Let’s face it. The SQE is hard. Getting a legal job is hard. Getting experience is hard. It’s all hard. So ask – are you getting the most of your legal education experience to help you succeed?

At Freedom Law Clinic (FLC), we offer a unique opportunity for students to complete their Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) while simultaneously preparing for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). Our integrated approach allows students to gain hands-on legal experience in real-world settings, ensuring they develop the essential competencies required by the SRA Statement of Solicitor Competence. By combining practical experience with comprehensive SQE study, FLC helps students bridge the gap between theory and practice, giving them the best possible foundation to succeed in both the SQE assessments and their future careers as solicitors.

What is Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)?

Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) is an essential part of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) process. Under the new system, it serves as a vital step in the path to becoming a solicitor.

QWE involves gaining practical, hands-on experience in providing legal services, where candidates have the opportunity to develop the skills and competencies required by the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority).

Why is QWE Important?

The SRA’s Statement of Solicitor Competence outlines the core skills solicitors must have to practice law. QWE allows you to gain experience that will help you meet these competencies, ensuring you are fully prepared for a career in law.

Unlike traditional training contracts, QWE offers flexibility and can be obtained in a variety of legal environments. Whether it’s working in a law firm, an in-house legal team, or even a legal clinic, QWE gives aspiring solicitors the exposure they need to become proficient in their legal practice.

Who Can Complete QWE?

Anyone pursuing the SQE route to solicitor qualification can complete QWE. This experience must be undertaken with a registered provider of legal services and can be done as part-time or full-time work.

Key Eligibility Criteria for QWE

• Duration: At least two years of full-time equivalent experience.
• Settings: QWE can be completed across up to four different organisations, including law firms, pro bono clinics, in-house legal teams, or even voluntary work in the legal field.
• Verification: The work must be confirmed by a solicitor or a Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP).

Types of Legal Work that Count as QWE

QWE must involve genuine legal work and provide the chance to develop competencies set out by the SRA Statement of Solicitor Competence. This includes areas like legal research, drafting documents, attending hearings, or advising clients.

Examples of Qualifying Legal Work

• Law Firms: Whether you’re working as a paralegal or in a training capacity, hands-on experience in a law firm is a common source of QWE.
• Legal Clinics: If you’re part of a law school clinic or providing pro bono services, you can gain valuable experience while helping clients in need.
• In-House Legal Teams: Many legal teams within corporations, charities, and public sector organisations also offer opportunities for QWE.
• Volunteering and Pro Bono Work: Volunteering with charities, law centres, or through schemes like Access to Justice can provide the legal exposure necessary to count as QWE.

How to Complete Your QWE

To successfully complete your QWE and meet the SRA’s requirements for solicitor qualification, follow these steps:

1. Gain Work Experience: Ensure that the experience you gain is directly related to legal services and provides opportunities for developing the required competencies.
2. Document and Verify Your Experience: Keep a record of your tasks and responsibilities. Your experience must be signed off by a qualified solicitor or a COLP from the organisation where you gained the experience.
3. Work Across Multiple Organisations: While you can complete QWE with a single employer, you’re allowed to complete the two years across up to four different legal environments. This flexibility allows you to gain a wide range of experiences.
4. Meet the Competency Requirements: During your QWE, ensure you develop the necessary skills and competencies outlined by the SRA. This includes skills like client communication, legal analysis, and professional ethics.

Want to start your QWE journey? Reach out on WhatsApp or through the website.