At Freedom Law Clinic, we pride ourselves on supporting aspiring solicitors as they pursue their path to qualification through the SQE. This week, we spoke with one of our students, Jamila Abbasi, who brings a wealth of international legal experience and has embraced the challenge of qualifying in England and Wales through our course and QWE programme.

Before starting your SQE studies, what was your legal background?

Before joining Freedom Law Clinic, I had completed both a law degree and a master’s in law. My career included several years working in international law, human rights, and legal consultancy. I worked on case preparation and submissions to United Nations bodies and collaborated with international clients and institutions, including the UN itself.

I had previously enrolled in the BVC (Bar Vocational Course) to become a barrister, but unfortunately, I had to withdraw due to financial constraints. After some time working with the UN, I felt the pull to return to legal practice in the UK. When I discovered Freedom Law Clinic’s cost-effective and practical SQE programme, it felt like the right opportunity to pursue my goal of qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales.

What kind of work did you do during your QWE with Freedom Law Clinic?

My time at Freedom Law Clinic has been extremely hands-on. I worked across several areas, including criminal law, asylum, housing, civil matters, and divorce. One standout experience was handling a Fitness to Practise (FTP) case involving a healthcare professional.

I was able to:

• Liaise with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), review bodies, and investigators
• Draft my client’s initial response and defence
• Conduct research into professional standards and regulatory frameworks
• Compile and evaluate evidence
• Prepare a structured submission to support and defend my client’s career

Although the case was eventually passed to qualified solicitors for litigation, I was deeply involved from the initial instruction through to submission. It was an incredible opportunity to take real ownership of a case and understand the full process behind FTP matters.

Did your perception of legal work change through your time with us?

Absolutely. While I already had significant legal experience, working within the domestic legal framework in England and Wales highlighted the importance of structure, ethics, and clear client communication.

The experience at Freedom Law Clinic made me appreciate how legal knowledge translates into meaningful, real-world outcomes for clients. I also gained a stronger understanding of how supervision and professional governance play a vital role in legal practice—especially in regulated areas like professional discipline and criminal law.

What kind of skills did you develop through your practical experience?

The QWE provided an ideal environment to sharpen both technical and interpersonal legal skills, including:

• Interviewing and communicating effectively with clients
• Carrying out legal research with direct application to case strategy
• Drafting detailed legal documents and bundles
• Handling correspondence with regulatory bodies such as the NMC
• Working ethically within a legal framework and managing cases with accountability

The FTP case, in particular, taught me how to handle complex and sensitive matters with care, and how to present a well-evidenced defence under professional supervision.

What advice would you give to students starting their SQE journey?

Make full use of the resources that Freedom Law Clinic offers. The tutor-led lectures, live MCQ practice sessions, direct access to subject tutors, and recorded content give you a flexible and comprehensive way to manage your learning.

The online platform is excellent for tracking your progress. The built-in MCQs and knowledge checks let you assess your performance and build confidence as you prepare for the exams.

Although the course provides a solid foundation, I personally chose to supplement my preparation with external MCQ resources to broaden my exposure. This helped solidify my understanding and gave me more confidence.

Most importantly, throw yourself into the QWE. This is where you bridge the gap between legal theory and practice. The experience of working on real cases with real clients is invaluable. Don’t be afraid to ask questions—this is the time to learn how to handle legal matters like a qualified solicitor.