My SQE Experience in Becoming a Solicitor in England and Wales

Introduction

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the primary pathway to qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales. It is divided into two parts: SQE1 and SQE2. Both exams, along with other requirements, must be completed before admission to the roll of solicitors in England and Wales.

This article shares my personal experience with SQE1, highlighting both the pros and cons of the process. I have structured this article into three parts:

1. A brief background about myself, my qualifications, and a disclaimer for prospective candidates.
2. The pros and cons of SQE1, including subject areas, exam format, challenges, and my personal study approach.
3. A discussion on SQE2 exemptions for foreign-qualified lawyers, particularly Nigerian-qualified lawyers, including the necessary documents required for the exemption.

I will conclude with a recap of the key points and offer encouragement for those preparing for the SQE exams.

Background

My name is Isaac Usifoh, and I am a dual-qualified lawyer. I was born in Nigeria and studied law at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, where I obtained my LL.B degree in 2018. I then attended the Nigerian Law School in Kano State and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2019, granting me the right to practice law as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

After practicing law briefly in Nigeria, I moved to the United Kingdom in 2021 to pursue a Master’s in Human Rights Law at Middlesex University London, which I successfully completed in 2022. After my master’s degree, I learned about the SQE as a route to becoming a solicitor in England and Wales. In December 2023, I applied for an exemption from the SQE2 exam and was granted full exemption in January 2024. I then sat for the SQE1 exam in July 2024 and passed both FLKs on my first attempt. Presently, I am working as a solicitor with Dillex Solicitors, where I work closely with our Family and Housing Law team to grow my expertise in the UK legal system.

I do not endorse any specific SQE provider or claim to represent the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in this article. I encourage prospective candidates to visit the SRA website, research available academic providers, and choose the one that best suits their needs.

SQE1: Pros and Cons

Overview of SQE1

The SQE was introduced in 2021 as the primary route to qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales. It replaced the traditional qualification routes, including the Legal Practice Course (LPC), Common Professional Examinations (CPE), Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS), and Legal Executive routes.

SQE1 assesses theoretical legal knowledge and is divided into two parts:

• Functional Legal Knowledge 1 (FLK1)
• Functional Legal Knowledge 2 (FLK2)

To pass SQE1, candidates must successfully complete both FLK exams.

Subjects Covered in SQE1

FLK1 Subjects:

1. The English Legal System
2. Constitutional and Administrative Law
3. Law of Torts
4. Law of Contract
5. Human Rights Law
6. Dispute Resolution
7. Business Law and Practice
8. Legal Services
9. Financial Services
10. Business Taxation
11. Ethics and Professional Conduct

FLK2 Subjects:

1. Land Law
2. Property Law
3. Wills and Administration of Estates
4. Trust Law
5. Criminal Liability
6. Criminal Procedure and Practice
7. Ethics and Professional Conduct

Candidates should focus on the SQE1 assessment specifications provided on the SRA website. The SRA also provides a list of approved SQE providers to help candidates select their preferred learning institution.

Challenges and Study Approach

SQE1 is an intensive exam requiring strategic planning and commitment. The volume of material is vast, so I recommend creating a structured study plan and allowing ample time to prepare. During my studies, I partnered with a colleague from my master’s program who was also preparing for SQE1. We adopted a strategy of individual and collective studying, meeting three times a week to discuss, revise, and practice sample questions. This collaborative approach greatly improved my understanding and retention of knowledge.

One key takeaway from my experience is that the workload primarily falls on the candidate. SQE providers offer guidance, but success depends on independent study and practice. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), but they are designed to test critical thinking. Each question presents several plausible answers, with only one being the best choice. This means candidates must carefully analyze each option before selecting an answer.

Exam Format and Timing

Each FLK consists of 180 questions, split into two 90-question segments. Candidates have 2 hours and 33 minutes per segment, totaling 5 hours and 6 minutes per FLK and over 10 hours across both FLKs. This gives an average of 1.7 minutes per question. Managing time effectively is crucial.

From my experience, I recommend extensive practice with mock exams. The SRA provides sample questions, and many SQE providers offer additional mock tests. Practicing under timed conditions helped me develop speed and accuracy. A useful technique I applied was eliminating obviously incorrect answers, narrowing choices to the two most similar options, and selecting the best answer. Additionally, I skipped complex or time-consuming questions and returned to them later to avoid unnecessary delays.

SQE1 is mentally and physically demanding, so I also advise candidates to take study breaks, get sufficient rest, and consider taking time off work before the exams for focused revision.

SQE2 Exemption for Foreign-Qualified Lawyers

SQE2 assesses practical legal skills. However, foreign-qualified lawyers from certain jurisdictions, including Nigeria, may be eligible for an exemption if they can demonstrate equivalent qualifications and work experience.

Documents Required for Nigerian-Qualified Lawyers Seeking Exemption

1. Completed SQE2 exemption application form (downloadable from the SRA website).
2. Proof of post-qualification legal work experience (reduced to 12 months for Nigerian lawyers).
3. Reference letter from a supervisor confirming professional supervision.
4. Letter of good standing from the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
5. Letter of good standing for the supervisor.
6. Academic credentials, including LL.B degree, call to bar certificate, and transcripts (transcripts may be optional—check the SRA website for updates).

Applicants do not need to wait until they pass SQE1 before applying for an SQE2 exemption. In my case, I secured my exemption before sitting for SQE1, which motivated me during my studies. I recommend Nigerian-qualified lawyers apply for SQE2 exemption first and then focus fully on SQE1 preparation.

Conclusion

In this article, I have shared my experience with the SQE1 exam and the SQE2 exemption process. I started with my background and qualifications, followed by an in-depth discussion of SQE1’s pros and cons, including subject areas, challenges, and study strategies. I also outlined the SQE2 exemption requirements for Nigerian-qualified lawyers.

SQE1 is a challenging but achievable exam. Success requires dedication, strategic studying, and perseverance. While some candidates may encounter discouraging information about the exam, I can confidently say that passing on the first attempt is possible with the right preparation.

For those currently preparing for SQE, I hope to hear your success stories soon! If you have any questions or would like to connect, you can find me on

Best of luck!