ASPIRING to beCOME a SOLICITOR or barrister?

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the centralised assessment for anyone who wants to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales.

To qualify as a solicitor, you will need to complete the following:

1. A minimum of two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)
2. Pass SQE1 and SQE2 assessments

You will also need a degree in any subject or an equivalent qualification or experience, such as a qualification or apprenticeship at level 6 or above. If you do not have a degree or an equivalent qualification, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) may, on a case-by-case basis, consider a combination of a sufficient standard of general education (equivalent to level 3) and work experience involving considerable work-based learning. Your prior work experience does not need to be law-related. This provides a potential pathway for individuals from non-traditional backgrounds to qualify as solicitors, recognising diverse routes into the profession.

Please note that the information provided on our site may not always be comprehensive, accurate, or current. For the most up-to-date details on the SQE and qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales, we recommend consulting the relevant organisation, such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority

The introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) in September 2021 created a new, centralised pathway to qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales, effectively replacing the traditional LPC and training contract route for new entrants.

However, the old LPC route remains available for those who started their journey before 2021 and will remain valid until 2032.

If you have started or completed the LPC but have been unable to secure a training contract, please refer to the relevant FAQ below for information on how we may be able to assist.

The central aspect of our innovative programme is to provide the mandatory two-year Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) required for aspiring solicitors (lawyers). Delivered online/remotely, this flexible and convenient approach allows participants the option to self-study for the SQE assessments alongside the QWE, or pursue other types of learning if preferred.

To support self-studiers, every successful applicant receives a brief and helpful self-study guide. This booklet includes self-study and exam preparation tips, a suggested list of reading and study materials, and links to sample tests or questions (where available).

For aspiring solicitors who prefer structured learning, reputable SQE training providers offer tailored preparation for the assessments.  Please note that any third-party fees, e.g., for SQE exams or assessments, must be paid by you directly to the SRA or the relevant entity.

 The QWE we offer is highly sought after, providing experience in practice areas widely regarded as some of the highest-paying legal specialisms (i.e. once qualified and in suitable employment).

During the two-year programme, you will gain exposure to key practice areas, covering Business (Commercial, Corporate, Intellectual Property, IT/Software, and Construction), Health & Safety and Employment Law—areas that are integral and widely applied across virtually every sector. This exposure is designed to equip you with valuable knowledge and skills, positioning you as a versatile professional ready to stand out in today’s competitive market. Such coveted and wide-ranging experience has the potential to unlock some of the best future employment opportunities for those accepted onto our QWE programme.

 QWE can be started before, during or after sitting the SQE assessments.  

We also suggest starting QWE before the SQE assessments, as it provides valuable experience that can boost your chances of success.

Many people successfully manage to balance QWE with work or business commitments, but it will depend on your time management skills. 

Yes, we’ve specifically designed our QWE to accommodate this. All matters, including communication and tasks, are handled online and via email, offering flexibility and convenience for aspiring solicitors,  regardless of location. 

While legal work can be exciting, challenging and fulfilling for some, it may not be the same for everyone. Each individual has different expectations and satisfaction levels, we therefore cannot guarantee satisfaction with QWE. For most aspiring solicitors, the primary focus is completing the QWE and progressing toward qualification. However, we strive to make the QWE a rewarding experience, putting significant effort into offering exposure to a variety of highly regarded practice areas in a flexible, convenient manner. 

You will work on a wide range of matters, these can typically involve researching legislation for specific tasks through to producing appropriate guidance to assist clients. You will develop knowledge through undertaking a variety of reviewing and drafting tasks, involving important documents such as contracts, agreements, letters, policies, etc.

To maintain high standards and to assist professional development, you will need to adhere to any relevant SRA matters and our procedures in relation to professionalism, honesty, ethics, confidentiality etc, which are in line with required/common standards. 

