Updated May 2024
In the post – SQE1 & SQE2: Key Books & Materials – I outlined the core texts for SQE study. In this post, I’d like to share a number of supplementary resources that may also be of use.
As mentioned earlier, I undertook the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS), rather than the Solicitors Qualifying Exam, and I studied solo. Part 1 of the QLTS was a multiple-choice test known as the MCT (akin to the multiple-choice assessment that is now SQE1). To prepare for this I used a combination of library books, Law Express books and certain manuals produced by a well-known course provider.
Whatever materials (or combination of materials) you choose, be sure to stay well acquainted with the SRA’s SQE1 Assessment Specification, and use it as a syllabus to guide your SQE1 studying.
_ _ _
Certain links in this post are affiliate links (those identified with asterisks (*)). Where a sale is made through an affiliate link, I may receive a small commission – at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support of my site.
Additional SQE Study Material
I (i). SQE Answered, SQE1 Core Guide, FLK1&2 (1st ed. 2023) from Law Answered (LA)
This offering is somewhat unique. It’s marketed as being an “exam-focused” set of notes, rather than a traditional legal text. I didn’t use any LA material, but I know of a number of lawyers that really liked their guides for QLTS prep. The reasons are that they are short and to the point, with helpful diagrams and flowcharts. Therefore, if you are short on prep time, this may be an ideal resource for you.
You can view a sample contract law chapter here.
You can find the printed manuals here* on Amazon.
I (ii). LPC Answered, Core Modules (11th ed. 2023/24) from Law Answered (LA)
Also available from LA is LPC Answered. (Again, the LPC – or Legal Practice Course – is/was a vocational course English law grads took prior to qualifying. It is being phased out now, with the introduction of the SQE). While not exactly tailored to the SQE, LPC Answered is still worth considering as it costs less than SQE Answered, and covers much of the same ground. Specifically: (for SQE1) Tax and Solicitors’ Accounts; (for SQE1&2) Civil Litigation, Criminal Litigation, Property Law and Practice, Business Law and Practice, Professional Conduct and Regulation, Wills and the Administration of Estates; and (for SQE2) Practical Skills.
You can view some sample chapters (re: business, property and litigation) here.
You can find the coil-bound manual here* on Amazon.
II. Law Concentrate Series from Oxford University Press (OUP)
These books have traditionally been a key resource for many people prepping for the QLTS. They are comprehensive, concise, and the subject areas align nicely with many SQE topics. They’re also inexpensive.
You can use these paperbacks as a primary revision resource (along with the “LPC Manuals” mentioned in this article) or you can pick up just a couple if, for example, you find you’re struggling with a certain subject and want some additional guidance.
These titles are available in paperback and on Kindle.
- Business Law Concentrate: Law Revision and Study Guide (4th ed. 2019) – Marson & Ferris / Available here* on Amazon
- Company Law Concentrate: Law Revision and Study Guide (7th ed. 2023) – Roach / Available here* on Amazon
- English Legal System Concentrate: Law Revision and Study Guide (2nd ed. 2020) – Thomas & McGourlay / Available here* on Amazon
- EU Law Concentrate: Law Revision and Study Guide (8th ed. 2022) – Homewood & Smith / Available here* on Amazon
- Public Law Concentrate: Law Revision and Study Guide (7th ed. 2021) – Faragher / Available here* on Amazon
- Contract Law Concentrate: Law Revision and Study Guide (5th ed. 2021) – Poole, Devenney & Shaw-Mellors / Available here* on Amazon
- Tort Law Concentrate: Law Revision and Study Guide (6th ed. 2021) – Brennan / Available here* on Amazon
- Equity & Trusts Concentrate: Law Revision and Study Guide (8th ed. 2022) – McDonald & Street / Available here* on Amazon
- Land Law Concentrate: Law Revision and Study Guide (8th ed. 2022) – Sayles / Available here* on Amazon
- Criminal Law Concentrate: Law Revision and Study Guide (8th ed. 2022) – Herring / Available here* on Amazon
- Evidence Concentrate: Law Revision and Study (7th ed. 2022) – Spencer & Spencer / Available here* on Amazon
III. Law Express Series from Pearson
As an alternative to the Law Concentrate series above, you could use these little Law Express books (along with the “LPC Manuals” – mentioned here). Like Law Concentrate, they are short and sweet (and cheap!)
You may also want to get just one or two, if you’d like a supplement to your other study materials. For example, land law was a tricky part of the multiple choice portion of the QLTS. I used the Land Law book from this series to help commit all the different rules to memory.
These titles are available in paperback and on Kindle.
- Company Law (2025 ed.) – Taylor / Available here* on Amazon
- Contract Law (8th ed. 2023) – Finch & Fafinski / Available here* on Amazon
- Tort Law (9th ed. 2023) – Finch & Fafinski / Available here* on Amazon
- English Legal System (9th ed. 2023) – Finch & Fafinski / Available here* on Amazon
- Land Law (9th ed. 2023) – Duddington / Available here* on Amazon
- Equity and Trusts (9th ed. 2023) – Duddington / Available here* on Amazon
- EU Law (7th ed. 2021) – Kirk / Available here* on Amazon
- Criminal Law (9th ed. 2023) – Finch & Fafinski / Available here* on Amazon
IV. Devil’s Advocate: Online Legal Revision Studio from Legal Revision Studio (LRS)
This is a new subscription-style offering from a small UK-based company. For a monthly fee, subscribers get access to mini-lectures, practice notes, flashcards and mocks. The pricing structure – and the heavy emphasis on practice questions – make LRS somewhat unique. As of May 2024, candidates can try out Devil’s Advocate for as little as £22 per month. You’ll get access to many question sets and can cancel at any time. You can purchase a fixed or rolling subscription online at wearedevilsadvocate.com.
V. Skilfully Passing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (2nd ed. 2023) by Neeta Halai
This resource is different than most SQE books as it doesn’t cover substantive law, but provides practical guidance on how to approach each section of the exam.
In addition to addressing SQE1/FLK, there are separate chapters on how to approach each SQE2 assessment type. The book also covers communication skills, qualifying work experience (QWE), writing in professional English and managing nerves.
Skilfully is available as a paperback and also on Kindle. You can find it here* on Amazon and here* on eBay.
_ _ _
I hope that the above is helpful.
If you know of any other resources, please drop a note in the comments. Also be sure to check out my next post, SQE1: Sample Questions & Mock Exams (for Free), for info on where to find practice sets.
Best,
Lawyer in London