Solicitors Qualifying Exam: Solicitors Qualifying Exam

In this Feature we’ll run through what your options are as a non-law student pursuing a career as a solicitor, and the different kinds of law conversion course that are currently available.

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The Solicitors Qualifying Exam

What is it and how can you qualify as a solicitor through SQE?

A guide to SQE preparation courses

Use this guide to compare the new preparation courses for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) by key criteria including fees, learning styles and locations.

Where to start?

Everything you need to know about the SQE

Get information on the syllabus, the exam format, the cost for candidates, and more!

What it takes to pass SQE

Read this advice from a consultant solicitor on how they passed the SQE

Introducing The University of Law's SQE courses

Whatever your background or education, however you want to study, we have the right course for you

How I aced my SQE1 exams

Tips from solicitor apprentice Holly Moore on how she aced SQE1

Are the GDL, LPC and SQE eligible for the postgraduate student loan?

"Can I access the government’s postgraduate student loan for the GDL, LPC and the new SQE preparation courses?"

SQE in the news

Read the latest information about what is happening with the SQE

News

ALG unveils low-carbon HQ in Dublin

Law firm A&L Goodbody LLP (ALG) has reopened its headquarters in Dublin, which has been redeveloped by IPUT Real Estate “using best-in-class building techniques, with an emphasis on renewable energy and low-carbon materials”.

News

Top law firms say SQE graduates lag behind LPC counterparts in key legal skills

Trainees who qualified via the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) are said to be underperforming in core legal skills compared to those who completed the Legal Practice Course (LPC), according to new research by Legal Cheek.

News

SQE1 pass rates rebound from record low

Last week, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) announced the results for the January 2025 sitting of part one of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), revealing a pass rate of 56%. This marks a slight recovery from last summer's record low pass rate of 44%, aligning the current pass rate with that of January 2024.

Videos

See more videos

SQE course routes | The University of Law

Is the LLM Legal Practice (SQE1&2) the right course for you? | ULaw

Benefits of our QWE Guarantee | The University of Law

Is the SQE1 Prep Course the right solicitor course for you? | ULaw

The ULaw SQE App | The University of Law

SQE assessments

Ask the Oracle

SQE assessments: what to expect

I’m getting ready for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) assessments. What can I expect from the SQE1 and SQE2 assessments? What do I do when I get to the test centre?

Ask the Oracle

Time limits on the validity of the law degree, PGDL, LPC, SQE and Bar course

How long are legal qualifications valid for? Once I graduate with my law degree, how long do I have to qualify as a solicitor/barrister before it expires?

LCN Says

Chris Eaton - Completing an SQE prep course with The University of Law

Chris Eaton

Chris Eaton completed The University of Law’s LLM Legal Practice (SQE1&2) ahead of sitting the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) and securing a training contract. We spoke to Chris about the prep course, taking the assessments themselves and Chris' advice for future SQE candidates.

Guides from The University of Law

An SQE course for everyone

Read The University of Law's guide to becoming a solicitor, including career opportunities, courses and funding.

User guide: The University of Law's SQE revision app

The free SQE revision app is here to help you prepare for SQE1!

More resources

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SQE1 Study Manuals

The University of Law's manuals will help you to study for part 1 of the SQE.

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SQE quiz

Which route should you take?

Find your route through the SQE with the University of Law's SQE quiz.

Should I do the LPC or the SQE?

I’m in the final year of my law degree – should I do the Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course after I graduate, or the new Solicitors Qualifying Exam?