As mentioned earlier, the central aspect of our innovative programme is to provide the mandatory two-year Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) required for aspiring solicitors (lawyers). Delivered online/remotely, this flexible and convenient approach allows participants the option to self-study for the SQE assessments alongside the QWE.

While we do not offer tuition or assistance for the SQE assessments, we provide every successful applicant with a brief and helpful self-study guide. This booklet includes self-study and exam preparation tips, a suggested list of reading and study materials, and links to sample tests or questions (where available). 

Competition for solicitor training contracts has always been intense. As a result, many LPC students and graduates who are unable to secure training contracts approach us to explore using our QWE as an alternative pathway.

If you have completed the LPC, you will normally be exempt from SQE 1. However, you will still need Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) to qualify through the SQE route. As we offer QWE, we should be able to assist you on your journey to qualification. 

 Due to the high level of competition, securing a pupillage is a challenge that very few are able to overcome. As a result, many individuals who have completed or are considering the Bar course approach us to explore qualifying as a solicitor via the SQE route. After qualifying as a solicitor, some also choose to transfer to the Bar to practice as a barrister. The good news is that qualifying as a solicitor doesn’t mean the end of your aspirations to become an advocate. 

Qualified solicitors also have the option to become solicitor advocates by completing the Higher Rights of Audience (HRA) assessments, allowing them to represent clients in the same way that barristers can, in both the lower and higher courts. While there is no mandatory training for the HRA assessments, many choose to undertake a short preparatory course with a training provider, typically lasting less than a week. 

With regard to initially qualifying as a solicitor and completing the SQE assessments, the Bar course provides a solid foundation for those transitioning to the solicitor route. If you have completed the Bar course, a large portion of the course content should already be familiar to you, which should make passing the SQE 1 and SQE 2 easier. You will also need Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) to qualify through the SQE route. As we offer QWE, we should be able to assist you on your journey to qualification. 

As mentioned earlier, the central aspect of our innovative programme is to provide the mandatory two-year Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) required for aspiring solicitors (lawyers). Delivered online/remotely, this flexible and convenient approach allows participants the option to self-study for the SQE assessments alongside the QWE. To support self-studiers, every successful applicant receives a brief and helpful self-study guide. This booklet includes self-study and exam preparation tips, a suggested list of reading and study materials, and links to sample tests or questions (where available). For those who prefer structured learning, there are reputable SQE training providers who offer tailored preparation for the assessments. 

Please note that the information provided on our site may not always be comprehensive, accurate, or current. For the most up-to-date details on becoming a barrister and transferring to the Bar after qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales, we recommend consulting the relevant organisations, such as the Bar Standards Board or the Bar Council. 

The two-year programme costs £200 per month. There is also a one-time sign-up and processing fee of £295.

Due to the structure of the QWE provision, the full payment for the two-year programme is required upfront, totalling £4800, plus the sign-up and processing fee.

As mentioned earlier, the payment for the two-year programme is a single upfront payment of £4,800, plus a £295 sign-up fee.  However, we sometimes allocate a small number of places for an instalment payment, which are strictly reserved for those in extreme hardship and are quickly filled. 

If you would like to be considered for an instalment plan, you must indicate this when you apply. To ensure these places are allocated to individuals in genuine financial hardship, you will need to submit a 500-word (minimum) statement outlining your financial situation and any other relevant details. We may also request supporting evidence and a financial statement at a later stage.

For those approved for instalments, the first monthly payment must be made alongside a £995 sign-up and processing fee (this fee is higher than the upfront payment option due to additional administrative costs, such as managing payments and potential discontinuation). Failure to keep up with monthly instalments will result in immediate termination of your place on the programme.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Before requesting an instalment plan, please consider the following:

• Instalment applications can take at least twice as long to process compared to upfront payment applications.
• Due to very limited availability, choosing the instalment plan may result in losing the opportunity to secure a place with the upfront payment method.
• Instalment options are offered sporadically and in very small numbers due to the administrative burden of managing payments, cancellations, and compliance.
• Opting for upfront payment increases your chances of securing a place, due to the far higher allocation numbers.

