The introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) has transformed legal education in England and Wales. It has opened up the market to new providers, many of whom do not necessarily have students’ best interests at heart. Too many students enrol on SQE courses with the intention of sitting the exam, only to realise that the workload is overwhelming. Many will either give up or, worse, enter the exam unprepared and fail.

Mainstream law schools offer one key advantage: pressure. The structured environment and expectation to pass can be a powerful motivator, ensuring students dedicate themselves fully to preparation. If you have a training contract and need to pass the SQE to progress, an SQE preparation course is essential. In that case, enrol as soon as possible.

However, most students do not have a training contract. They also lack practical experience, which is crucial for success in the SQE. Simply put, joining an SQE preparation course without real-world legal exposure is a mistake. It makes training for the exam far more difficult than it needs to be.

The SQE is not just a test of legal knowledge—it assesses your ability to apply the law in practical scenarios. If you have never worked in a legal environment, these scenarios will be unfamiliar and far harder to navigate. The reality is that the barriers to gaining experience in the legal profession remain significant, especially for those without existing connections in the field. In this way, the SQE can reinforce social inequalities, making it easier for those with legal networks to gain the essential skills needed to pass.

This is why expanding access to practical experience is critical. It is also why Freedom Law Clinic exists. We believe that students must develop their practical skills alongside their academic studies to gain a real understanding of what being a lawyer entails. Many students pursue law degrees without truly knowing whether a legal career suits them. This lack of insight leads to poor decisions about legal education and career progression.

At Freedom Law Clinic, we combine SQE preparation with Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), giving students a unique opportunity to develop their practical skills while studying. Our clinical programmes allow students to practise legal work, gain essential experience, and determine whether they are suited to the profession before committing to the SQE exams.

If you are considering the SQE, think carefully about your practical skills first. Experience is key to success. If you would like to learn more about our clinical programmes and how they can help you prepare for the SQE while gaining vital legal experience, get in touch with us today.