SRA to hold events on its proposed qualifying exam
updated on 15 January 2016
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is inviting students, solicitors and education providers to a series of consultation events on its proposed Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). The events are intended to offer attendees the opportunity to talk about the proposals, why the SRA thinks they are needed and how they might work.
The dates and locations of the events are as follow:
- 9 February - The Cube, 199 Wharfside Street, Birmingham (5:00pm-7:00pm)
- 10 February - 1 America Square, 17 Crosswall, London (5:00pm-7:00pm)
- 16 February - M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol (5:00pm-7:00pm)
- 23 February - The Hospitium, Museum Gardens, Museum St, York (5:00pm-7:00pm)
- 25 February - online webinar (12:30pm-1:30pm)
Places are limited so early booking is recommended. The consultation on the SQE is open until 4 March 2016.
The SRA is proposing a new system whereby everyone wanting to qualify as a solicitor would take the same exam, based on the competences required to do the job. The regulator believes that this new assessment would "ensure consistent high standards of entry into the profession, providing confidence for both employers and the public. Opening up new pathways into the profession - such as apprenticeships - will help to foster greater diversity in the profession and a single exam will make sure all candidates meet the same high standards regardless of the route they take".
