A legal services provider's definitive guide to the SQE

WELCOME TO THE SQE We, at The College of Legal Practice (CoLP) have produced this definitive guide to the SQE to help and support those who are delivering SQE Programmes. It will give you a concise yet comprehensive overview of the changes brought by the new Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and how they are being introduced across the sector.

This information is based on our intimate knowledge of the new regime, derived from my experience as founder of Kaplan Law School, who deliver the SQE assessments, and the College’s first year of delivering preparation training and firm partnerships.

The SRA spent five years developing the SQE, which began replacing the Legal Practice Course (LPC) in September 2021.

There’s a ten-year transition period. However, to complete qualification via the LPC route, students must have started a qualifying law degree or Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) by Autumn 2021. The majority of firms will therefore have already moved to the SQE, or are moving in 2024.

This guide explains what the new regime means to those in charge of managing trainees and solicitor qualification programmes in their organisation.

We cover how the SQE is different from LPC, the opportunities this creates, and how legal services organisations can take these forward. We also share our recommendations for giving your future solicitors the best chance of passing the SQE. Dr Giles Proctor CEO, The College of Legal Practice