At the Freedom Law Clinic, Qualifying Work Experience is our specialty.

Most students enter the world of legal work experience with no insight into their own strengths and weaknesses. Worse, they go through months of work experience without any feedback, any guidance or any indication as to where they might be falling down. They may be making a terrible impression without even knowing it.

We want to change how work experience is delivered.

Since 2015, we have been at the forefront of clinical legal education, empowering aspiring solicitors through practical, real-life legal work. Our specialised courses are designed to develop competencies in accordance with the Statement of Solicitor Competence, ensuring you gain the necessary skills and experience to succeed in your legal career.

Why Choose Our QWE Course?

All candidates looking to qualify through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route need to complete two years’ full-time (or equivalent) qualifying work experience (QWE). QWE provides aspiring solicitors with invaluable experience in real-life legal work and the opportunity to develop some or all of the competencies required to be a solicitor.

Our QWE course stands out by offering structured, real-life work experience with regular feedback and assessments, all under the guidance of experienced solicitors. We ensure that your work meets the Legal Services Act 2007 (s. 12) definition of legal activity, meaning your efforts contribute meaningfully towards your qualification.

What is QWE?

QWE involves providing legal services in a real-world context. This can be achieved through various roles, such as working in a law firm, an in-house legal team, or other legal services providers. Simulated legal services do not count – it must be real-life experience. Any work meeting the legal definition is likely to qualify as QWE.

Our program allows candidates to gain QWE before, during, or after taking the SQE assessments. Experience from previous roles can also count towards QWE. The flexibility of QWE means it can be gained in various settings, including:

• Placements during a law degree
• Working in a law clinic
• Voluntary or charitable organizations or law centres
• Working as a paralegal
• On a training contract

QWE can be accumulated in up to four different organisations, in paid or volunteer work, and can be completed in England, Wales, or overseas. While the knowledge of English and Welsh law is essential for the SQE assessment, it does not need to be specifically gained through work experience.

How Our QWE Course Works

Initial Assessment: Red Tier Casework

📖 Starting Point: Upon joining our program, you will begin by working on a criminal case involving an application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC). This initial assignment helps assess your practical abilities and serves as a foundation for your future work.

Within four weeks of enrolment, you will receive a comprehensive written report from your supervising solicitor, evaluating your practical skills based on this assignment. This stage, known as ‘Red Tier’ casework, sets the baseline for your development.

⚠ Skill Development: If your initial assessment indicates proficiency, you will move on to more active, ‘Yellow Tier’ casework. If areas for improvement are identified, we will provide guidance and assign additional ‘Red Tier’ casework to help you develop the necessary skills.

Advanced Engagement: Yellow Tier Casework

📶 Client File Work: As a ‘Yellow Tier’ student, you will be assigned to work on a client file under the supervision of a solicitor. You will gain access to our case management system, where you will record and store your work, ensuring thorough documentation of your progress.

✅ Quarterly Reviews: Every quarter, you will meet with your supervising solicitor to review your files and assess your progress towards QWE. These meetings ensure you are developing the relevant competencies and receiving constructive feedback to guide your growth.

Long-term Commitment: Green Tier Casework

➡ Retention Decision: After two quarterly meetings, the clinic will decide on your retention. If retained, you will continue as a permanent caseworker, advancing to ‘Green Tier’ status. As a ‘Green Tier’ student, you will work on client files with greater autonomy, further honing your skills under the guidance of our experienced solicitors.

If not retained, your QWE with the clinic will conclude, but you will still have access to our extensive library of SQE resources. Any QWE accumulated up to that point will be officially recorded by your supervising solicitor.

Course Benefits and Costs

For a monthly fee of £200, our QWE course offers:

• Structured Work Experience: Gain practical, real-life legal experience under the supervision of seasoned solicitors.
• Regular Assessments: Receive monthly feedback on your development, ensuring you stay on track with your competency growth.
• Career Training: Access comprehensive training resources to enhance your legal skills and career prospects.
• Official Sign-off: Have your work officially signed off by solicitors, validating your QWE.
• Continuous Support: Enjoy ongoing support and guidance throughout your journey to becoming a solicitor.

Our commitment to providing high-quality legal education and support ensures that you are not just another candidate – you are a future solicitor equipped with the skills and experience to excel.

Join Us Today

At the Freedom Law Clinic, we believe in preparing our students for the real world of legal practice. Our QWE course is designed to be rigorous, supportive, and tailored to meet the demands of the legal profession. With over nine years of experience in delivering clinical legal education, we are ahead of the game and ready to help you achieve your goals.

Reach out to us for a prospectus via email or WhatsApp and take the first step towards a fulfilling legal career with Freedom Law Clinic.