This article helps foreign lawyers who have taken the QLTS MCT and want to become solicitors in England and Wales. It gives guidance on passing SQE2, which is their last chance to qualify.
SQE vs QLTS
The Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS) functioned to enable foreign lawyers to qualify as solicitors in England and Wales. The QLTS consisted of two assessments:
- Stage 1: QLTS MCT (Multiple Choice Test)
- Stage 2: QLTS OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination)
In September 2021, the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) replaced the QLTS. The SQE comprises two parts:
- SQE1. This assesses your functioning legal knowledge and consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
- SQE2. This assesses your practical legal skills. It includes a range of skills assessments such as client interviewing, advocacy, legal research, and legal writing.
SQE2 for foreign lawyers is a crucial step in qualifying to practise law in England and Wales.
If you are a qualified lawyer who has passed the QLTS MCT, you have the opportunity to take SQE2. It serves as the final step to complete your QLTS qualification and become a solicitor. To get into the roll, you need to pass SQE2 and apply by 31 March 2024, which is the deadline. If you fail to do so, you will have to take both SQE1 and SQE2.
Please note that your last chance to attempt SQE2 falls in October 2023.
SQE2 Recent Results Analysed
| Are you a qualified lawyer? | Candidates % | Mean Score % | Pass Rate % |
| SQE2 October 2022 | |||
| Yes | 27 | 65 | 69 |
| No | 73 | 71 | 85 |
| SQE2 April 2023 | |||
| Yes | 54 | 66 | 68 |
| No | 46 | 68 | 74 |
The statistics from SQE2 October 2022 and SQE2 April 2023 results highlight a concerning trend. Foreign qualified lawyers have consistently shown the weakest performance compared to all other candidates in these two exams. This places them in a highly competitive environment, particularly against their local counterparts.
This clearly underscores the need for foreign lawyers to prepare more rigorously and extensively.
QLTS candidates who performed poorly at SQE2 have increasingly approached us as they attempt their last chance. People may be misled by some providers who claim you don't have to study SQE revision books to have a pass. They’ll tell you whatever you desire solely to secure a purchase.
In England, students typically study SQE2 subjects during a 1 year full-time or 2-year part-time LPC course. While some foreign qualified candidates may hope to become solicitors by relying solely on SQE 1 or SQE 2 notes and preparing in a very short window of time. It's crucial to examine these providers, their backgrounds, and experience with QLTS/SQE candidates.
The low success rate is not because of Kaplan but because of the lack of proper preparation. Don't underrate the importance of thorough preparation. Payment for the actual exam costs much more. Plus add travel expenses and reputational risks. What about your time and all the stress that you are going through being unprepared?
To pass SQE2, relying solely on study notes won't cut it. If you think you've saved money, calculate how much you'll pay for at least two exam sittings if you don't pass.
Do not fall into the trap of providers who promise shortcuts through the use of only SQE2 revision notes. These recent SQE2 results and pass rates should serve as a wake-up call.
SQE2 Failed: Three Main Reasons
Failing SQE2 can be tough, but understanding the reasons behind your failure is the first step towards success. Here are three main reasons why candidates receive the result "SQE 2 failed":
- Lack of Sufficient Legal Knowledge. One of the primary reasons for SQE2 failure is inadequate legal knowledge. Consider investing in comprehensive SQE2 study materials, which may include textbooks, SQE lectures, or a combination of both. However, if you have limited time, lectures can be a valuable and time-efficient solution.
- Failure to Apply Legal Concepts. Merely knowing the law is not enough; you must also be able to apply it effectively. To solve this problem, practice one-on-one SQE2 mock exams for helpful feedback on your mistakes. No SQE2 notes and materials will teach you how to apply legal principles to real-life scenarios for the SQE2 assessments.
- Insufficient Familiarity with the Exam Structure and Format. Failing to understand the exam's structure and format can lead to poor performance. Seek out SQE2 preparation courses that provide insights and tips into the assessment format and structure.
SQE Lectures with Concise Study Notes
Seeking specialised SQE lectures for foreign lawyers with limited legal knowledge along with SQE concise notes? We design our SQE pre-recorded and live revision lectures to prepare you for both SQE1 and SQE2.
SQE lectures are led by experienced practising solicitors who specialise in the relevant practice areas. Most of our tutors have personal experience in passing QLTS or SQE exams. The lecturers bring real-world insights and practical knowledge to the lectures.
Our notes are highly visualised and focused, and most importantly, they are accompanied by lectures that provide explanations. You can access our lecture schedule by visiting our website.
The key features of our SQE lectures include:
- Collaborative Approach
- Expert Guest Speakers
- Visualised Slides and Concise Law Notes
- Interactive Learning
Our SQE prep course, complete with SQE study notes, can assist qualified lawyers and law students who may have previously failed, in their efforts to prepare for and successfully pass the exam this time.
SQE2 Mock Exams: One-to-One and Individually Marked
One of the most significant challenges faced by foreign qualified lawyers is their failure to apply the law. Local SQE candidates gain this skill at universities, backed by practical experience. This enables them to apply legal principles to specific situations.
During SQE2 practice questions and one-to-one SQE mock sessions, we focus on imparting this crucial skill. If you start practising SQE2 mocks immediately, you may greatly improve your chances of passing the upcoming October SQE2.
Our SQE2 sample questions and mock exams help foreign lawyers pass SQE2. They simulate exam conditions and address gaps in legal knowledge.
The main features of your SQE2 training program are:
- Flexible scheduling, including weekends
- Individual feedback and marking
- Sharing the exam tactics and techniques during the 1-to-1 mocks sessions
Many candidates resit SQE2 and succeed on their subsequent attempts. Watch the video showcasing the resit experience of Maria from Spain, as she successfully passed the QLTS OSCE on her second attempt.
To improve your chances of passing, consider enrolling in our specialised courses for SQE2 resitters. Also, read our latest article "SQE2 Effective Prep Strategy - Resitters, LPC Grads and Paralegals" where the author advises those who have either already failed SQE2 or are at risk thereof. If you're wondering how to pass SQE2, it's worth reading it.
Anyway, let's hope for your success in the SQE2 October 2023 results. If you don't succeed in passing the SQE during your last attempt, don't lose heart. Join us to prepare for SQE1.