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From Tradition to Modernity: How does SQE change the game for lawyer training?
Since 2021, the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) in England and Wales has become the main process for lawyer training. The establishment of this new system makes the training and qualification of lawyers more flexible and efficient, aiming to reduce the financial burden required by students and simplify the entire process.
Basic requirements of SQE
Under the SQE, candidates must complete the following four elements:
- Have a higher education background (at least level 3, not necessarily a law degree)
- Pass two SQE exams
- Complete at least two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)
- Meets the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) character and fitness requirements
The flexibility of the SQE model allows candidates to complete work experience before, during or after exams, in contrast to traditional training contracts.
Historical background
The advent of SQE is not accidental. Back in 2020, the Legal Services Commission approved the SQE after nine years of discussion. The exam will officially take effect in the fall of 2021 and will begin to change the training system for lawyers. The implementation of the SQE means that all candidates starting in 2022 will need to follow this new pathway.
Traditional lawyer training path
Before the introduction of the SQE, lawyer training was usually achieved through Articled clerkship. This historic training model began in 1730 and evolved over time, eventually being replaced in 1993 by the Legal Practice Course (LPC), one of four routes to qualifying as a solicitor at the time.
The two main exams of SQE
SQE is divided into two parts: SQE1 and SQE2. SQE1 includes 180 multiple-choice questions to examine the candidate's legal knowledge and application ability, while SQE2 assesses the candidate's oral and written skills, with the core being legal research, legal writing and case analysis.
SQE is designed to assess the ability to meet the standards for newly recruited lawyers. Compared with the old LPC, SQE has higher teaching requirements.
Why the change?
The implementation of SQE aims to simplify the qualification examination process and reduce financial pressure on students. According to predictions, starting from September 2024, the total cost of the SQE exam will reach 4,790 pounds. Although this amount is not cheap, it has dropped compared to the LPC training cost.
Flexibility of work experience
The new Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) requires candidates to accumulate relevant experience within two years, which is no longer tied to a traditional training contract. Candidates can enhance their career competitiveness by gaining experience in different organizations and can choose to work part-time or as guest workers.
SQE not only opens up a wider source of work experience, it also enables diverse internship opportunities, encouraging candidates from diverse backgrounds to take part.
Criticisms and Challenges
Although SQE is seen as an effective way to improve lawyer training, there are many criticisms that challenge its legitimacy. Among them, the success rate of the examination and the high cost of preparation courses have become the focus of debate.
According to the latest data, the pass rate for SQE1 is 51% and SQE2 is 61%. However, including inappropriate errors in test questions and increased assessment standards, sometimes even well-prepared candidates still face the risk of failure.
Looking to the future
As SQE matures, future lawyer training will develop in a more flexible and efficient direction. Whether it is the improvement of examination content or the opportunity to accumulate work experience, they are important links in improving candidates' professional abilities. In this wave of change, various possible opportunities and challenges await those who aspire to become lawyers. After all, how will this new system drastically change the shape of the legal profession in the future?
