Qualifying as a solicitor through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route requires completing a minimum of two years’ full-time or equivalent Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). This experience is crucial as it offers individuals the opportunity to develop the necessary competencies to practise as a solicitor. In this guide, we'll delve into the specifics of QWE, what it entails, and how aspiring solicitors can navigate through this requirement.
Defining Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)
SQE QWE encompasses any experience involving the provision of legal services, providing individuals with exposure to real-life legal work and the chance to cultivate solicitor competencies. It's worth noting that QWE must align with the definition of legal activity outlined in the Legal Services Act 2007 (s. 12).
Determining Eligibility for QWE
To ascertain whether a particular role qualifies as QWE, SQE candidates can ask themselves the following questions:
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Criteria |
Description |
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Does or did the job involve providing legal services? |
Assess whether the role involves offering legal services in accordance with the Legal Services Act 2007 (s. 12). |
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Was the experience based on real-life legal services provision rather than simulated legal services? |
Determine if the experience entails real-life legal work rather than simulated scenarios. |
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Have at least two competencies from the Statement of Solicitor Competence been developed? |
Confirm the development of at least two competencies outlined in the Statement of Solicitor Competence. |
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Will the experience be carried out in no more than four organisations? |
Ensure that the QWE is gained in up to four organisations, providing a diverse range of experiences. |
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Will the duration of the experience be at least two years full-time or equivalent? |
Verify that the duration of the experience meets the minimum requirement of two years full-time or equivalent. |
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Will the experience be confirmed by a solicitor or Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP)? |
Seek confirmation from a solicitor or COLP regarding the nature and duration of the QWE experience. |
Flexibility in SQE QWE
One of the strengths of QWE is its flexibility, allowing individuals to gain experience in various legal settings and roles. SQE QWE can be acquired in:
- Law firms
- In-house legal teams
- Voluntary or charitable organisations
- Law clinics
- As a paralegal
- During a training contract
Moreover, QWE can be obtained both domestically and internationally, and it doesn't need to focus exclusively on English and Welsh law.
Minimum Competency Requirement
While there's no mandate to develop all competencies for QWE, candidates are encouraged to gain exposure to a wide range of competencies. The minimum requirement is exposure to at least two competencies, ensuring a holistic development of skills essential for practising as a solicitor in England and Wales.
Timing of QWE
There are no strict guidelines on when to undertake QWE. Candidates can pursue QWE before, during, or after completing the SQE assessments. However, it's imperative to register QWE with the SRA and complete it before applying for admission to the roll of solicitors.
Recording and Confirming QWE
SQE candidates are required to document their QWE experience, detailing how it aligns with solicitor competencies. While the SRA provides a template for recording experience, its usage isn't mandatory.
Confirmation of QWE is typically conducted by a solicitor or COLP, affirming the length of experience, provision of legal services, and the opportunity to develop solicitor competencies. The confirming solicitor doesn't need to hold a practising certificate but should have:
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reviewed the candidate's work and
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received feedback from supervisors.
Utilising Past Experience for SQE
QWE can be retrospectively claimed for previous roles, placements, or volunteer positions, with no time limit imposed. However, candidates must ensure that the past experience meets the criteria for QWE. Solicitors and COLPs are expected to facilitate the confirmation process for backdated requests whenever feasible.
Registering SQE QWE
SQE candidates are required to register their two years' QWE before applying for admission as a solicitor. The registration process involves submitting an application through the SRA's online platform, mySRA. Upon submission, applicants will receive confirmation of their QWE registration within 30 days.
Qualifying Work Experience is a vital component of the SQE route to becoming a solicitor. By providing exposure to real-life legal work and the opportunity to develop essential competencies, QWE ensures that aspiring solicitors are well-prepared for the challenges of legal practice. Through flexibility, documentation, and confirmation processes, individuals can navigate the QWE requirement effectively on their path to solicitor qualification.