The Evolution of Legal Training

Under the previous Legal Practice Course (LPC), the standard for passing was based on the knowledge expected of a day-one trainee solicitor. However, the SQE raises the bar, expecting candidates to demonstrate the competence of a day-one qualified lawyer. This change reflects a broader trend in professional education, where the ability to apply knowledge is valued over the ability to recall facts.

SQE Preparation: A New Approach

At FLC, we have embraced this paradigm shift by focusing on helping students get the law “on its feet.” This means our SQE preparation courses are designed to ensure students can apply legal principles effectively. We believe that learning is most effective when it is applied, similar to how language learners achieve fluency by using the language in real-life contexts.

Integrating Qualifying Work Experience

One of the key innovations in our SQE preparation is the integration of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). This approach not only makes the qualification process more efficient, meeting both qualification requirements simultaneously, but it also enhances learning. By applying the law in practical scenarios, students build new neural networks, making the law almost impossible to forget.

A Practical Learning Process

We have developed a specialised process to help students build practical knowledge efficiently. This involves:

1. Learning the Basic Principle: Understand the fundamental legal principle and its operation.
2. Condensing the Principle: Reduce the principle to three lines, at most.
3. Listing Practical Scenarios: Identify practical scenarios where the principle may be relevant.
4. Practising Advice: Practise advising a client based on the principle.
5. Reviewing Advice: Check your advice against your initial learning.

This method ensures that students not only learn the law but can also apply it effectively in real-world situations.

Key Concept Sheets

To streamline the learning process, we prepare comprehensive lists of key concepts within each topic. For example, in Dispute Resolution:

By organising the information this way, we remove the burden of sifting through extensive materials, allowing students to focus on practical application.

The Benefits of Practical Learning

Practical scenarios constantly present points of law that students must quickly understand and apply. From court hierarchy to powers of judicial review and the elements of negligence, our students deal with these concepts in their current caseload. This hands-on experience ensures that once a student has applied a piece of law, they know it thoroughly.

The Pitfalls of Traditional Learning

Traditional methods, such as online courses with passive learning, can leave students feeling overwhelmed. The sheer volume of knowledge required for the SQE can be daunting if not applied practically. Sitting in front of a screen, absorbing information without practice, makes it difficult to retain and apply the knowledge effectively.

A New Path in Legal Education

There is a better way to prepare for the SQE. By focusing on practical application and integrating QWE, we ensure that our students are not only well-prepared for the exam but also for their future careers as solicitors. Reach out to FLC to learn more about how we can help you succeed in your SQE preparation.

In conclusion, the key to excelling in SQE preparation lies in understanding and applying legal principles in practical scenarios. By adopting this approach, students can transform their learning experience and achieve lasting competence, ensuring they are fully prepared for the demands of their legal careers.

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) marks a significant shift in legal education. Unlike traditional exams, the SQE prioritises competence, focusing on how well students can apply their legal knowledge in practical scenarios. This approach, emphasising practical application over rote memorisation, mirrors modern language teaching methodologies and is revolutionising how future solicitors are trained.

The Evolution of Legal Training

Under the previous Legal Practice Course (LPC), the standard for passing was based on the knowledge expected of a day-one trainee solicitor. However, the SQE raises the bar, expecting candidates to demonstrate the competence of a day-one qualified lawyer. This change reflects a broader trend in professional education, where the ability to apply knowledge is valued over the ability to recall facts.

SQE Preparation: A New Approach

At FLC, we have embraced this paradigm shift by focusing on helping students get the law “on its feet.” This means our SQE preparation courses are designed to ensure students can apply legal principles effectively. We believe that learning is most effective when it is applied, similar to how language learners achieve fluency by using the language in real-life contexts.

Integrating Qualifying Work Experience

One of the key innovations in our SQE preparation is the integration of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). This approach not only makes the qualification process more efficient, meeting both qualification requirements simultaneously, but it also enhances learning. By applying the law in practical scenarios, students build new neural networks, making the law almost impossible to forget.

A Practical Learning Process

We have developed a specialised process to help students build practical knowledge efficiently. This involves:

1. Learning the Basic Principle: Understand the fundamental legal principle and its operation.
2. Condensing the Principle: Reduce the principle to three lines, at most.
3. Listing Practical Scenarios: Identify practical scenarios where the principle may be relevant.
4. Practising Advice: Practise advising a client based on the principle.
5. Reviewing Advice: Check your advice against your initial learning.

This method ensures that students not only learn the law but can also apply it effectively in real-world situations.

Key Concept Sheets

To streamline the learning process, we prepare comprehensive lists of key concepts within each topic. For example, in Dispute Resolution:

By organising the information this way, we remove the burden of sifting through extensive materials, allowing students to focus on practical application.

The Benefits of Practical Learning

Practical scenarios constantly present points of law that students must quickly understand and apply. From court hierarchy to powers of judicial review and the elements of negligence, our students deal with these concepts in their current caseload. This hands-on experience ensures that once a student has applied a piece of law, they know it thoroughly.

The Pitfalls of Traditional Learning

Traditional methods, such as online courses with passive learning, can leave students feeling overwhelmed. The sheer volume of knowledge required for the SQE can be daunting if not applied practically. Sitting in front of a screen, absorbing information without practice, makes it difficult to retain and apply the knowledge effectively.

A New Path in Legal Education

There is a better way to prepare for the SQE. By focusing on practical application and integrating QWE, we ensure that our students are not only well-prepared for the exam but also for their future careers as solicitors. Reach out to FLC to learn more about how we can help you succeed in your SQE preparation.