Graduate into law: how to ensure your GDL gives you a headstart under the SQE

The Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) is a popular and established route into the legal profession for non-law graduates who decide to pursue a legal career. However the training regime for would-be solicitors, overseen by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA), looks set to change in 2020-21. The biggest change is the new Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), which is a centrally set exam. This introduces a whole range of extra considerations for you when researching a GDL provider. Most importantly, you will need to assess how your provider may best help you with the proposed SQE exam format. The GDL itself may be absorbed into or appear as part of a different course or programme, such as a SQE preparation course – GDL providers should be able to tell you when you do your research what their plans are

Understanding what the exams may require will inform your approach. Currently the SRA says that part one of the SQE will look at assessing your ability to draw on sufficient knowledge to practise effectively. It is likely to involve computer-based objective testing, and assessing the application of knowledge and legal processes. Part two of the exam will consist of competing practical legal tasks which simulate the real demands of practice. The exams will test your oral skills assessed through live role plays, involving standardised clients, and test your written skills, most likely assessed through computer-based applied tasks and case studies.

It is worth asking your GDL provider how their course will give you a good foundation for the SQE. Ask questions about the proportion of practical skills content on the course, the amount of time spent practising these skills, and about any specific in-course SQE preparation.

The GDL is an academically-focused law course, teaching the foundations of law subjects as required by the SRA; however, progressive providers have started to integrate relevant skills training into their delivery of these academic subjects. Roehampton’s ‘Law in Practice’ focus is one example, where you will learn to think critically like a legal professional and have a chance to work in a legal advice clinic. Some providers are even considering copying the methods of assessments proposed in the SQE to acclimatise students to what lies ahead.

You may decide to take the modules that make up the part one of the SQE fairly soon after you complete your GDL. The SRA suggests part two of the test will be taken during or after a period of work experience, such as during your training contract. This is why it is so important to ask whether your GDL provider gives extra training/preparation for the SQE part one tests. There are legal subjects covered by the proposed SQE syllabus that are not currently covered by GDL providers on their courses. Is this extra teaching covered in the price of your GDL course? How will you be taught and what support do you get for revision before the SQE?

The GDL is a vital stage in preparing you for qualification and for practising law. Ensuring you understand how your chosen provider is innovating and changing their courses to address the new examinations is just as important for securing your legal career.

Dr Giles Proctor is head of the University of Roehampton Law School. For more information about the Law School, see the law school’s directory listing.