The legal qualification process in England and Wales has seen a significant shift with the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). This new pathway is designed to be more flexible and accessible compared to the traditional Legal Practice Course (LPC). For some students, the SQE might be an easier route to becoming a solicitor. This article explores the reasons why the SQE could be a more straightforward option for certain candidates.
1. Flexible Preparation Options
One of the primary advantages of the SQE is the flexibility it offers in terms of preparation. Unlike the LPC, which requires enrolment in a full-time or part-time course at a law school or university, the SQE allows candidates to choose how they prepare. This can include:
Self-Study: Students who are disciplined and self-motivated can prepare for the SQE on their own, using study materials and resources available online.
Short Courses: Various providers offer intensive short courses tailored to different aspects of the SQE, allowing students to focus on areas where they need the most support.
Blended Learning: Many training providers offer a combination of online and in-person sessions, giving students the flexibility to study at their own pace while still receiving guidance from experienced tutors.
This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for students who need to balance their studies with work or other commitments.
2. Cost Considerations
The cost of qualifying as a solicitor can be a significant barrier for many students. The LPC can be expensive, with fees ranging from £9,000 to £17,000 depending on the institution. In contrast, the SQE exams themselves cost approximately £3,980. While candidates may still incur additional costs for preparatory courses, the overall expense can be lower than the LPC route.
For students who choose self-study or more affordable preparatory courses, the SQE can be a more financially viable option. This reduction in financial burden can make the qualification process less stressful and more accessible.
Alongside this, you can also take your SQE with the new Solicitor Apprenticeship and Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship, funded by the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) aspiring solicitors can now receive funding to qualify as a solicitor, receiving SQE prep Courses, SQE Exams, and beneficial training that will prepare candidates for day 1 in practice.
3. Standardised Assessment
The SQE's standardised assessment format can be an advantage for students. The SQE consists of two parts:
SQE1: Multiple-choice questions that assess legal knowledge.
SQE2: Practical assessments that evaluate legal skills through tasks such as client interviewing, advocacy, and legal writing.
The standardised nature of these exams ensures that all candidates are tested on the same material, reducing the variability in difficulty and assessment methods that can occur with different LPC providers. This consistency can help students better understand what to expect and prepare more effectively.
4. Varied Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)
Under the LPC route, students must secure a two-year training contract with a law firm, which can be highly competitive and difficult to obtain. The SQE, however, allows for more flexible Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). Candidates can gain their QWE at up to four different organisations, including:
- Law firms
- Legal clinics
- In-house legal departments
- Voluntary or pro bono work
This flexibility can make it easier for students to accumulate the required work experience. It also allows them to gain a broader range of legal experience, which can be advantageous in their future careers.
5. Personalised Learning Pace
The SQE allows students to progress at their own pace. Unlike the LPC, which follows a set academic calendar, students can choose when to sit for the SQE exams based on their readiness. This means that students can spend more time on challenging areas and take the exams when they feel fully prepared, potentially leading to better performance and less pressure.
6. Broader Access to Resources
With the SQE, students have access to a wide range of study resources, including online platforms, textbooks, and interactive tools. Many organisations offer free or low-cost materials to help candidates prepare for the exams. This broad access to resources can help students tailor their study plans to their individual needs and learning styles, making the preparation process more efficient and manageable.
While the SQE presents its own set of challenges, it offers several advantages that can make the path to becoming a solicitor easier for some students compared to the traditional LPC route. The flexibility in preparation, reduced costs, standardised assessments, varied work experience options, personalised learning pace, and broad access to resources all contribute to making the SQE a potentially more accessible and manageable route for aspiring solicitors. For students who thrive in flexible and self-directed learning environments, the SQE might be the key to unlocking their legal careers with greater ease and less financial burden.
