally, you must meet the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s character and suitability requirements to ensure you are fit to practise law.
It is important to note that you can only book and sit the SQE2 after successfully passing SQE1 unless you have been granted a full exemption for SQE1 by the SRA. However, there is flexibility regarding the timing of SQE1 and QWE. You are not required to have completed your degree (or equivalent qualification) before attempting SQE1, nor are you required to pass SQE1 and SQE2 before accumulating QWE.
