There are five specific requirements that most aspiring solicitors of England and Wales will need to meet if they wish to make their dream a reality. I say most because some individuals may not need to meet all requirements because, for example, they are a qualified solicitor in a jurisdiction different to that of England and Wales. However, this and other particularities which may render a person exempt from taking all of the five steps, will not be considered here. 

Instead, what is addressed in this article are the five general requirements necessary for qualification as a solicitor of England and Wales. That is, the five steps that most aspiring solicitors need to take if they wish to qualify as a solicitor or England and Wales. Those five steps are as follows:

Step 1: Complete a degree in any subject,(or equivalent qualification or relevant work experience),

Step 2: Pass SQE1- Solicitors Qualifying Exam 1, 

Step 3: Pass SQE2- Solicitors Qualifying Exam 2,

Step 4: Complete two years’ qualifying work experience and 

Step 5: Meet the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s Character and Suitability requirements.

Most aspiring solicitors of England and Wales need to take five specific steps to make their dream a reality. Two of those steps include step 2, passing Solicitors Qualifying Exam One (SQE1) and step 3, passing Solicitors Qualifying Exam Two (SQE2). Both examinations, though completed separately, form the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). 

This blog includes descriptions of both parts of the SQE and provides answers to the following questions: 

1. What is the Solicitors Qualifying Examination?

2. What does SQE1 assess?

3. What does SQE2 assess?

4. What qualifications do you need to have before taking SQE1?

5. How do most candidates prepare for the SQE?

6. If you do not have a law degree, should you enrol in an SQE1 course?

It All Begins Here