Welcome! This blog is for anyone preparing for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) in order to become a solicitor in England & Wales.
I’m a foreign lawyer living in London. When I completed England’s qualification exam a few years back I found that there was little-to-no practical information available for those doing self-guided study (those who – like me – opted not to pay for a prep course).
I created this blog to share what I learned while preparing on my own. I wanted to pull together all helpful, and publicly available, information in one convenient place to assist current and future SQE candidates. On this website you’ll find study materials, test tips and personal reflections from me and others who have successfully passed the English exams.
Please note that, while the blog was initially set up to support foreign-qualified lawyers (prepping solo), it has evolved over the years. Today it is used by candidates of all types (recent LLBs, paralegals, career-changers, established lawyers, etc). Indeed, many readers are enrolled in SQE prep courses, but visit The SQE Self-Study Site to find supplementary tips and resources.
Whoever you are, I hope that you find this little blog to be a helpful resource. That said, as you peruse, please keep in mind the following:
- First, I have not taken the SQE myself. As of autumn 2021, anyone who wishes to be admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales must pass the newly implemented SQE. When I was qualifying, foreign qualified lawyers were required to take the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS), which was a different set of exams. That said, by all accounts, the SQE is quite “QLTS-like”: both are two-part tests assessing legal knowledge and practical skills, and both are comprised of multiple choice, oral and written assessments. The exam structure and subject material are also quite similar. (See this infographic illustrating the similarities and differences between the SQE and QLTS). Therefore, most old QLTS info can be equally helpful to those sitting the SQE.
- Second, it is, of course, up to each individual test-taker to ensure that he/she is adequately prepared to pass the SQE. The materials and study plans presented here – which may work well for me, or others – may not be suitable for you or your situation.
- Third, while I endeavour to keep this blog current, you should refer regularly to the SRA’s website for the most up-to-date and accurate information about the SQE.
Good luck with your test prep!
Best regards,
Lawyer in London
sqeselfstudy.co.uk is not connected to, nor endorsed by, the SRA. It is not connected to, nor endorsed by, Kaplan SQE (or any other SQE assessment organisation subsequently appointed by the SRA).