Career timetable: solicitors
SQE versus LPC Despite the introduction of the SQE, the LPC will remain a valid qualification until as late as 2032. If you’re in a position to choose between the two, there are several factors worth considering, including the assessments, cost and length of study. Some firms will maintain the traditional training contract model alongside the SQE. It’s likely that these firms will also fund the cost of SQE preparation courses so if you’re yet to find a training contract, keep making applications throughout the year. Attend as many law fairs as possible and check vacancies on LawCareers.Net’s deadline pages and the ‘Jobs’ section. Meanwhile, SQE preparation courses vary hugely in terms of length, intensity and price. Find comprehensive information and guidance on the range of SQE courses available via LawCareers.Net’s SQE hub. SQE1 exams Find out what the SQE assessments involve on page 88. Qualifying work experience To qualify via the SQE, candidates must also complete two years’ QWE. This can be undertaken before, during and/or after completing SQE1 and SQE2, at up to four organisations including law firms, law centres and university pro bono clinics. A single placement doesn’t have to be a minimum length of time – the two-year total just needs to be completed within the maximum of four separate periods. Your QWE isn’t assessed by the SRA and you should be given the chance to develop the skills required to pass SQE2. Make sure you identify what your shortlisted firms are doing about QWE/training contracts.
to identify whether there are any gaps in their experience that need addressing. Each placement must then be signed off by a solicitor at the organisation, compliance officer for legal practice or failing the first two, another solicitor outside the organisation with direct experience of the candidate’s work. The confirming solicitor must decide whether the QWE meets the SRA’s requirements. SQE2 exams The SQE2 exams can be sat at any time after you complete the SQE1 assessments, but in many cases they’re likely to be sat during or at the end of your two-year period of QWE. Once you’ve passed SQE2, completed the QWE requirement and been admitted to the roll by the SRA, congratulations – you’re a solicitor! Training contract The traditional training contract – or ‘period of recognised training’ – is a two-year employment contract with a law firm or other approved organisation. Many firms will continue to offer two-year training contracts (which will amount to the two years’ QWE required under the SQE route) so they can train their trainees themselves. Firms have a lot of freedom to design their own training programmes, but most training contracts follow a similar format of rotating around different practice areas and teams. All trainee solicitors are required to meet the SRA’s competence statement. Year one Ensure that your training contract has been registered with the SRA (your firm will usually do this for you). Most firms operate a series of departmental rotations (usually four seats in separate departments, each lasting six months). On-the-job training is provided throughout and is supplemented by courses and lectures during the two-year training period. If you’ve so far only completed Stage One of your LPC, you’ll need to complete Stage Two during your training contract.
While not compulsory, candidates are advised to record their QWE using the SRA template
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