A very challenging exam that requires strong and consistent preparation

Susanna, Paralegal

I sat the SQE because I have always wanted to become a solicitor. I prioritized building a family and, after a 12 year gap, taking the SQE was also an opportunity to show my children that, no matter the circumstances, one can reach their goals if they put the effort in. After I passed the SQE I found the job market initially quite challenging but I’m now working as a paralegal for an investment firm as I build up my qualifying work experience.

I have completed the SQE1 and SQE2 as part of the first cohort for both of the exams.

I found the SQE to be a very practical exam, reflecting the day-to-day duties of a solicitor. It emphasized the skills that are necessary for a solicitor to perform well and efficiently as opposed to the usual theoretical exam that most of us are used to but which does not represent the reality of the profession.

I was very impressed with the flexibility, diversity and international reach of the SQE which at the same time succeeds at testing knowledge and application of English and Welsh law.

The SQE is open to a variety of backgrounds and cultures. It allows candidates of any nationality to sit the exam with a degree in any subject matter (not only common law). Also, by organizing sittings for the SQE1 and SQE2 written exams in different countries around the world, it brings to the profession a further level of multi-skilled solicitors that are well equipped to best deal with their clients’ needs.

The large curriculum that is examined by the SQE makes it a challenging exam but at the same time, ensures that all solicitors have the same strong knowledge in the main areas of law which often are interconnected. I believe this allows solicitors to not only focus on the specific legal questions but to get a broader view of the case and potential subsequent matters that could arise in different areas for the better protection of their client.

The SQE is an advanced and extremely challenging exam. The preparation for it should be viewed as training to become a solicitor and a way to gain knowledge for the long term, not only as preparation to pass the exam. It could be compared to an athlete training, preparing for a competition. It requires candidates to be rigorous and consistent in their preparation. I was studying a little bit every day to ensure long term retention of the knowledge and know-how I acquired. One of the most challenging elements of the exams is the time limit imposed for every assessment or station. Knowledge of the law and know-how to apply the law are not enough; fast thinking is also key to performing well in these exams.

I did use a prep course provider to help me prepare for both of the exams. I certainly did not regret this. The SQE curriculum (or Functioning Legal Knowledge) is very large and I therefore felt that self-study may have been a bit overwhelming and would not have been efficient for me. It is also worth mentioning that specific skills are examined in the SQE2 and the prep course helped me gain many of those skills that are not only needed for the exam but also to help me integrate into the job market skillfully.

As for the organisation and administration of the exams, my personal experience has been very good.

I found that the candidate services team was extremely helpful and responsive. Any issue that I encountered was dealt with and solved promptly. I feel I have always been advised with my best interests in mind and in a very clear, patient, detailed way.

I would like to take the opportunity to particularly highlight the fantastic organisation of the oral exams in London. Despite the amount of candidates and the logistical challenges, Kaplan did an impressive job. Once in the assessment premises, candidates were fully taken care of and did not need to focus on anything else other than their exams. Refreshments in between exams were also provided.

As a conclusion, I strongly believe that the SQE is a valuable exam that is helping the profession adapt to the modern world. It is also a very challenging exam that requires strong and consistent preparation.