Understanding the New Route to Becoming a Solicitor
If you’re considering a career as a solicitor in England and Wales, you’ll almost certainly have come across the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) — the new centralised assessment introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Replacing the traditional LPC and training contract pathway, the SQE is now the primary route to qualification, designed to create a more consistent, flexible, and accessible system for aspiring solicitors.
At LawGrad Launch, we work with law and non-law graduates navigating this new landscape, helping them understand what the SQE involves, how it affects their qualification route, and how to prepare effectively. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the SQE — from exam structure and costs to preparation strategies and the benefits of the new system.
Why Was the SQE Introduced?
The SRA introduced the SQE to modernise and standardise solicitor qualification. Under the old system, students completed a qualifying law degree or Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), followed by the LPC, and then secured a two-year training contract. This led to several issues:
- Different LPC providers offered varying levels of quality
- Students spent large amounts of money on the LPC without guaranteed training contracts
- Qualification routes lacked consistency
- Many strong graduates were blocked from qualification due to training contract scarcity
The SQE framework addresses these issues by introducing a single, centralised set of exams and a more flexible approach to work experience. Whether you studied law or not, everyone now qualifies through the same assessments — ensuring fairness and consistency across the profession.
The Four Elements of SQE Qualification
To qualify as a solicitor through the SQE, you must complete four key components:
- Hold a degree or equivalent qualification
- Pass SQE1 (exam-based assessment)
- Pass SQE2 (skills-based assessment)
- Complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)
Once these steps are completed — and you meet the SRA’s character and suitability requirements — you can apply to be admitted as a solicitor of England and Wales.
Let’s explore these in detail.
What Is SQE1?
SQE1 tests your Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK) through two exams, FLK1 and FLK2. These exams focus entirely on your ability to apply legal knowledge to practical scenarios.
Structure of SQE1
SQE1 consists of two exams taken over two days:
- FLK1 covers:
- Contract Law
- Tort Law
- Business Law
- Dispute Resolution
- Constitutional & Administrative Law
- Legal Services
- FLK2 covers:
- Property Practice
- Wills & Probate
- Criminal Law & Practice
- Solicitors’ Accounts
- Ethics (tested throughout)
Each exam contains 180 single best answer multiple-choice questions, giving a total of 360. The format assesses your ability to apply the law quickly, accurately, and under significant time pressure.
Difficulty Level
SQE1 is challenging because it tests breadth rather than depth. You may only have a minute or two per question, so preparation must include both knowledge and speed.
At LawGrad Launch, we help students develop structured revision plans, build exam confidence, and strengthen their ability to apply legal principles quickly and accurately.
What Is SQE2?
SQE2 focuses on practical legal skills, assessing whether you can perform the tasks required of a day-one solicitor. Unlike SQE1, which is purely multiple-choice, SQE2 includes written and oral assessments.
Skills Tested in SQE2
You will be assessed on:
- Legal writing
- Legal drafting
- Case and matter analysis
- Legal research
- Client interviewing
- Advocacy
These skills are explored across five practice areas:
- Dispute Resolution
- Criminal Litigation
- Property Practice
- Wills & Intestacy
- Business Practice
The assessment typically takes place over five or six days, depending on your exam provider’s scheduling.
Why SQE2 Matters
SQE2 ensures that every newly qualified solicitor can communicate clearly, manage clients, and apply legal reasoning in practical situations — not just in theory.
What Is Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)?
One of the biggest changes brought in with the SQE is the introduction of Qualifying Work Experience as an alternative to the traditional training contract.
Under the SQE, you must complete two years of QWE, which can be gained in up to four different organisations, including:
- Law firms
- In-house legal departments
- Legal clinics
- Charities
- Local councils
- Start-ups or small practices
QWE must be signed off by a solicitor or compliance officer but does not need to be completed in a single firm.
Why This Change Matters
The flexibility of QWE has created far more pathways to qualification. It allows graduates to:
- Build experience gradually
- Complete placements before, during, or after exams
- Qualify without being limited to training contract availability
- Gain experience tailored to their career goals
At LawGrad Launch, we help graduates choose placements strategically so their QWE strengthens their long-term legal ambitions.
How Much Does the SQE Cost?
As of 2025, exam fees are:
- SQE1: £1,798
- SQE2: £2,766
These fees do not include preparation course costs, which vary significantly depending on provider and format.
Many firms now sponsor future trainees through the SQE, offering full funding and maintenance grants. If you are aiming for a training contract, this support can be extremely valuable.
Is the SQE Easier or Harder Than the LPC?
The SQE is not “easier” — it is simply different.
Advantages of the SQE
- More flexible
- More accessible for non-law graduates
- Centralised and standardised
- Allows qualification through multiple types of work experience
Challenges of the SQE
- SQE1’s MCQs are fast-paced and difficult
- SQE2 requires strong practical skills
- Preparation takes discipline and structure
Many students find SQE1 particularly demanding because of the time pressure and volume of content.
Proper preparation is essential.
How to Prepare for the SQE
A strong preparation plan makes a significant difference. You should:
- Choose a trusted SQE preparation provider
- Create a clear study timetable
- Practise hundreds of MCQs in exam conditions
- Review answers to understand mistakes
- Develop writing and drafting skills for SQE2
- Build confidence through mock assessments
- Start QWE early if possible
At LawGrad Launch, we help students prepare for the SQE as part of their wider qualification strategy — including applications, experience planning, and interview coaching.
Final Thoughts
The SQE has transformed the route to qualification, offering a more flexible, accessible, and consistent system for aspiring solicitors. Whether you studied law, humanities, sciences, or something completely different, the SQE provides a clear and modern pathway into the profession.
Understanding the structure, requirements, and expectations of the SQE is crucial for planning your legal career effectively. With strong preparation, the right support, and a strategic approach to QWE, you can navigate the SQE confidently and move closer to becoming a qualified solicitor.
At LawGrad Launch, we support students and graduates through every stage — from SQE preparation choices to training contract applications and interview coaching.