What counts as QWE?

Dear Oracle

I’m qualifying via the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) and am confused about the qualifying work experience (QWE) requirement. What’s QWE? What work counts as QWE?

The Oracle replies

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The introduction of the SQE has naturally led to an onslaught of questions, including some confusion about QWE. LawCareers.Net is here to answer your queries and ensure you know what’s required of you to successfully qualify as a solicitor.

Find out about The University of Law's SQE preparation courses via its website!

What's the QWE requirement?

One of the requirements to qualify as a solicitor via the SQE is two years’ QWE. This element of the new qualification route is flexible in the sense that it can be completed in up to four organisations, rather than one law firm (ie, a formalised training contract), and it can be undertaken before, during and/or after completing the SQE1 and SQE2 assessments.

Find out more about the difference between training contracts and QWE.

Most law firms continue to offer training contracts to make up a candidate’s two years’ QWE, and they’re not obligated to shorten that training period if you’ve already built up several months of QWE elsewhere. As such, check with your shortlisted firms to see what their training system looks like.

Alternatively, some law firms train their lawyers via the graduate solicitor apprenticeship. For example, Hill Dickinson LLP has partnered with The University of Law to deliver its graduate solicitor apprenticeship. 

Read our Meet the Recruiter profiles to find out how individual firms are adopting the SQE.

What work counts as QWE?

QWE can be completed at a variety of organisations, including law firms, law centres and university pro bono clinics, and might include paid or voluntary experience.

The important thing to note is that to count as QWE, the work you’re completing must offer you the chance to develop:

• the legal skills and knowledge required to practise as a solicitor; or
• some or all of the competencies on the SRA’s statement of solicitor competence (because most of the competencies listed will be required to deliver legal services).

The SRA has explained that candidates can use Section 12 of The Legal Services Act 2007 to determine whether “their roles involves delivering legal services”. 

It’s not the SRA’s decision to confirm whether your work counts as QWE. Instead, this is determined by the solicitor or compliance officer for legal practice who’s signing off your QWE.

‘How do I get my QWE accredited?’ – find out with The Oracle.

Can I complete QWE overseas?

The SRA has confirmed that candidates can complete their QWE in England and Wales, as well as overseas.

However, if you’ve been accepted onto a firm’s training contract it’s likely that the firm will require you to complete your two years’ QWE with them. Some firms might shorten the period of training you’re required to do with the firm if you have, for example, six months of confirmed QWE already (as mentioned previously); however, this is dependent on the individual firm.

Choosing your QWE path

The QWE element of the SQE provides candidates with several options depending on your preferred route. You might gain your QWE on a training contract, via your apprenticeship, as a paralegal, volunteering at a law centre or working in a law clinic.

Wondering what the difference between a solicitor and graduate apprenticeship is? Check out this LCN Says.

Before you get started though, you must decide how you’d like to gain this experience (eg, one two-year training contract or via separate roles across up to four organisations). As long as the work you complete meets the requirements set out above, there’s no reason it shouldn’t be signed off as QWE.

For more information on solicitor apprenticeships, read LCN’s Law Apprenticeship Guide.