Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) is required to pass exams, in order to be qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales, from 2021. Such a system was deployed in September 2021 and substituted the outdated one, which required obtaining a law degree and the Legal Practice Course (LPC) as well as training contract.
Nevertheless, SQE is easier, as well as a speedy and smooth process in comparison to the existing training system for barristers. Hence, it tests aspiring solicitors based on two sets of examinations: the second is legal knowledge focused and the latter, practical.
This article will walk you through the practices you need to undergo to qualify as a solicitor – the steps outlined having passed the SQE level two exam.
Table of Contents
Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)
The term Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) signifies the legal practical experience which is eventually gathered by a prospective solicitor once she/he has finished their academics and successfully passed the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). QWE is a vital startup towards the functioning of solicitors in the England and Wales jurisdiction.
No authority or institution can help an aspiring solicitor find work. The aspiring candidate has to secure QWE placements themselves. They may find work in law firms, legal departments, or even some organizations and institutions that offer approved QWE positions. Certain factors must be kept in mind while searching for work, like the firm’s size, location, practice areas, and available opportunities for professional development.
Applying for Admission
After the aspiring solicitor has cleared the SQE examination, applying for admission is the most critical step in completing the Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). In this step, the aspiring solicitors have to formally apply to become a solicitor and earn recognition from the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Even the recognition gained by the relevant regulatory body within the jurisdiction would be considered valid.
Here’s an explanation of the entire admission procedure:
Understand the Admission Process
However the approval process may differ slightly between jurisdictions, it generally includes an application which needs to be submitted to the regulator along with corresponding documents, which prove the eligibility and qualifications of the applicant. The SRA oversees and regulates the process through the set of statutory rules and guidelines for these activities.
Preparing the Application for Admission
Candidates must carefully provide information about their academic qualifications in the admission application. This would include required certificates from the School of Law or equivalent programs and even transcripts. Additionally, proof of completion of the SQE examination and whether the candidate fulfills the QWE requirements would be required. It may include certain letters from employers or certificates.
Submitting the Application and the Concerned Documents
The regulatory authority sets certain guidelines and application requirements, which the candidates must carefully review. This process involves:
- Carefully completing and submitting the application forms.
- Providing personal information.
- Even submitting the supporting documents.
This step must be fulfilled within the designated timeline. Moreover, ensure the submitted documents are accurate and don’t mislead the authorities.
Timeline for Admission After Passing the SQE
The timeline for the admission process after passing the SQE examination and completing the QWE may vary. Some regulatory authorities take a few weeks to process the applications after they are submitted; others may take several months to review and approve them carefully. Nevertheless, these dynamic job markets require the candidates to be aware of the usual application processing speed in order to fit it into their plans.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Practicing as a solicitor is the core essence of the practitioner’s journey. It is an ongoing procedure in which continuous learning about the changing laws, practical knowledge, skill enhancement, and much more contribute to professional growth, which solicitors undertake throughout their careers.
Importance of CPD
The solicitors need to keep themselves involved in CPD. Why? So that they can stay updated with industry trends and legal developments and even be aware of the best practices in their fields. It would further mean that the solicitor would keep delivering good quality legal services that would meet the regulatory standards.
Various Types of CPD Activities
Various CPD activities include seminars and workshops, conferences, webinars, and even training sessions. Moreover, it involves engaging the solicitor in pro bono work, framing legal articles, monitoring and mentoring junior solicitors, and participating in networking activities.
Joining a Law Firm
Some solicitors choose to join a law firm soon after passing their SQE examination due to the below-mentioned reasons:
- The majority (almost all) of the freshly minted solicitors (i.e. law graduates) tend to work in law firms, which is where their exposure to a variety of legal issues and the support of a mentor can be gained.
- Law firms increasingly find themselves practicing different areas of law, like family law, corporate law, and property law.
- However, the decision to join a type of law firm remains safe with the solicitor based on their interest and preferences.
- With law firms, solicitors gain structured career paths that help them with promotion and professional development opportunities.
- A solicitor who works in a law firm gains access to an ample network of colleagues, resources, and mentors, which will help them in their professional support.
Setting up a Practice
However, a few of them even think of setting up their practice, regardless of joining any law firm, due to the below-mentioned reasons:
- Some solicitors prefer to begin their practices either in partnership with other solicitors or as sole practitioners. This arrangement opens doors for them to higher earnings and greater autonomy.
- Solicitors who prefer setting up their practices must actively market their services and establish a reputation in the market first. It would even attract more clients.
Conclusion
Passing the SQE examination is no less than a victory. However, that’s just the initial step in becoming a qualified solicitor. By securing Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), showcasing your positive character, and even fulfilling the formalities of the admission procedure, you will be on the path to a flourishing legal career. Always remember that being updated with the latest developments is the priority for solicitors. Why? Because this opens up new paths of opportunities for them.
So, keep going, and do not hesitate to explore resources from the SRA and legal careers organizations to make a well-informed decision for a bright future!
