At Freedom Law Clinic (FLC), we take immense pride in the structure and quality of our Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) programme. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has provided guidance on what good QWE should look like, but for us, these principles have always been at the core of our approach.
What is surprising is that such fundamental elements—constant supervision, meaningful feedback, and exposure to diverse legal competencies—need to be spelled out. For us, these are non-negotiable elements of any effective legal training programme. Here’s how FLC ensures that our QWE offering not only meets but exceeds the expected standards.
1. Constant Supervision and Meaningful Feedback
One of the key aspects of a high-quality QWE placement is supervision. At FLC, our trainees are never left to fend for themselves. We provide structured oversight, ensuring that each individual is guided through their legal work with regular check-ins and formative feedback. Every student is given clear expectations from the outset and is supported in their journey through:
– Regular one-to-one meetings with supervisors
– Constructive feedback loops that encourage reflection and improvement
– Clear documentation of progress and learning outcomes
This is not an afterthought—it is built into our DNA.
2. Exposure to a Broad Range of Competences
The SRA states that good QWE should expose individuals to a wide range of legal competencies, including professionalism and ethics. This is another area where FLC excels. Our trainees engage with real legal cases, allowing them to develop crucial skills in:
– Legal research and analysis
– Drafting legal documents
– Client communication
– Understanding and applying professional ethics
We go beyond administrative tasks, ensuring our trainees are actively developing the skills they need to succeed in the SQE2 assessments and in legal practice.
3. Professionalism and Ethical Training
Legal practice is more than just knowledge of the law; it is about understanding ethical obligations and professional responsibility. At FLC, we ensure that our students are fully immersed in:
– Conflicts of interest checks
– Anti-money laundering procedures
– Information security best practices
This is not an abstract or theoretical exercise—our trainees work with real legal issues under careful supervision, giving them practical, hands-on experience that is essential for a competent and ethical solicitor.
4. A Transparent and Reliable Confirmation Process
A key concern raised in the SRA’s guidance is the confirmation of QWE. Some firms may be hesitant or reluctant to sign off on QWE, creating unnecessary barriers for aspiring solicitors. At FLC, we ensure full transparency in this process:
– Trainees know from day one who will be confirming their QWE
– We maintain clear records and documentation of all work completed
– Our supervisors are engaged and available to validate each individual’s experience
This proactive approach ensures that no trainee is left in limbo when it comes time to register their experience.
5. A Commitment to the Highest Standards
At FLC, we are not merely complying with the SRA’s expectations—we are setting the benchmark. We have long believed that providing proper supervision, meaningful work, and structured feedback is the only way to prepare aspiring solicitors for practice. The fact that these principles need to be reiterated in formal guidance is, quite frankly, surprising.
For those seeking a QWE provider that prioritises real legal training, practical experience, and ongoing support, Freedom Law Clinic is the clear choice. Our programme is designed to develop competent, confident solicitors who are fully prepared for both SQE2 and the realities of legal practice.
If you’re looking for a QWE provider that truly understands what it takes to train the next generation of solicitors, get in touch with us today. At FLC, we don’t just meet expectations—we exceed them.