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    SQE

      SQE

    Introduction

    SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination) is the new course for people seeking to become solicitors in England and Wales. There are four requirements for attaining the SQE:

    First

    A degree or equivalent in any subject. The degree does not have to be in Law.

    Second

    Pass SQE1 and SQE2

    Third

    Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) which consists of TWO years working for solicitors' firms or other employment recognised as equivalent. It is the responsibility of the student to secure QWE, although the College will provide help in doing so if possible.

    Fourth

    Meet Suitability Requirements: These relate to having the integrity and character to practise as a solicitor (for instance absence of criminal convictions). The Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Law Society set the standards and it is the responsibility of individual students to ensure that they meet them although the College is willing to provide guidance in this regard.

    Format of the SQE1 Exam

    As things stand the SQE1 exam consists of TWO papers which comprise 180 questions each. The time limit for each paper is FIVE hours.

    The questions are Multiple Choice and Single Best Answer (SBA) (as opposed to Single Correct Answer (SCA) Questions.

    The difference between the two is that with SBA’s there may be more than one suggested answer which is correct. Students have to identify which answer is the most appropriate to the question set.


    An example of SQE1 Question

    A solicitor appears in court on behalf of a client charged with assault. At the trial the Prosecution fail to mention that the client had recently been convicted of a similar assault, something which would have helped the Prosecution’s case. What should the solicitor do?

    1. Tell the court about the recent case.
    2. Present their argument to the court without referring to the recent case.
    3. Cease to act
    4. Follow the client’s instructions regarding dealing with the case
    5. Tell the client that they can only continue to act for them until the client finds another solicitor.

    Topics covered under SQE1
    Business Law and Practice

    Dispute Resolution

    Contract

    Tort

    English Legal System

    Legal Knowledge: Business Law and Practice, Dispute Resolution, Contract, Tort, Legal System, Public Law, Legal Services


    Property Practice

    Wills and Administration of Estates

    Solicitors Accounts

    Land Law

    Trusts

    Criminal Law and Practice

    Legal Knowledge: Property Practice, Wills and the Administration of Estates, Solicitors Accounts, Land Law, Trusts, Criminal Law and Practice

    Topics covered under SQE2
    Client interviewing with linked attendance note/legal analysis

    Attendance note/legal analysis

    Advocacy

    Case and matter analysis

    Legal research and written advice

    Legal drafting

    Legal writing