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The SQE exam revolution: How is the UK solicitor qualification being completely renewed?
Since 2021, the legal profession has ushered in a revolution in lawyer qualification certification - the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). This new system not only simplifies the way to obtain legal qualifications in England and Wales, but also completely reforms the traditional training process, paving the way for a new generation of legal practitioners.
Basic structure of SQE
Under the new requirements, anyone wishing to enter the legal profession must have tertiary education (that is, undergraduate-level education, but not necessarily a law degree), pass two SQE exams, and complete two years of qualifying work experience. You must have Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) and meet the character and suitability requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The change marks the end of the traditional training contract and its replacement by the QWE, which allows candidates to gain work experience in a number of different organisations.
“The aim of the SQE is to simplify the solicitor qualification process and reduce the financial burden on students.”
History of SQE
The birth of SQE stems from the approval of the Legal Services Commission on October 28, 2020. After nine years of consultation, the new system finally came into effect in the fall of 2021. From 2022, all those wishing to qualify as solicitors will have to complete their qualification through the SQE. To allow candidates who have already started under the old system to complete their exams, the SRA has also set a ten-year transition period until 2031.
SQE exam composition
The SQE consists of two parts, SQE1 and SQE2, and candidates must pass both assessments to obtain the qualification. Among them, SQE1 contains 180 multiple-choice questions, mainly testing basic legal knowledge and legal principles; while SQE2 tests candidates' practical ability, including oral and written tests. The former focuses on simulated client interviews and court advocacy, while the latter involves legal research, legal writing, etc.
“The SQE exam assessment standard is more rigorous than the old Legal Practice Course (LPC), similar to the US bar exam.”
Exam Pass Rates and Fees
According to the SRA, as of January 2024, the pass rate for SQE1 is 51%, while the pass rate for SQE2 is 61%. The cost of the assessment is also increasing, with the total cost of the exam set to reach £4,790 by September 2024, while some preparation courses will cost even more, with total expenses potentially exceeding £22,590, sparking widespread concern about costs.
Questions and Criticisms
Although the SQE was introduced with the intention of simplifying qualifications, it has also sparked some criticism. The first is the issue of financial burden. The SQE examination fee has increased significantly compared to the old system, but many students still choose to sign up for high-priced pre-exam training courses. In addition, the difficulty of SQE has also been questioned because its assessment level is equivalent to that of new lawyers, not just interns.
"In some exams, candidates' pass or fail was even affected by administration errors."
Future Outlook
In the face of widespread changes to the SQE, the legal profession and legal academia must work together to ensure that the new system truly reflects the needs of the legal profession. At the same time, legal education institutions also need to adapt to this change and adjust their training strategies to meet the requirements of SQE.
In this revolution, can SQE truly achieve its goal of simplifying procedures, or will it bring new challenges to the future development of the legal profession?
