If you’re looking to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales, you’re likely considering the SQE route. However, if you already have some prior qualifications or experience, you may be wondering whether you need to go through the entire SQE process.
There are a range of exemptions available for those looking to qualify via the SQE, but these can often be confusing. To help, we’re breaking down the tricky subject so that you can understand your choices.
What is an exemption?
Exemptions allow qualified lawyers not to have to sit one or more of the SQE assessments to qualify as a Solicitor of England and Wales with the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA).
The SRA states that only qualified lawyers can apply for exemptions from the SQE assessments, describing qualified lawyers as “someone who holds a legal professional qualification which confers the rights to practise in England and Wales or another jurisdiction”.
How to apply for an exemption
For qualified lawyers wanting an exemption, you’ll need to head over to the SRA website and apply before booking any SQE assessments.
The SRA will assess whether you are entitled to an exemption and will let you know which part of the SQE you are exempt from. Exemptions are available for both SQE1 and SQE2.
If you are a qualified lawyer, you may be able to receive an SQE2 exemption by proving that you have the skills assessed to the same standard as SQE2 candidates. You can do this by showing evidence of your qualifications, practice rights and/or professional work experience. You can search for SQE2 exemptions for your specific jurisdiction here.
To find out more about applying for an exemption, please visit the SRA website.
What about LPC graduates?
If you’ve passed the LPC you may be wondering whether this also entitles you to an exemption.
With an LPC, you may be able to take your SQE2 exams without passing SQE1. Although this acts much like an exemption, the SRA state that “this is not an exemption but an equivalent for the LPC transitional route”.
This is a great option for those that have done their LPC but are unable to find a training contract, as you will be able to qualify using the SQE’s more flexible qualifying work experience (QWE) requirement instead.
If you are considering going down this route, however, you must consider that the LPC doesn’t fully equip you with the functioning legal knowledge (FLK) needed for SQE2, so some further studies into SQE1 topics may be needed. This can be done by taking an SQE preparation course built specifically for LPC graduates, for example, our SQE1+2 Complete Prep for LPC Graduates course.
To use this LPC option, you will need to inform the SRA by completing the relevant form on their website.
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