The Solicitors Qualifying Examination, also known as SQE exam is a rigorous single best answer multiple-choice assessment aspiring solicitors need to pass for qualification.
Also, the SQE exam is administered by Kaplan SQE Ltd.
Qualifying as a Solicitor in England & Wales
Degree or Degree equivalent. Hold a degree in any subject or a qualification that is equivalent to a degree, for example, solicitor apprenticeship.
Pass the SQE exam. Pass both parts of the Solicitor’s Qualifying Exam (SQE 1 and SQE 2)
Two Years QWE or Equivalent. Complete two years’ full time or equivalent Qualifying Work Experience.
Character & Suitability. Meet the SRA’s (Solicitors Regulation Authority) character and suitability requirements.
The SQE Exam Explained
The SQE Exam is broken into two parts SQE 1 & SQE 2.
SQE 1
SQE 1 is broken down into FLK 1 and FLK 2.
Topics tested on SQE 1
Remember: Tax and Ethics/ Professional conduct can be tested in both FLK 1 and FLK 2.
FLK 1
Legal System of England & Wales
Constitution & Administrative Law & EU Law
Legal Services
Contract Law
TORT
Dispute Resolution
Business Law & Practice
FLK 2
Land Law
Property Practice
Solicitor’s Accounts
Wills and the Administration of Estates
Trusts
Criminal Law
Criminal Practice
SQE 1 structure
SQE 1 is administered over two days. Day 1 is FLK 1 and day 2 is FLK 2.
Each day you will take 180 multiple choice questions (FLK 1 is 180 questions and FLK 2 is 180 questions). Therefore, combined you will be asked 360 questions for SQE 1.
In general, first, each day candidate’s are given 2 hours and 33 minutes for 90 multiple choice questions.
Secondly, candidate’s take a 60 minute break.
Finally, upon returning from the break candidate’s are given 2 hours and 33 minutes for the next 90 multiple choice questions.
In Summary
SQE 2
SQE 2 is broken down into Oral and Written parts.
Topics tested on SQE 2
The following skills and practice areas are tested on SQE 2.
Candidate’s will be assessed in the following skills:
Wills & Intestacy, Probate Administration, and Practice
Business Organizations Rules and Procedures
SQE 2 structure
SQE 2 Oral
Candidate’s will undertake a total of four oral legal skills assessments over two half-days. While, each assessment is 60 minutes.
SQE 2 Oral
Day 1
Advocacy (Dispute Resolution): 45 minute prep time and 15 min submission
Interview and attendance note/ legal analysis (Property Practice): 10 mins prep time, 25 minutes to interview, and 25 minutes to handwrite the attendance note
SQE 2 Oral
Day 2
Advocacy (Criminal Litigation): 45 minute prep time and 15 min submission
Interview and attendance note/ legal analysis (Wills and Intestacy, Probate Administration and Practice): 10 mins prep time, 25 minutes to interview, and 25 minutes to handwrite the attendance note
SQE 2 Written
Specifically, candidate’s will undertake a total of 12 written legal skills assessments over three half-days.
SQE Written
Case and matter analysis:60 mins to review electronic files and produce a written report for a partner based on your legal analysis of a matter.
Legal drafting:45 mins to draft part or full legal document (for example, amending a document, or drafting from precedent)
Legal research:60 mins to conduct legal research based on client issue from a partner email. Candidate’s to write a note covering the issues and any advice partner can provide to the client. Candidate’s response should include; 1) legal reasoning and 2) key sources.
Legal writing:30 mins to write a recipient facing letter or email
In Summary
In Closing
It’s a long and rigorous process. However, once you pass the SQE exam you are one step closer to earning the right to become a solicitor in England and Wales.
The be an adult section
The information provided in this issue of SQE journey is my understanding at the time of writing. Check the SRA SQE website for updates.
