If you are an aspiring solicitor looking to qualify through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route, then gaining Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) is a crucial step in your journey. Understanding the requirements, opportunities, and best practices for QWE will help you develop essential legal competencies and enhance your career prospects.

In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about QWE, including its requirements, where to gain experience, and how it can prepare you for the SQE2 assessment and your future legal career.

What is Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)?

QWE is a requirement set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) as part of the SQE qualification process. It involves completing at least two years of full-time (or equivalent) legal work experience, which must be:

• Grounded in legal work and the provision of legal services
• Focused on developing some or all of the competencies outlined in the Statement of Solicitor Competence
• Confirmed by a solicitor or a Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) who ensures that the experience meets the required standards

Key Features of QWE

• Flexible Approach: Unlike the traditional training contract, QWE can be completed in different settings and does not have to be undertaken in one continuous block.
• Up to Four Organisations: QWE can be accrued across a maximum of four different organisations, including law firms, legal clinics, law centres, and in-house legal teams.
• No Minimum Placement Duration: While there is no minimum time requirement per placement, the experience should be long enough to allow meaningful development of legal competencies.
• Ethical & Professional Development: QWE provides opportunities to develop ethical judgment and professional conduct, essential for legal practice.

Where Can You Gain QWE?

Candidates can gain QWE through various legal environments, including:

• Law firms – Private practice firms offering training across different legal disciplines.
• Legal clinics at academic institutions – University-led legal clinics provide hands-on experience in pro bono work.
• Law centres – Non-profit organisations offering legal assistance to underprivileged communities.
• In-house legal teams – Gaining experience within corporate legal departments.
• Alternative legal service providers – Including legal tech firms, mediation services, and compliance roles.

The Purpose and Benefits of QWE

The main goal of QWE is to provide aspiring solicitors with hands-on legal experience, allowing them to:

• Develop key solicitor competencies, including legal research, client interaction, and case management.
• Gain exposure to real-world legal practice and the responsibilities of a solicitor.
• Improve their understanding of ethics and professional conduct within the legal profession.
• Build workplace socialisation skills and confidence in handling legal matters.
• Strengthen their legal portfolio, making them more attractive to future employers.
• Prepare effectively for SQE2 assessments, reducing the need for extensive (and expensive) preparation courses.

How to Ensure Your QWE is Valuable

To make the most of your QWE experience, candidates should:

1. Be Strategic – Choose placements that align with your career goals and desired area of legal practice.
2. Seek Varied Experience – Exposure to different types of legal work will make you a well-rounded solicitor.
3. Demonstrate Commitment – Engaging in pro bono work and legal aid opportunities can showcase your dedication to the profession.
4. Track Your Competencies – Maintain a detailed record of the skills and knowledge you develop during your placements.
5. Network and Learn – Use QWE as an opportunity to connect with legal professionals and seek mentorship.

QWE and the SQE2 Assessment

While there are preparation courses available for SQE2, gaining hands-on legal experience through QWE significantly enhances practical skills such as legal drafting, advocacy, client interviewing, and case analysis. Candidates who complete relevant QWE may require shorter, less costly SQE2 preparation courses, saving both time and money.

Final Thoughts

QWE is an essential step in becoming a solicitor, offering flexibility and valuable legal experience beyond traditional training contracts. Whether working in a law firm, legal clinic, or corporate legal team, candidates should carefully plan their QWE to develop a strong foundation in legal practice.

By strategically selecting placements and fully engaging in your QWE, you can improve your solicitor competencies, build confidence, and position yourself for success in the SQE2 assessments and beyond.

Looking for QWE? We can help. Reach out on WhatsApp for more information about our SQE/QWE combined courses.