Studying for the SQE
Please stand up if you have taken the SQE or are studying for the SQE.
Would you take advice from someone who has never studied/ passed the SQE on the SQE?
If you have not studied for the SQE, do you *really* understand what it takes to pass the SQE?
This past week SQE takers were called “Snowflakes”
How it started
A student looking to qualify as a solicitor created a change.org petition to reform the SQE. At the time of writing this, the petition has over 1000 signatures.
Dismissing signatories as snowflakes
In the legal industry, barristers refer to each other as ‘my learned friend’ and solicitors are referred to as ‘my friend’. I was shocked to say the least to hear a barrister turned politician make such a demeaning statement.
A barrister turned politician dismissed signatories of the petition as “snowflakes” who “didn’t do well, and it must be someone else’s fault.” The politician defended the SQE as intentionally rigorous, reflecting the exam’s purpose to test competence through difficulty rather than accommodate individual learning styles
Creator of petition clarifies
Nowhere did the creator say the exam is “too hard” and explains the SQE is disproportionately challenging.
Media outlets pick up story
- Legal Geek reports on the creation of the petition
- Politician responds in Telegraph column (subscription required to read)
- Legal Geek and Law Gazette reference the snowflake comments made
SQE community voices
- The SQE Isn’t a Test of Legal Skill It’s the World’s Most Expensive Game of Trivial Pursuit by Sarah Khan-Bashir on LinkedIn
- I’m giving a hard pass to the idea that aspiring lawyers are going soft by Patrick McCann on LinkedIn
- It’s not “snowflake solicitors” ruining the profession — it’s the system by Harishitaa v. Thakkar on LinkedIn
My Take
As someone who writes a weekly newsletter called SQE Journey I frequently talk with other students who are studying for the SQE or have taken the SQE.
The SQE opened up the profession and provided an alternative route to qualify. Which is a net positive. However, since the SQE is relatively new, the exam has faced several issues. With a major faux pas when Kaplan apologized to 175 students.
The SQE should not be compared to the LPC. The SQE is designed for becoming a day 1 solicitor.
Clearly, there are issues with the process. I have huge respect for the petitioner who is brave enough to speak up about what many SQE students are experiencing. Instead of responding in a childish like manner and name calling, it is more appropriate to have a discussion around student experiences.
Finally
Every mock test, every concept you finally understand, every moment you push past fatigue. These are victories in themselves. One day, you’ll look back and realize the very pressure you’re feeling now forged the solicitor you were always meant to become.
This journey to becoming a solicitor has never been about proving yourself to critics, but about proving to yourself that you can rise to the challenge. Keep going, your future clients, your future self, and your future career are waiting for you.
If you are someone who is studying for the SQE or have taken the SQE I’d love to hear from you. DMs are open and confidential.
