It’s that time of year again… autumn! Which means that publishers everywhere have rolled out new SQE books for the upcoming year. (It happens, without fail, every fall – just like the changing of the leaves)!
But how “new” are these updated texts anyway? And are they necessary?
Can you get by with second-hand SQE books? Or are old materials too risky?
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When I was in university I remember profs providing syllabi with the semester’s required texts and readings. The kindest among them would let you know where to find the required readings in both a publisher’s brand new book and in their earlier edition(s). These profs recognised that not all that much changed from year-to-year, and that students who wished to save some money could continue to use older versions of the same texts. (The assigned readings, and sometimes the precise page numbers, would often be identical from book-to-book).
And I am now here to say that, just like I did (both in my uni days and when I wrote the QLTS), you too can use last year’s SQE books for your studying. In fact, depending on the subject, you can probably use ones that are even older than that (more on this below).
“But wait!” you say. “The law changes! And I want to be sure I’m working with the correct information”.
True, the law is not static.
So, is there some risk involved in using second-hand SQE books?
Yes.
But is it a large risk?
Probably not.
Why do I say this?
Why You Can Safely Use Second-Hand SQE Textbooks
Because the SQE is an Exam of General Knowledge
The SQE is a general exam. As a general rule (and as per the SRA’s guidance) it is meant to test the “core principles” of Welsh and English law – and these basic principles do not change wildly from one year to the next. What is more likely is that the law (for the purposes of the SQE) will change, a bit, around the edges.
Because Changes to the Examinable Law Don’t (Usually) Come out of Left Field*
Even with more substantial shifts, things don’t often change overnight. Rather something will, over time, be introduced or overhauled. (Changes to legislation will be proposed, drawn-up, debated and possibly passed. Or the government will consider new regulations, consult on a proposal, go back-and-forth with interested parties, draft something final, and then implement it at some future date). These are changes that one can “see on the horizon” – meaning that SQE publishers know about them, have seen them coming, and have likely mentioned them in previous years’ textbooks. For example, in an old (or current) SQE text, you might read something like:
“While the above is true at the time of publication, civil litigation costs could be subject to change as part of the ‘Lord Farquaad Reforms’ (expected in early 20XY).”
With this heads-up you can then go look up whether or not said reforms are now in place and to what extent they may change the existing/earlier position.
*Subject to certain exceptions. I’m aware of fast-tracked / emergency legislation. I am speaking generally.
Because Changes To Your SQE Texts Should be Available Online
Finally, and most importantly, any legal publisher worth their salt will regularly publish changes to their published texts online. A good publishing house – which releases new editions every year – should also keep a running tally of any and all necessary corrections to their texts.
In law such corrections are usually found online as part of a publisher’s companion website. Therefore, even if you have an older book, you won’t be in the dark about changes to the law. You can simply check your publisher’s recent updates online and see how, if it all, these updates differ from the text in front of you.
A quality publisher should regularly share legal updates online.
I used second-hand textbooks to self-study for both parts of the QLTS (Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme). Each time I made sure to check (more than once) that there were no material updates to the older books I was using. And you know what? There weren’t. Yes there were changes, but nothing that I would call important, or material, for the purposes of the exams.
Caveats / Exceptions: Things to Keep in Mind Regarding Used SQE Manuals
1. One exception to the above is revenue law. You should always make sure you’re working with up-to-date tax information. While general tax law principles are unlikely to change year-to-year, tax rates and reliefs can – and often do. (And, when this happens, it is best to have a current text – with the current rates – in front of you).
I made the mistake of sticking with an older textbook when the personal allowance(s) and dividend tax had changed. (I can’t explain or defend this choice. It was dumb). Anyway, as you can imagine, trying to work through the old tax problems was a nightmare.
2. Another thing to be aware of is that the SRA’s Assessment Specs could change from year-to-year. I don’t believe that this happens often (or that the changes are very dramatic) but – if you are using second-hand SQE texts – it would be wise to double check the current SQE1 Assessment Specification (or SQE2 Spec) to confirm that all test topics are indeed covered in your books.
(I tend to think that working with the SRA Specs is just good practice regardless. I always recommend that candidates keep them close and use them as syllabi to guide revision).
3. Lastly, most of what’s been mentioned above applies to the black letter law of the SQE. It is less relevant to the legal skills portions. I don’t think that books about advocacy, or legal writing techniques, would become out-of-date all that readily. While it is probably prudent to stick with SQE1 manuals that are no more than a couple of years old, you’re probably safe to use some SQE2 guides that are even older. (Provided, of course, that you check the SRA’s Assessment Spec and stay current on the substantive law. i.e. the functioning legal knowledge required for SQE2).
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I hope this was helpful.
If you want to read more about SQE prep material, check out some of our earlier articles:
- SQE1 & SQE2: Key Books & Materials
- SQE1: Supplementary Books & Materials
- SQE2: Supplementary Books & Materials
Have you tried your luck with second-hand textbooks? How’d it go? Drop me a line in the comments below.
Best,
Lawyer in London