Qualified with Aishwarya Luthra
Qualified with Aishwarya Luthra. In this 5-question interview, Aishwarya shares how she passed SQE 1 and qualified as a solicitor, with practical advice for aspiring solicitors.
Recently SQE Journey subscriber, Aishwarya Luthra posted she “officially passed the SQE 1 and secured an SQE 2 exemption! This means I’ve finished my assessments to qualify as a Solicitor of England and Wales”. Aishwarya is already qualified in India and has earned an LL.B, and two LL.M.s.
This week Aishwarya shares her SQE Journey!
Qualified with Aishwarya Luthra
Question 1
When you first decided to pursue qualification through the SQE route, what felt most uncertain or confusing, and how did you work through it?
One of the most uncertain aspects of preparing for the SQE was the absence of past exam papers or any meaningful precedent. Unlike most professional exams, there was no historic roadmap to follow. At times, it genuinely felt as though both students and course providers were navigating uncharted territory together, which could be slightly unnerving.
Despite putting in consistent effort, there were moments when it felt like nothing was ever quite enough. I even caught myself feeling guilty for doing normal things like taking a day off or watching a show on Netflix, as if the exam might somehow “know” I had relaxed for two hours.
Eventually, I reached an important realisation, with an exam like the SQE, you may never feel completely “ready.” Once I accepted that, things became slightly better, not much, but something is always better than nothing. Instead of chasing the illusion of perfect preparation, I focused on steadily building knowledge and covering my bases by completing as many questions as possible so that, at the end of the day, I could feel I had done all I reasonably could.
Question 2
Looking back at your SQE 1 preparation, what study habits or strategies made the biggest difference for you?
My preparation involved a fair amount of trial and error, but one strategy that made a significant difference was committing to practice questions every single day. I set myself a target of around 100 multiple choice questions daily and maintained an error log.
The error log became my most valuable tool. It allowed me not only to understand why I got a question wrong, but also why the other options were incorrect. Over time, it became a personal database of lessons learned.
I also relied heavily on spaced repetition, revisiting questions attempted weeks earlier to ensure I wasn’t repeating the same mistakes. Interestingly, this approach produced a noticeable improvement my scores increased by roughly 10–12% during practice.
By the end of the process, MCQs had become less of a test and more of a daily ritual. I also completed questions from multiple sources, so that my brain wouldn’t get used to a single style of question. Shaking things up ensured I was prepared for every possible way a question could be asked on a particular topic.
This practice made a huge difference.
Question 3
If you could give one piece of advice to someone preparing for the next SQE 1 sitting, what would it be?
My biggest piece of advice would be: don’t be too hard on yourself.
The SQE is demanding and can occasionally make even the most prepared candidates question their sanity. The key is to treat it as a marathon rather than a sprint. Consistency will always beat short bursts of overwork.
Give yourself credit for your effort, and don’t feel guilty about taking breaks, they are essential for maintaining focus and perspective.
The exam is challenging, but it is designed to help candidates qualify. The aim is to ensure people succeed in becoming solicitors, not to discourage them.
Question 4
What does qualifying as a solicitor mean to you personally?
I am a first generation lawyer and the first person in my family to study abroad so qualifying as a solicitor represents the culmination of a goal a dream a vision I have pursued for many years.
From early in my legal career, I aspired to become a lawyer with international qualifications and exposure to different legal systems. Achieving that milestone feels incredibly rewarding because it reflects years of study, professional experience, persistence and resilience.
More than anything, it feels like a moment of quiet validation, proof that all the long hours, late nights, and occasional moments of doubt were ultimately worthwhile.
Question 5
What are some similarities and differences of practicing law in India vs. England & Wales?
Having practiced as a lawyer in India since 2019, I would say the day to day experience in the two systems feels remarkably different.
Practice in England & Wales is highly structured and procedural. There is a strong emphasis on meticulous documentation, regulatory compliance, and careful case management. Litigation tends to follow a methodical rhythm, deadlines are precise, preparation is extensive, and written advocacy plays a significant role. The system operates with a level of predictability that practitioners come to rely on.
Litigation practice in India, on the other hand, is far more courtroom centric and dynamic. Oral advocacy takes centre stage, and hearings often involve active engagement between the bench and counsel. Lawyers must think on their feet, respond to judicial questions instantly, and adapt their arguments as discussions evolve. It can feel less scripted and far more conversational.
Another major difference is the scale at which the Indian legal system operates. Courts handle an enormous volume of cases, which means lawyers quickly develop the ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously and build courtroom advocacy skills very early in their careers.
Both systems are fascinating in their own way. England & Wales offers a highly organised and meticulously regulated environment, while India’s system reflects a vibrant culture of advocacy and courtroom engagement.
Having experienced both jurisdictions has been incredibly valuable because it has taught me that the practice of law is not defined by a single method. The same legal principles can come to life through very different styles of advocacy, procedure, and problem solving.
In closing
Thank you Aishwarya for your sharing your SQE Journey with us. Congrats on passing SQE 1 and qualifying as a solicitor. Feel free to congratulate Aishwarya here.
