Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)?
The SQE is the assessment for all aspiring solicitors in England and Wales. The SQE is officiated, governed and examined by the SRA.
2. What does the SQE comprise?
The SQE consists of two parts, the SQE 1, known as the knowledge assessment and SQE 2 known as the legal skills assessment.
The SQE 1 consists of two functioning legal knowledge (FLK) assessments, which are 180 multiple-choice questions each.
The SQE 2 is a series of legal skills assessment.
Many candidates who are already qualified as a lawyer in an overseas jurisdiction with 12 months of legal experience are eligible to be exempt from the SQE 2 part. Further details may be found here:
https://sqe.sra.org.uk/registering-and-booking/exemptions
3. How much does the SQE cost and how do I register?
The SRA’s website contains all assessment costs and timetables for the SQE, which should be checked at the time for registry. Details on costs may be found here:
https://sqe.sra.org.uk/about-sqe/costs-and-fees
Key dates for the SQE can be found here:
https://sqe.sra.org.uk/about-sqe/what-is-the-sqe/timings
Registration for the SQE can be found here:
https://sqe.sra.org.uk/registering-and-booking
4. What are the advantages of being an England & Wales qualified solicitor?
There are many advantages of being a qualified solicitor in England & Wales. English law is known across the globe for its certainty, fairness and neutrality amongst others, qualities which make it a highly desired legal system in the commercial world.
English law opens doors. A lawyer who is entitled to practise in England & Wales is not only attractive to international clients who require advice on English law from time to time but also attractive to current or future employers who are keen to boost their international outlook and marketing credentials of their respective firms around the world.
Whether you end up practicing as a solicitor in England & Wales or simply remain on the Roll of Solicitors whilst continuing working for an international firm abroad, you will have a stronger CV and stand out from the crowd in your future endeavours.
4. How long should I prepare for the exam for?
Every candidate’s learning pace is different, and it is therefore difficult to give a “one fit provides all” answer. However, hypothetically, a candidate who is exempt from the SQE 2 part and is only required to pass the SQE 1 part who is simultaneously working a full time job should dedicate approximately 10-15 hours a week across a 6-8 month period to prepare for the SQE 1.
5. How many times can I attempt the SQE?
The SRA govern the assessments and set all the rules for taking them. At present, candidates are permitted three attempts at SQE1 and three attempts at SQE2 within a 6-year period. Further details may be accessed here:
6. Where can I sit the SQE Assessments?
The SQE 1 and the written assessments of the SQE 2 can usually be taken at any international city which is listed on SRA’s page below. The list is extensive and includes Istanbul, Madrid, New Delhi, Melbourne, Vienna and Rome amongst others. Further details may be found here:
https://sqe.sra.org.uk/exam-arrangements/dates-and-locations
The oral assessments of the SQE 2 are only taken in England & Wales.
7. Should I sign up for the coaching sessions?
If you are an international lawyer or law student in your final year at law school and are looking to transition your practice to London soon, we highly recommend that you take coaching sessions from Quantum in your last year at law school or during your traineeship year. These sessions are 1 to 1 with the candidate and will be tailored to each candidate’s personal circumstances, career ambitions (whether wanting to explore an LLM first, or whether wanting to target international law firms in London) and timeframe. Our coaches are dual-qualified solicitors who come with a wealth of experience in M&A, private client and property, having worked at various international and boutique law firms in the past in London and globally. Some of the firms that our coaches have worked for previously include Steptoe, DAC Beachcroft and Dentons amongst others. Our coaches will be able to assist you with your applications, CV and interview preparation.