If you’re feeling frustrated about the SQE1, we hear you. The latest cohort of SQE1 students has described the exam as requiring superhuman levels of commitment. The revision is intense, the format is challenging, and passing can seem like an unscalable mountain. Widespread calls for reform have reached the SRA, which is currently accepting submissions on potential changes to the exam.

But here’s the real issue: many mainstream law schools treat the SQE1 like a traditional academic exam. Most online courses focus on learning and revising, emphasizing rote memorization. While this method works for some, it is the hardest way to approach the SQE1.

Why SQE1 Feels So Difficult

A major factor that makes the SQE1 feel overwhelming is the immense pressure students place on themselves. Many set rigid timelines, convinced that they must pass in July or January of a given year. This self-imposed pressure only adds to the stress, making it even harder to focus and retain information.

But what if that pressure didn’t exist? What if sitting the SQE1 felt more like demonstrating what you already know rather than an uphill struggle?

At Freedom Law Clinic (FLC), we see the SQE1 as more than just a knowledge test—it’s an assessment of competence. The SRA has made it clear that the SQE is designed to ensure that candidates have the practical skills required to operate as a day-one qualified solicitor. For someone who has real-world legal knowledge and experience, passing the SQE1 should be a natural step, not an impossible challenge.

The Experience Gap: Why Traditional Revision Falls Short

Most SQE1 courses rely on passive learning—reading materials, attending lectures, and practicing multiple-choice questions. But this method leaves students feeling unprepared because it lacks a crucial element: experience.

To pass the SQE1 effectively, you don’t just need to know the law—you need to be able to think like a solicitor. That means applying legal principles in practical situations, understanding nuances, and making informed decisions quickly.

Let’s compare this to language learning. If you learn a word in a foreign language by simply memorizing its English equivalent, your brain has to work through two steps: recognizing the foreign word and then recalling its English translation. This process takes time and effort. However, if your brain associates the foreign word with a concept or image directly, recall becomes effortless. For example, if the Italian word tavolo immediately brings up the image of a table, you know the word rather than just memorizing it.

The same principle applies to SQE1 preparation. If, when faced with a multiple-choice question, your brain has to recall a legal rule and then think about how it applies to a scenario, that’s an extra step that slows you down. However, if you’ve had practical exposure to similar cases and situations, your brain will instantly recognize the legal principle in context—making answering questions much easier.

How FLC Helps You Prepare for the SQE1 Differently

At Freedom Law Clinic, we believe that experience-based learning is the most effective way to pass the SQE1. We provide a holistic approach to SQE1 preparation by integrating practical legal work from day one.

Rather than relying solely on theoretical knowledge, our students develop their skills through real-life legal experiences. This hands-on approach allows you to:

• Think like a lawyer: Learn how to apply legal principles practically, just as a solicitor would in real-world cases.
• Build confidence: When your knowledge comes from experience, the SQE1 becomes less intimidating—you’re simply demonstrating what you can do.
• Retain information effectively: By working on real cases, your brain forms direct associations with legal concepts, making recall faster and easier during the exam.

Make the SQE1 an Opportunity, Not an Obstacle

We understand that the SQE1 is challenging, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to feel impossible. Instead of treating the exam as an academic test, think of it as a professional assessment—one that you can confidently pass with practical legal experience.

At FLC, we are committed to making this kind of experiential learning accessible to everyone. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and skills of a day-one qualified solicitor—so that when exam day comes, you’re not just answering questions; you’re showing off what you already know.

Ready to transform the way you prepare for the SQE1? Join us at Freedom Law Clinic and gain the practical skills that will make passing the SQE1 feel natural.

Ready to change the way you study? Reach out via WhatsApp or through our website.