Legal education is undergoing a major transformation. The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is part of a broader shift in professional education, where practical skills are now recognized as being just as important—if not more important—than academic ability.

This shift is particularly evident in the structure of the SQE. Many students approach SQE1 as though it were a purely academic exam. However, SQE1 is fundamentally practical, assessing your ability to apply legal knowledge in real-world scenarios. You are expected to demonstrate the same level of legal reasoning and application as a newly qualified solicitor.

The Gap Between a Day-One Trainee and a Qualified Lawyer

It’s easy to underestimate the difference between a day-one trainee solicitor and a newly qualified lawyer. A qualified lawyer has spent time developing an in-depth understanding of how courts make decisions, applying their legal knowledge in practice, and gaining valuable insights into how the legal system truly operates.

To bridge this gap, law schools must evolve. In the coming years, legal education providers will need to focus on delivering hands-on experience, ensuring students gain the necessary competencies before they even enter the profession.

How to Gain Practical Legal Experience for SQE1 and Beyond

So, how can aspiring solicitors develop the insights and practical skills needed to succeed in SQE1 and secure employment afterward? The answer lies in a more clinical approach to legal education.

At Freedom Law Clinic, we integrate real-world casework into our SQE and Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) programs. From day one, our students engage in practical legal work that mirrors the tasks of a newly qualified solicitor. This ensures they develop not just the theoretical knowledge required to pass SQE1, but also the hands-on experience that makes them employable in the legal profession.

Why Experience Matters for SQE Success

Without practical experience alongside academic learning, aspiring solicitors risk missing out on essential skills needed for both SQE1 and their future careers. More importantly, many candidates complete SQE1 without gaining the competencies law firms are looking for, leaving them with limited job prospects.

If you are serious about becoming a solicitor and want to ensure that you develop both the knowledge and the practical skills required to succeed, our SQE and QWE combined programs offer the ideal pathway.

Start Your Legal Career the Right Way

Don’t settle for a purely academic approach to legal training. Gain the hands-on experience that will set you apart in the legal job market. If you’re interested in a new, more effective way to train as a lawyer, get in touch with us today.