What Is FLK?
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The Solicitors Qualifying Examination requires you to demonstrate what is known as Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK), which represents a comprehensive and practical understanding of English and Welsh law. This knowledge must be applied in ways that reflect the competences expected of a newly qualified solicitor in England and Wales. You need to show not only familiarity with core legal principles and rules but also the ability to apply them effectively to realistic, client-based scenarios, including ethical challenges. This requires candidates to think critically and to respond with the level of professionalism and judgement that would be expected of a solicitor in real-world practice.
The SQE1 FLK assessments are structured as multiple-choice questions where you select the single best answer from five possible options. This format tests your application of essential legal principles rather than rote memorisation. Unlike open-book exams, SQE1 assessments are closed book, emphasising the ability to recall and apply principles without consulting reference materials. The questions focus on core legal knowledge rather than intricate details that a practising solicitor would typically look up, so developing or controversial areas of law are not examined.
The exam is based on current law, with a cut-off date for examinable law set four months before the first assessment in each window. This means that you are tested on the law as it stands at that date, ensuring that your knowledge aligns with contemporary practice. Any legal changes made up to and including this cut-off date can be examined, but candidates are not assessed on ongoing legal developments beyond this date.
In terms of competence standards, you are assessed at level 3 on the Threshold Standard, which corresponds to the capability expected of a newly qualified solicitor. The Statement of Solicitor Competence, detailed in Annex 3, outlines the competences candidates must demonstrate. Competence is defined as "the ability to perform the roles and tasks required by one's job to the expected standard" (Eraut & du Boulay, 2001). This broad definition recognises that requirements and expectations change depending on job role and context. This level of assessment ensures that successful candidates are prepared to manage the demands of legal practice professionally from day one.
The SQE1 FLK assessments are structured as multiple-choice questions where you select the single best answer from five possible options. This format tests your application of essential legal principles rather than rote memorisation. Unlike open-book exams, SQE1 assessments are closed book, emphasising the ability to recall and apply principles without consulting reference materials. The questions focus on core legal knowledge rather than intricate details that a practising solicitor would typically look up, so developing or controversial areas of law are not examined.
The exam is based on current law, with a cut-off date for examinable law set four months before the first assessment in each window. This means that you are tested on the law as it stands at that date, ensuring that your knowledge aligns with contemporary practice. Any legal changes made up to and including this cut-off date can be examined, but candidates are not assessed on ongoing legal developments beyond this date.
In terms of competence standards, you are assessed at level 3 on the Threshold Standard, which corresponds to the capability expected of a newly qualified solicitor. The Statement of Solicitor Competence, detailed in Annex 3, outlines the competences candidates must demonstrate. Competence is defined as "the ability to perform the roles and tasks required by one's job to the expected standard" (Eraut & du Boulay, 2001). This broad definition recognises that requirements and expectations change depending on job role and context. This level of assessment ensures that successful candidates are prepared to manage the demands of legal practice professionally from day one.
