The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has newly verified plans to introduce the Solicitors Qualification Exam (SQE) from 2020. Consequently, the media is overflowing with articles broadcasting the approaching death of the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and Legal Practice Course (LPC). Ultimately, students currently studying those courses are now confused or overwhelmed by this implementation and how it will affect their career.
If you are currently studying the LLB or a GDL, or looking to start one by 2020, the SRA has specified that you will have the option to sit the new SQE or qualify under the current rules. This is due to the SRA stating that there will be a lengthy transitional period. How do I qualify as a solicitor under the current rules? * Students must complete an LLB (or other degree + GDL) followed by an LPC and a two-year Period of Recognized Training with a law firm or other legal services provider. How will I qualify as a solicitor under the new rules? * The current SRA proposals indicate that students must complete any degree or equivalent, though not necessarily a law degree, and pass the SQE 1. This is followed by two years of work experience before sitting SQE 2. *In both cases, you must meet the character and suitability test for the profession What do SQE1 and SQE2 look like? These will be centralised assessments set by an independent body appointed by the SRA. The idea is that everyone should sit the same test, so the public can be sure that everyone has met the same standard. This means that law schools won’t set their own exams anymore. The current SQE 1 proposal is to combine six online tests covering material you currently study in your LLB, GDL and LPC:
In addition to this there will be a practical legal skills assessment, testing your legal research and writing skills. However, please note that the syllabus for SQE1 has not yet been confirmed by the SRA. SQE 2 is only taken only once you have passed all the SQE 1 exams. This will be a skills simulation test where you interview a client, undertake some advocacy and complete some more writing, research and drafting exercises along with some case analysis. Crucially, this will be after your qualifying work experience and not before. The SRA are indicating that your work experience could be made up from up to four placements lasting a minimum of 6 months each. This could include university law clinics and paralegal roles. You will also have to prove you have had the opportunity to develop the skills required of a solicitor during those placements, then demonstrate this by passing SQE 2. Some reasons to wait until 2020 to do the SQE
Reasons to qualify under the current system before 2020
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AuthorKarina Samaroo Archives
September 2019
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