The SQE route is now the main pathway to becoming a solicitor in England and Wales. For law graduates with an LLB or qualifying law degree, the SQE provides a flexible and outcomes based approach that replaces the LPC and training contract structure. This guide explains every step clearly for students and graduates who want to qualify through the SQE pathway.
Eligibility for law graduates
If you completed or are completing a qualifying law degree, you can progress directly to SQE preparation without needing a conversion course. Your LLB already covers the core legal knowledge that the SQE builds on. There is no deadline for law graduates to use the SQE, as this is now the long term qualification route.
Complete your law degree
Your LLB continues to act as the essential academic foundation for legal knowledge. Law firms value strong grades, analytical skills and early legal experience. Many students begin planning their SQE journey during the final year of university, especially when considering preparation courses or future qualifying work experience.
Prepare for SQE1
SQE1 assesses functioning legal knowledge across areas such as contract, tort, crime, property, business law, dispute resolution and public law. The exam consists of two papers with multiple choice questions. Most students complete a preparation course to structure revision and strengthen exam technique. SQE1 is offered several times a year, giving students flexibility.
Pass SQE1
You must pass both SQE1 papers to move on to the next stages of qualification. Strong legal reasoning, time management and multiple choice strategy are essential.
Prepare for SQE2
SQE2 tests practical legal skills including advocacy, interviewing, legal writing, legal drafting and legal research. These assessments reflect the skills expected of a newly qualified solicitor. Preparation courses often include practice scenarios, mock assessments and skills workshops.
Qualifying Work Experience
Unlike the traditional training contract, the SQE route allows candidates to complete two years of qualifying work experience in a flexible way. QWE can be gained across up to four organisations and can include paralegal roles, law clinics, voluntary legal work or traditional trainee style placements. The experience must be signed off by a solicitor or compliance officer.
Pass SQE2
Once you pass SQE2, the SRA will confirm that you have met the required practical competence standard for qualification.
Meet the SRA’s character and suitability requirements
All applicants must satisfy the SRA’s character and suitability checks before admission. This may include disclosure of past issues, financial checks or criminal record checks.
Apply for admission as a solicitor
After passing SQE1 and SQE2, completing two years of QWE and meeting suitability requirements, you can apply for admission to the Roll of Solicitors. Once approved you are officially recognised as a solicitor of England and Wales.
Conclusion
For law graduates, the SQE route offers flexibility, multiple exam sittings and the ability to build qualifying work experience across different legal environments. It is designed to widen access to the profession while maintaining a consistent competence standard. With structured preparation and relevant experience, the SQE route provides a clear and modern path to qualification as a solicitor.
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