Keith Mack
The Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) is an alternative route to qualification as a solicitor for non-law graduates. Previously, non-law graduates had to convert their degree through a programme such as the Common Professional Examination (CPE) or Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). Now, non-law graduates can take the SQE without a conversion course, although a good background in law is highly recommended. The SQE is comprised of two parts: SQE1, which tests Functional Legal Knowledge (FLK) through multiple-choice questions, and SQE2, which assesses practical legal skills through oral and written tests. Candidates must also complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) and meet the SRA's character and suitability requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is a law degree required to take the SQE? | No, a degree in any subject is required. |
| What is the pass rate for SQE1? | 44-56% |
| Is there a need for a conversion course? | No, but a good background in the law of England and Wales is highly recommended. |
| What is the cost of SQE1? | £1,888 |
| What is the cost of SQE2? | £2,902 |
| What is the nature of the SQE1 exam? | Multiple-choice questions |
| What is the nature of the SQE2 exam? | Oral and written tests |
| What is the nature of the SQE? | A new assessment format that covers more subjects than the standard syllabus of a law degree. |
| What is the duration of a full-time SQE1 prep course? | 13 weeks |
| What is QWE? | Qualifying Work Experience. It involves at least two years of full-time work in up to four organisations, which must be signed off by a solicitor or a Compliance Officer of Legal Practice (COLP). |
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What You'll Learn
The SQE is open to non-law graduates
The SQE, or Solicitors Qualifying Exam, is open to non-law graduates. The SQE is a new assessment format that covers more subjects than the standard syllabus of a law degree. It is designed to assess the knowledge and skills of aspiring solicitors.
Previously, non-law graduates had to convert their degree through a programme such as the Common Professional Examination (CPE) or Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). They would then need to complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and a two-year training contract. The SQE route does not require a conversion course and is therefore more accessible and affordable for non-law graduates.
However, it is important to note that the SQE exams are very challenging, with pass rates ranging from 44% to 56%. Non-law graduates will need to undertake substantial preparation to build up their legal knowledge and skills. They should allow themselves enough time to learn the law before taking the exams. SQE preparation courses are available to help students starting from scratch, and some providers offer flexible course lengths to fit around students' commitments.
To qualify as a solicitor via the SQE route, non-law graduates must meet the following criteria:
- Obtain a university degree or equivalent in any subject
- Pass SQE1, a multiple-choice assessment testing Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK)
- Pass SQE2, an oral and written examination testing practical legal skills
- Complete at least two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) in up to four organisations, signed off by a solicitor or Compliance Officer of Legal Practice (COLP)
- Meet the SRA's character and suitability requirements
The SQE route offers a great opportunity for non-law graduates to qualify as solicitors without the need for a law degree or conversion course. However, it requires dedication, hard work, and a significant amount of preparation to succeed.
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You must have a degree in any subject or equivalent
The Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) is a new assessment format that covers more subjects than the standard syllabus of a law degree. As such, it is possible to take the SQE without a law degree. However, it is highly recommended to have a good background in the law of England and Wales, either from a law degree or a conversion course, as the exams are very difficult with SQE1 exam pass rates ranging from 44% to 56%.
If you are a graduate from a non-law discipline, you can take a short course to gain the fundamentals needed to feel confident before starting your SQE1 prep course. For example, BARBRI offers an optional 6-week online Foundations in Law course, covering the common law system of England and Wales, common terminology, and how legal research is conducted. The College of Legal Practice also offers a law foundation course called the Graduate Diploma in Law, which covers the six foundational areas of law commonly studied in a law degree.
In addition to passing SQE1 and SQE2, there are four main criteria required for passing the SQE. These include having a university degree or equivalent (like an apprenticeship) in any subject, completing two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), and passing the SRA's character and suitability assessment. The QWE requirement is much more flexible on the SQE route than on previous training contracts, as candidates can gain experience in a variety of roles in up to four law firms or other organizations offering legal services.
Overall, while it is possible to take the SQE without a law degree, it is important to invest time and effort into preparing for the exams and gaining practical experience in the legal field.
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Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) is required
The Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) is a new assessment format that covers more subjects than the standard syllabus of a law degree. It is now possible for non-law graduates to undertake the SQE assessment, and no conversion course is required. However, it is highly recommended that candidates have a good grasp of the fundamentals of English and Welsh law before starting their SQE journey, as the exams are very challenging. The SQE1 exam pass rate is around 44-56%.