We aim to process all applications within two weeks. If there is any delay, we will do our best to inform you. However, if you have not received a response from us after two weeks, please feel free to reach out via email. Please note that, due to the nature of processing and allocation, waiting times may occasionally be longer. Unfortunately, we cannot accept every applicant onto the QWE programme, as we must ensure we have enough qualified staff, resources, and capacity to support all participants throughout the entire duration. 

While we strive to accommodate as many applicants as possible, unfortunately, we cannot accept everyone onto the QWE programme. The hourly rates for lawyers and legal experts at firms often start at £250+ per hour.  Given that the full cost of the two-year QWE programme effectively works out at £200 per month, we can only allocate a limited amount of staff and resources to support aspiring solicitors. 

We are frequently asked why we don’t raise our fees to allow more applicants onto the programme.   While many participants are in employment or self-employed, we recognize that aspiring solicitors often face financial constraints. That’s why we’ve worked hard to keep the programme affordable and decided against raising our fees.

Through feedback from professionals and aspiring solicitors, we’ve learned that access to QWE in highly sought-after areas tends to be limited to top candidates (e.g. those with exceptional academic records) or individuals from privileged backgrounds with industry connections. As we offer QWE in such areas, our goal is to make this experience accessible to a more diverse range of individuals, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Therefore, if you were not accepted, please don’t be discouraged. We review allocations regularly, so you may apply again after one month.

If you have been allocated a place on the QWE programme, you will have 7 days to accept the offer and complete the payment. If you do not, your place will be offered to someone else. After applying, we recommend checking your email daily, including your junk folder, as sometimes our emails may be redirected there.

Please note that failure to accept the offer will likely have a negative impact on the consideration of any future application.

Given the popularity of our QWE programme, and to ensure you don’t cause delays for other applicants, we kindly ask that you only apply if you are ready to start the programme and have the necessary funds to complete the payment. 

If your plans change for any reason, such as deciding to leave the QWE program, you are free to do so at any time. Please note that we do not issue refunds.

As we may need to confirm the QWE period you’ve completed with us (e.g. for SRA purposes), you therefore need to let us know the day you intend to leave and submit the work you have completed up to that date.  

For SRA purposes, confirmation/sign-off on Qualifying Work Experience is dependent on you doing the work that is assigned to you. Failure to do work within set timeframes may extend the QWE period. 

We occasionally receive requests for a shorter period of QWE (e.g., a few months or one year instead of the usual two years). These requests are typically made by applicants who have already completed part of their QWE at another firm and wish to finish the remainder with us.

We may be able to accommodate such requests, depending on allocation availability and individual circumstances. Please note that due to the more bespoke nature of these arrangements and the additional administrative considerations, an increased fee may apply. 

 Yes, we receive many applications from individuals all over the world who wish to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. As mentioned above, all matters, including communication and tasks, are handled online and via email, offering flexibility and convenience for aspiring solicitors, regardless of location.

Qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales is a prestigious achievement and is widely respected around the world. The English and Welsh legal system, which has evolved over more than 1,000 years, is highly regarded for its influence on legal systems worldwide. English common law, which originated in medieval England, has spread across the globe, especially through the British Empire. Today, it is estimated that over half of the world’s nations use common law, either exclusively or as part of a mixed legal system.

As a result, qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales can open doors to a broad range of opportunities, both within the legal profession and beyond. Gaining experience in highly sought-after areas of law, such as those we offer, can strengthen career prospects and provide a solid foundation for joining top UK and international firms. Some solicitors later choose to transfer to the Bar and practice as barristers, while others leverage their skills to transition into fields such as business, politics, media, education and other industries.

For those considering an international career or practicing in another country, qualifying in England and Wales is often highly advantageous. While recognition of professional qualifications varies between countries, many find that qualifying here makes it easier to gain the right to practice in other jurisdictions.

Send your email to contact@buckinghambarkley.com