Postgraduate training
assessment set by the SRA (this is the same as the old system); • pass SQE stages one and two; and • have two years’ qualifying work experience (QWE). SQE assessments The first part of SQE (SQE 1) is known as “functioning legal knowledge” and will be designed to test not only your knowledge of the law, but how you would apply it in real- life situations as a solicitor. Assessments will involve six online multiple-choice exams covering substantive and procedural law, plus commercial law, research skills and writing skills. The syllabus for this part of the exam is likely to be similar to the GDL, although there will be a new focus on applying knowledge to real scenarios. The second part of SQE (SQE 2) covers “core legal skills”, consisting of practical skills assessments involving role play and simulation. The emphasis on the everyday skills of lawyering, such as drafting contracts and interviewing clients, means that it shares some similarities with the LPC. You must pass SQE 1 before taking SQE 2. The SRA has said that the exams will be introduced in Autumn 2021 and initially there will be two exam sittings per year. The first sitting for SQE 1 is likely to be in November 2021. Anyone who commences a law degree, GDL or LPC before September 2021 can qualify through the old system. They will have until 2032 to complete the route and qualify as solicitors, or choose to qualify through SQE if they prefer. However, some City firms have indicated that they are likely to require all candidates to take the SQE from 2022. It should be noted that there are lots of details not yet revealed by the SRA about the SQE, including exactly how much it will
cost, although the SRA estimates that SQE 1 will cost between £1,100 – £1,650 and SQE 2 somewhere between £1,900 - £2,850. Details of how much the preparation courses will cost, or how they will work, have not yet been released as of Summer 2019.
For the latest information on SQE, search “Solicitors Qualifying Exam” on LawCareers.Net.
New Bar training There have also been significant changes to the future training of barristers, and in July 2019 a new two-part Bar course that will replace the BPTC was given provisional approval. Designed by the Inns of Court College of Advocacy (ICCA), if the new Bar course is officially approved by the Bar Standards Board, students will be able to apply to commence it in September 2022. These changes are part of a larger overhaul of barrister training aimed at making it more flexible and accessible to a more diverse range of candidates. You can find the latest information about the new Bar Course on LawCareers.Net.
THE LAWCAREERS.NET HANDBOOK 120
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online