There are several SQE preparation courses available to help candidates build their legal knowledge and practical skills. These courses can be taken online or in-person and are designed to fit around different commitments. Some providers offer full-time and part-time options. It is also possible to self-study for SQE1 using textbooks, but the standard of knowledge required to pass both stages of the SQE is very high. Candidates should plan ahead and ensure they have enough time to prepare for the exams, especially if they are working alongside their studies.
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SQE1 and SQE2 must be passed
The SQE, or Solicitors Qualifying Exam, is an assessment designed to test aspiring solicitors' knowledge and skills. It is divided into two parts: SQE1 and SQE2, which must be passed to qualify as a solicitor.
SQE1 is a multiple-choice exam that tests one's Functional Legal Knowledge (FLK) across 13 practice areas. The exam is designed in a “single best answer” format, and the pass rate is around 44-56%. SQE1 preparation courses are available and are advised due to the high standard of knowledge required to pass. These courses are offered in varying lengths, ranging from 13 to 40 weeks, to fit around different commitments.
SQE2 is an in-person oral and written examination that assesses the candidate's practical application of legal skills through real-life scenarios. These scenarios include conducting a client interview and writing up case and matter analysis.
To pass both parts of the SQE, one must have a strong foundation in the law of England and Wales. While a law degree is not required, it is highly recommended to undertake a law foundation course or conversion course, such as the GDL/CPE or LPC, to develop the necessary legal knowledge. These courses can be costly, but they provide a comprehensive understanding of the legal system and common law terminology, which is essential for the SQE exams.
In addition to passing SQE1 and SQE2, there are other criteria that must be met to qualify as a solicitor. These include completing at least two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) and passing the SRA's character and suitability assessment. The QWE requirement offers flexibility, as it can be fulfilled in a variety of roles across multiple organizations offering legal services.
Overall, while it is possible to take the SQE without a law degree, it is important to invest time and effort into building a solid foundation in legal knowledge and gaining practical experience to increase the chances of passing SQE1 and SQE2.
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SQE preparation courses are available
Yes, it is possible to take the SQE without a law degree. However, candidates without a law degree will need to undertake substantial preparation to build up their legal knowledge and skills. There are several SQE preparation courses available to help candidates with their exams.
BARBRI SQE Prep
BARBRI offers SQE preparation courses for both SQE1 and SQE2. The SQE1 Prep course is available in Flexible (40 weeks), Focused (20 weeks), and Accelerated (10 weeks) options. The SQE2 Prep course is available in Flexible (20 weeks) and Accelerated (10 weeks) options. The courses include a Personal Study Plan (PSP), mock exams, workshops, and weekly calls with tutors and peers. BARBRI also offers the SQE Foundations course, which provides an overview of the fundamentals of English and Welsh law.
Commercial Law Academy (CLA)
The Commercial Law Academy offers a comprehensive course that prepares candidates for applications, psychometric tests, interviews, internships, and a career in commercial law. The course includes example commercial and legal interview case studies, descriptions of recent deals and cases worked on by law firms, monthly sessions with experts, and a forum to answer questions.
Academy of Smart Lawyers
The Academy of Smart Lawyers provides guidance and resources for non-law graduates preparing for the SQE. While they do not appear to offer a structured course, they offer sample materials, a brochure, and a free call to help candidates get started with their exam preparation.
It is important to note that the costs of these preparation courses do not typically include the fees for the SQE exams themselves. Candidates should also be aware of the other requirements for qualifying as a solicitor, such as completing Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) and meeting the character and suitability standards set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can take the SQE without a law degree. The SQE is a new assessment format that allows non-law graduates to undertake the SQE assessment and qualify as a solicitor. However, it is recommended to have a good background in law from a degree or conversion course as the exams are very difficult.
To take the SQE without a law degree, you must have a degree or equivalent in any subject. You must also complete at least two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) in up to four organisations, which must be signed off by a solicitor or Compliance Officer of Legal Practice (COLP).
The SQE exam consists of two parts: SQE1 and SQE2. SQE1 tests your Functional Legal Knowledge (FLK) through multiple-choice questions, while SQE2 assesses your practical application of legal skills through oral and written tests. The pass rate for SQE1 is around 44-56%allow enough time for preparation and study.
