For aspiring solicitors navigating the pathway to qualification, the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) has introduced a new era in legal education. Key to SQE qualification is gaining Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), a critical component that Freedom Law Clinic (FLC) has designed to not only meet, but also enhance the development of aspiring lawyers. At FLC, we have created a unique three-tiered QWE program that empowers students—especially those from non-traditional backgrounds—with hands-on casework experience while providing a social service to the public through pro bono work.

This approach connects with our philosophy: legal education should not just be about reaching qualification but about using that journey to provide real, meaningful benefits to society.

A Three-Tier System of QWE at Freedom Law Clinic

Our QWE program is structured into three distinct tiers: Red, Yellow, and Green. Each tier provides a progressive path to develop critical legal competencies through increasingly independent and challenging casework.

Red Tier: Building Foundations

All students begin in the Red Tier, where they work under close supervision on complex casework designed to establish fundamental skills. Students here develop their competency in analyzing legal material and working within a team to meet deadlines and manage documentation.

In this tier, students will focus on:

1. Reading and Analyzing Material: Students dive into substantial case files, learning how to digest and interpret large amounts of information—an essential skill for future solicitors.
2. Preparing Attendance Notes: Attendance notes illustrate completed work and provide valuable documentation practice, a cornerstone of effective case management.
3. Applying Legal Principles: Students will engage with the English Legal System’s basic concepts, including case placement within the court hierarchy and essential legal research techniques.
4. Collaborative Work: Teamwork is key. Students assign tasks within their group, practicing the coordination and accountability necessary for real-world legal teams.

Progression to Yellow Tier
Progression is based on a casework leader’s assessment. If students feel overlooked, they can request an evaluation via RocketChat. If unsatisfied with the result, they may appeal to a clinic solicitor, who will jointly assess with the casework leader. However, it is important to note that Red Tier work is not signed off as QWE—progression to Yellow is essential for accumulating QWE.

Yellow Tier: Gaining Independence

In the Yellow Tier, students tackle one of the clinic’s active cases, allowing them to interact with live issues and deepen their practical legal knowledge. Here, students are expected to demonstrate a more comprehensive set of skills, with the added responsibility of independent work product uploads.

Yellow Tier casework emphasizes:

1. Identifying Key Issues: Following an initial review, students are tasked with understanding the main points of the case.
2. Preparing Task Lists: To drive case progression, students prepare lists of actionable steps—a practice that hones strategic thinking.
3. Independent Document Creation: Students produce relevant documents to support ongoing cases, building their confidence in legal writing and task management.
4. Leadership within Teams: Students guide small groups, assigning tasks, and tracking progress. This experience develops leadership and project management abilities.

Progression to Green Tier
Progressing to Green Tier requires a request to the casework leader, who refers the decision to the clinic’s solicitor. There is no appeals process beyond Yellow Tier, but regular reviews allow students to reapply when they’re ready. In Yellow Tier, students can have their work signed off as QWE, contingent on evidence and the clinic solicitor’s discretion.

Green Tier: Becoming an Active Caseworker

In the Green Tier, students become core members of the Freedom Law Clinic team, taking on critical case preparation for active FLC cases as well as cases with partner law firms. Students are now expected to operate independently, with direct reporting to a clinic solicitor.

Key competencies in the Green Tier include:

1. Case Progression: Green Tier students independently manage cases, drafting client correspondence and guiding cases through the judicial process.
2. Complex Issue Identification: Handling intricate cases, students refine their ability to pinpoint and address nuanced legal issues.
3. Meticulous Administration: Students must maintain clear and comprehensive attendance notes, an essential skill for any legal professional.
4. Advanced Legal Argumentation: Written communication skills reach a high level, with students applying relevant authority to support robust legal arguments.

Green Tier students may be offered additional opportunities within the clinic, reinforcing FLC’s commitment to supporting their growth even beyond the program.

Why This Structure Matters

At Freedom Law Clinic, we believe that effective legal training serves both the public and the student. Through our unique tiered QWE system, we provide students with valuable, hands-on casework experience and support, emphasizing social responsibility. Our program is particularly aimed at individuals from diverse backgrounds who may face barriers to traditional legal pathways. By offering opportunities to engage in pro bono work and active case management, we empower students with real-world legal skills and instill a commitment to social justice and community service.

How Freedom Law Clinic’s QWE Program Supports SQE Success

The SQE emphasizes practical skills and legal knowledge—areas that FLC’s QWE structure addresses head-on. From developing basic case management skills in the Red Tier to performing independently in the Green Tier, our QWE system equips students with the essential competencies assessed in the SQE.

In addition to practical experience, our team provides guidance on SQE requirements, particularly in QWE documentation and competency development. For students looking to prepare for SQE and gain QWE, the FLC program offers an unparalleled path that blends skill acquisition with impactful pro bono work.

Making Legal Education a Social Good

Legal education should be more than a qualification—it should contribute to society. FLC’s QWE model is built on this philosophy, creating a path for students to gain experience while making a positive impact. We are committed to empowering a new generation of legal professionals who view their education as a means to help others. Freedom Law Clinic is here to support students’ legal journeys, transforming qualification into a social good that benefits both students and the communities they serve.