This article has been written by Oishika Banerji of Amity Law School, Kolkata. This article lays down the possible tips that can turn out to be useful for the purpose of passing the SQE.
It has been published by Rachit Garg.
Introduction
The new centralised method for becoming a solicitor in England and Wales is the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), which is being phased in. The Legal Practice Course (LPC) route to practice was subsequently supplanted by it. The Qualified Attorneys Transfer Scheme (QLTS), the test that lawyers from foreign jurisdictions must complete in order to become qualified solicitors in England and Wales, serves as the foundation for a large portion of the SQE.
Every competitive examination comes with a set of challenges and anxiety leading to asking and searching for tips to successfully sail through the same. Placed hereunder are not only a list of tips but also some connected questions relating to the SQE.
Should I worry about SQE because it is new?
You can find solace in the fact that the SQE is built on a tried-and-true format that functions based on the QLTS if you are concerned about being the first to participate in it. The SRA has determined that the format it is built on does indeed function, despite the fact that it is a newly centralised method of becoming a solicitor.
How hard will the SQE be?
This actually depends on how each person sees things. To satisfy the level of a newly qualified solicitor, it is intended to be fair and uniform for everyone (it is higher than traditional routes to qualification). You must make sure that the method you select for the SQE satisfies the necessary standards and works best for you because there are numerous adaptable ways to study for it.
How long will the SQE take to complete?
The assessment is offered across two days and lasts about 10 hours in total.
Some colleges provide distinct SQE1 preparatory courses for non-legal graduates or integrate SQE1 preparation within their law degrees, however this is not compulsory. For instance, BPP offers the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) to help graduates who are not lawyers pass SQE1. It takes eight months to finish the course.
How long will it take to prepare for the SQE?
- Give yourself 9-12 months to prepare for the exams (both SQE1 and SQE2).
- A typical timeline that can be anticipated for the majority of candidates would be to commence studies 5 to 6 months before SQE1, devoting approximately 15 to 20 hours per week to this before preparing for and attempting SQE2 that immediately follows SQE1.
- Some candidates may decide to extend their studies over a longer period of time of perhaps 12 to 18 months.
- For SQE2, it is advisable that candidates should study for approximately 15 to 20 hours per week over a 3 to 4 month preparation period. Some candidates may allow themselves more time to prepare for the SQE2 exam, typically this can be up to 8 months.
How can I get a structured study plan and the necessary study tools?
It is important to focus on the SQE in two stages, SQE1 and SQE2, because you will first need to pass SQE1 before you can attempt SQE2.
SQE1 preparation
In this stage, focus should be on Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK).
- SQE1: Preparation stage one
Understand the format and style of the multiple choice questions and how best to approach them. Two multiple choice tests of 180 questions each will be present.
- SQE2: Preparation stage two
At this stage of study, focus will be on substantive and procedural law.
- SQE1: Preparation stage three
You will start working on learning and building a deeper understanding of the topics covered in the evaluation at this point.
- SQE1: Preparation stage four
The last thing you need to learn for SQE1 is how to apply the law to actual factual situations.
SQE2 preparation
In this stage, the focus should be on Practical Legal Skills (PLS). The stages are the same as that explained above. For detailed information refer to this link.
Do I have a better chance of passing SQE2 after completing the qualifying work experience (QWE)?
- With or without prior legal job experience, you can take the SQE2 at any time. But logically, it makes sense to have some high-quality QWE that would help you with your talents and give you more confidence.
- Where you work will determine a lot. Before commencing the work, certain city firms may require you to complete both parts, while others will prefer you have some professional experience. There is no one right or incorrect strategy.
- A crucial point to keep in mind is that while many claim that law may be “crammed” for an exam, abilities do require time to develop.
What counts as legal work experience to qualify?
- You must have two years of work experience in order to successfully finish the SQE. You can finish the two years with up to four different placements; you are not required to locate one for the entire period. This is a fantastic approach to learn about what it’s like to work in a real law workplace while gaining useful skills and experience.
- Even while training contracts at the major legal firms are difficult to come by, there are still options for obtaining relevant practical experience.
- Examples of legal work experience:
- Voluntary work at a law firm
- Working as a paralegal or shadowing a similar role
- Working at a law clinic – this could be at university
- Training contract
- Completing a placement – for example as a sandwich degree.
- You can complete your work experience before, after, or concurrently with the SQE. However, the test will be simpler for you if you have more information and practical abilities.
Tips to pass the SQE exam?
Some of the generalised tips for passing the SQE exam have been laid down briefly hereunder, you can always have your own set of tips for the same.
Availing offered course
To help students completely prepare for the SQE and lower the likelihood of needing to retake it, several postgraduate preparatory courses are being developed. The University of Law, QLTS, and BPP are just a few of the organisations that provide full and part-time SQE1 and SQE2 preparatory courses.
What to look for in a good course for SQE
- Looking after the cost of course is important. The price varies depending on the supplier, but it’s crucial to know what you’ll get and how it will help you pass.
- To determine how they will prepare you and whether it is the best approach for you to learn, find out what course materials they provide. Does it involve using practice sheets, videos, or textbooks?
- You’ll have a decent chance of passing with their assistance because of the provider’s experience; for instance, the QLTS School has years of experience preparing students for tests like the LPC.
- Quality needs to be checked as well. After all, it’s usually helpful to have a second perspective from a doer. While the SQE is new and forthcoming, the companies providing the training programmes are not. Try to get the opinions of persons in law who have experienced a comparable process with a provider.
Preparing independently vis a vis outside help
- It is important to carefully evaluate how you will prepare for the SQE because it can take law graduates between 9 and 12 months and 15 to 20 hours per week of study to be fully prepared for both levels of the SQE. Although it’s not required, taking a prep course will help you be prepared and increase your chances of passing.
- With the right resources accessible in the future, it might be possible to independently prepare for the SQE. But for now, it is advised to stick with a provider because they have the finest tools and assistance to give for your SQE journey.
Focus on legal research, writing and knowledge
Prior to beginning legal work experience, students often complete Stage 1, commonly referred to as SQE1, which focuses on legal research, writing, and knowledge. This stage attempts to assess your practical knowledge of law, specifically your ability to apply that knowledge to actual situations. Reading journals, news articles, books, short memos are all contributory towards development of legal research, writing and knowledge related skills for an SQE applicant. Passing SQE 1 is therefore easier. Aim should be towards it first.
Work on core legal skills through a series of oral and written assessments
Through a series of oral and written assessments, Stage 2, often known as SQE2, examines your fundamental legal abilities. This will concentrate on the practical abilities required to become a solicitor, including interviewing, contract writing, legal drafting, and more. You can work on drafting skills by means of being aware and well acknowledged with possible clauses that need to be included in the same depending on the nature of the contract. When it comes to oral and written assessment:
- Practising speaking in front of the mirror at frequent intervals, can be a good way to excel.
- Written assessments can be made handy by appearing for a series of mock tests.
Preparation factors that need to be considered
In order to determine how much time you can and should devote to studying for the SQE tests, you must evaluate your specific situation as well as your past and present knowledge of English Law in general and legal practice in particular. Here are some questions to think about:
- What are your timelines?
- Do you have your employer’s support (such as time-off in the weeks before the SQE assessments)?
- How much time can you commit each week?
- Do you have any practical experience (such as paralegals, legal executives and legal apprentices)?
- If you are a foreign lawyer, are you qualified in a common law jurisdiction? Do you have experience in English law? How good is your English?
- How do you learn?
- What are your other commitments (anything not coming under the preparation ambit)?
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