5 minute read
Legal Women August 2022
Legal Training
LEGAL TRAINING: ENGLAND & WALES – How to survive the SQE game
The SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination) is the new route to becoming a solicitor, being gradually phased in by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). You can find useful, clear guidance and information surrounding the transition to the SQE on the SRA website SQE section as well as the Law Society SQE hub online. This article will not concern the theoretical substance of the SQE but instead will provide some helpful practical tips.
As incoming chair (2022-2023) of the Junior Lawyers Division of the Law Society I was faced with a challenge. One of our main goals at the JLD is to provide help and advice for those entering the legal profession and who are in the early stages of their career as a solicitor. And here I was, having completed the traditional route through the LPC and a training contract. It was hard and I could not imagine somebody becoming a solicitor without the fulfilling experience of a training contract. I had an amazing training principal and the experience equipped me with skills and confidence for life, not just my legal career.
At the JLD my role is to support those entering the legal profession. We listened to SQE candidates from different backgrounds, such as apprentices, law graduates,lawyers with disability and others and these are the tips they kindly shared:
1. Study Study Study!
The common message was that the SQE is a academically challenging exam. SQE 1 takes place over two non-consecutive days and consists of a high volume of multiple-choice questions. The knowledge tested is wide-ranging and “you have to know everything”. One of the participants of the SQE1 said: “this was without a doubt the hardest exam in my life”. So create a study plan and follow it. If you have a study plan, you know exactly what you should be doing each day to stay on track and maximise your studying.
2. Legal experience!
The solicitor apprentices state that “experience gives advantage”. One solicitor apprentice commented: “We are still in that headspace, studying, working, learning and testing our legal knowledge every day. This is what allows us to do well for both SQE 1 and SQE 2 sittings”. So never underestimate your legal experience. Every little counts and everything you learn you put under your belt and it can be used in the SQE process.
3. Prepared for uncertainty and be open minded
SQE candidates have reported technical problems, lack of centre locations, need to travel to other locations, issues with reasonable adjustments and unexpectedly “strict” measures such as being unable to take water, pens and paper into the sitting. The SQE is at an embryonic stage so unexpected things can happen. Be ready for everything the SQE throws at you and do not let a minor (or major) teething issue demolish your concentration and prevent you from demonstrating your knowledge and skills.
4. Get support
Never underestimate the importance of mentoring. Mentors have gained professional experience and practical skills throughout their careers, and they can share that knowledge with you. They can advise you in areas like time management, interpersonal skills and legal knowledge. Consider asking your mentor to share important lessons from critical decision points in their career or things they wish they had known before significant milestones. SQE is a big milestone and getting support can help you on your career path.
5. Plan in advance
Due to limitations on the test centres, it is advisable to book the SQE exams well in advance and request any reasonable adjustments before you book. You cannot sit the SQE 2 until you have passed your SQE 1 which can create uncertainty with exam timetabling and potentially a delay in qualifying. If you are in that position, do not panic. Speak to your employer, regroup and do your exams as soon as practicably possible. Do not get discouraged by a little delay.
6. Well-Being
Becoming a solicitor is a marathon not a sprint. Make sure that you get plenty of sleep; a tired brain is a slow brain. Eat well, exercise, go for a walk, do something else that gets you away from your screen.
Here at JLD we will continue supporting junior lawyers and those entering the profession. Follow us on social media (Junior Lawyers Division on Instagram; Linkedin and Twitter) and check out our free webinars on the Law Society recorded online events section. If you are currently taking the SQE we are very interested to hear about your experience in order to improve the SQE process. We look forward to hearing from you by email at JuniorLawyers@LawSociety.org.uk.
Darja Cernobrivec
Darja Cernobrivec is Vice Chair of the executive committee of the Junior Lawyers Division of the Law Society and a solicitor at GA Solicitors
