How to qualify via the SQE as an LPC graduate
LPC graduates have a new way to qualify as a solicitor. Read the guide to find out how you can qualify through the SQE2 exams and QWE.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has opened a path for LPC graduates to qualify through a streamlined version of the SQE.
If you’re eligible to sit the LPC or are an LPC student or graduate who has not yet secured a training contract, read the article to find out how you can become a solicitor with the SQE. We’ll look at how you can qualify through the SQE, and the benefits of sitting the SQE as an LPC graduate. We’ll also help you decide whether you need an SQE preparation course.
Can I qualify via the SQE as an LPC graduate?
Instead of having to secure a highly competitive training contract, LPC graduates can now qualify by sitting the SQE2 exams and accruing two-years of qualifying work experience (QWE).
The SQE2 is designed to assess your practical legal skills. It’s split into two sections:
SQE2 oral: This section will assess your oral legal skills such as interview, legal analysis, and advocacy.
This takes place over two half days.
SQE2 written: This section assesses your written legal skills, including case and matter analysis and legal research, writing, and drafting.
This takes place over three half days.
You will also have to complete two years of QWE. This involves gaining practical experience providing legal services.
Unlike a training contract, you can begin your QWE at any point in your qualification journey, and it can be split between up to four legal employers. QWE offers much more flexibility than a training contract and a wider variety of legal work counts towards this requirement.
Everything you need to know about QWE.
Do LPC graduates need to sit the SQE1?
LPC graduates do not need to sit the SQE1 exams.
The LPC requires you to pass a qualifying law degree (QLD), such as a law undergraduate degree or law conversion course (PGDL or GDL). Under the new SQE route, candidates can have a degree in any subject.
Completing a QLD ensures you have passed the core legal knowledge subjects that are tested in both the LPC and the SQE1 exams.
These foundational knowledge areas include:
Business law and practice
Property law and practice
Criminal law and practice
Dispute resolution
Will and administration of estates
Solicitors accounts
Find out more about the SQE syllabus.
Why qualify through the SQE as an LPC graduate?
As the SQE route has become more established, training contracts have become more competitive. If you have taken the LPC, then completing the SQE2 exams and QWE may provide a clearer route to qualification.
Some LPC graduates will have been working in legal roles while applying for training contracts since graduating. This work may count as QWE. If it is signed off by a solicitor in England and Wales, then these graduates will just need to complete the SQE2 exams before becoming fully qualified.
Do I need to sit the SQE2 exams if I have a training contract?
If you have passed the LPC and have a training contract, there is no reason to sit any SQE exams unless your firm advises otherwise. The LPC remains a respected route for qualifying as a solicitor and is highly regarded by law firms.
Do I need to take an SQE preparation course as an LPC graduate?
The SQE assesses candidates at the level of a day-one qualified solicitor, compared to the day-one trainee level of the LPC. This challenging level of assessment has meant that the SQE pass rates have been low compared to the LPC.
You will want to take an SQE2 preparation course to fully prepare for these rigorous exams. Taking an SQE2 preparation course can be a more affordable option too, as there are no discounts for resits. If you fail the SQE2 exams you will need to pay the full fee, so ensuring you’re well-prepared is essential.
Learn about our flexible SQE2 training options.
Final thoughts
The SQE has provided new routes to qualify as a solicitor for LPC graduates. Without having to compete for a training contract, LPC graduates can now take a streamlined version of the SQE to qualify. Many of these graduates will also have completed part of their QWE requirement since graduating.
Watch the video for BPP student Amelia’s guide for success in the SQE2 exams.
