As the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) reshapes the pathway to becoming a solicitor in England and Wales, Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) has become a pivotal step for aspiring legal professionals. At Freedom Law Clinic, we understand the importance of QWE and are committed to providing students with meaningful, hands-on opportunities that not only meet regulatory requirements but also prepare them for successful legal careers.

What is Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)?

QWE is a mandatory component of the new SQE route to qualification, requiring aspiring solicitors to complete two years (or equivalent) of work experience. Unlike traditional training contracts, QWE offers flexibility and can be gained across multiple placements, as long as the work is signed off by a qualified solicitor or organisation.

Freedom Law Clinic’s innovative approach to legal education and training integrates QWE into our broader mission to create opportunities for students from diverse and non-traditional backgrounds.

Why Choose Freedom Law Clinic for QWE?

At Freedom Law Clinic, we provide a unique blend of practical experience, academic support, and personal mentorship to help students achieve their QWE while developing essential legal skills. Here’s how we stand out:

1. Hands-On Legal Casework

Our students work on live cases from day one, handling real legal issues under the guidance of experienced solicitors. This immersive experience allows them to:

• Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Develop critical skills like legal research, drafting, and client communication.
• Build a robust portfolio of work to showcase to future employers.

2. Immediate QWE Access

Unlike many legal education providers, we integrate QWE into our training programme. Students gain supervised legal experience while completing their studies, ensuring they are practice-ready by the time they qualify.

3. Tailored Support and Mentorship

Every student is paired with a qualified legal professional who provides guidance, feedback, and career advice. This personalised mentorship helps students navigate the complexities of their cases while honing their professional skills.

4. Flexibility and Accessibility

Our QWE programme is designed to fit around students’ schedules. With online access and the ability to pause and resume studies, we accommodate those juggling work, family, or other commitments.

Pro Bono Work as QWE

At Freedom Law Clinic, we emphasise the importance of giving back to the community. Students gain their QWE by contributing to impactful pro bono initiatives, such as:

• Complex Criminal Appeals: Assisting in applications to the Criminal Cases Review Commission for potential miscarriages of justice.
• Domestic Violence Support: Helping solicitors secure injunctive relief for vulnerable individuals.
• Fitness to Practise Cases: Drafting representations for nurses and midwives facing allegations before the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
• Civil Liberties and Public Protection: Advising on public protection powers, including Community Protection Notices.

These experiences not only meet QWE requirements but also instil a sense of purpose and responsibility in our students.

Success Stories: Empowering Future Solicitors

Our QWE programme has transformed the careers of countless students, like Doris Aja-Eke, who joined Freedom Law Clinic as a scholar with no legal background. Within 14 months, Doris gained comprehensive legal knowledge, completed her QWE, and now works full-time for the clinic, helping charities and public interest institutions with pro bono legal advice.

Another student, Marcus Azal, said:
“I’ve enjoyed my time on the QWE programme working on real legal cases. I am developing the ability to carry out legal research and understand the different issues in a case. The feedback given by Freedom Law Clinic is helping to improve my paralegal skills.”

Partnering for Change

At Freedom Law Clinic, we’re not just providing QWE—we’re creating opportunities to revolutionise the legal profession. Our partnerships with law firms, charities, and other organisations ensure our students gain diverse experiences and build networks that will support them throughout their careers.

If you’re a student seeking Qualifying Work Experience that goes beyond ticking boxes, or a legal professional eager to contribute to the next generation of solicitors, Freedom Law Clinic is here to help.

Join Us

Let us help you achieve your dreams of becoming a solicitor. Whether you’re starting your SQE journey or looking for a fulfilling way to complete your QWE, Freedom Law Clinic provides the guidance, resources, and opportunities to succeed.