The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is a pivotal assessment for aspiring solicitors in England and Wales, comprising two main assessments: SQE1 and SQE2. SQE1 focuses on testing candidates’ foundational legal knowledge, while SQE2 evaluates their practical legal skills and application. To qualify as a solicitor, individuals must pass both assessments, hold a degree in any subject (or equivalent qualification or work experience), complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience, and meet the character and suitability requirements outlined by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
SQE1 has gained a reputation for its difficulty, but this challenge can be mitigated by acquiring professional experience before sitting for the exam. Our online SQE preparation course integrates SQE training with Qualifying Work Experience, allowing candidates to fulfil two requirements simultaneously and facilitating a deeper understanding of the exam’s content.
What sets our SQE preparation course apart is our active learning approach. Our seminars are not passive lectures but engaging sessions involving constant testing, recitation, and practical exercises. In our online SQE1 classrooms, candidates are encouraged to participate actively, fostering a dynamic learning environment that mimics real-world legal scenarios.
Experienced solicitors often recommend gaining practical experience before attempting the SQE1 exam. This is because SQE1 assesses candidates’ ability to think like a ‘day-one’ qualified lawyer. Taking the exam too early can lead to lower pass rates due to inadequate preparation and familiarity with legal practice.
Recently, the SRA reported a marginal increase in SQE1 pass rates compared to previous sittings, especially among first-time sitters. Despite a lower pass mark indicating a more challenging exam, the overall pass rate improved. This trend reflects the successful adaptation of candidates, course providers, and employers to the Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) format introduced by the SQE.
However, a significant concern highlighted by the SRA’s data is the disparity in pass rates among different ethnic groups. For example, Black/Black British candidates continue to experience lower pass rates compared to the national average, highlighting persistent issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the legal profession.
To address this disparity, the SRA commissioned the University of Exeter to research the factors contributing to the attainment gap. The findings underscore systemic challenges faced by candidates from minority backgrounds, including socioeconomic barriers and lack of support in education and work settings.
Achieving success in the SQE1 exam requires more than academic proficiency; it demands systemic improvements to promote inclusivity and diversity within the legal field. Educators and employers share a collective responsibility to enhance opportunities for individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and minority groups.
By embracing tailored SQE preparation courses in London that prioritize active learning and practical application, aspiring solicitors can enhance their chances of success while contributing to broader efforts aimed at fostering diversity and inclusion within the legal profession. Our course is designed not only to prepare candidates for the exam but also to equip them with the skills and insights necessary to thrive as solicitors in a diverse and dynamic legal landscape.
In the realm of legal education, the landscape is rapidly evolving. New SQE providers are emerging all the time.
The Freedom Law Clinic has been delivering clinical legal education courses since 2015. Our team is made up solely from qualified legal professionals who are regulated by the SRA. Our focus has always been on learning through doing: allowing students to apply their knowledge in the context of real-life scenarios.
This is why the Freedom Law Clinic’s innovative approach to preparing students for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination 1 (SQE1) stands out: by combining SQE learning with practical experience.
Unlike traditional passive learning experiences, the Freedom Law Clinic offers a dynamic and engaging online SQE1 course which focuses on the application of knowledge.
Active Learning: Beyond Passive Lectures
The cornerstone of the Freedom Law Clinic’s SQE1 course is active learning. This approach ensures that knowledge is immediately applied to factual scenarios, with repeated practice to reinforce comprehension. Gone are the days of passive video lectures—here, students actively engage in seminars where they apply knowledge and support each other’s learning journeys.
This is supplemented by a library of Multiple-Choice Questions so you can develop examination technique. Our MCQs are updated on a weekly basis meaning that even if you manage to work through the 1000s of questions on our LMS, new questions will be uploaded within 7 days.
Community-Centric Seminars
Central to the Freedom Law Clinic’s ethos is its vibrant community of learners. Seminars are dynamic spaces where essential SQE curriculum ideas are communicated through active engagement and open communication. Students are encouraged to participate, share insights, and collaborate—a stark departure from solitary learning experiences.
Personalised Learning Journey
Upon enrollment, each student receives a designated learning plan aligned with the SRA’s SQE1 assessment criteria. Monthly one-on-one meetings with tutors allow for personalized feedback and assessment of knowledge gaps. This tailored approach ensures that students progress steadily towards exam readiness, reducing the risk of premature exam attempts.
Subscription Model: Pay for What You Use
Recognizing the financial constraints students often face, the Freedom Law Clinic adopts a subscription model. Students pay only for the content and resources they engage with, ensuring cost-effectiveness and eliminating unnecessary charges for non-essential knowledge.
SQE1 preparation course can cost a lot – especially if you are merely being given access to pre-recorded lectures. Our subscription includes close supervision and bespoke learning plans to make sure you get the kind of supervision you need to pass. We don’t want cost to be a barrier for anyone seeking to enter the profession. That is why we provide fully funded scholarships for students who need them.
Comprehensive Resources
The course boasts original written materials authored by experienced tutors and qualified lawyers. Additionally, a vast library of multiple-choice questions enables students to test their understanding comprehensively. This arsenal of resources empowers students to master the essentials of the SQE1 curriculum efficiently.
Ongoing Support and Supervision
A striking feature of the program is its commitment to close supervision and ongoing support. Tutors closely monitor student progress, providing detailed feedback reports and confirming exam readiness. This proactive approach aims to address the alarming 51% SQE1 failure rate by ensuring that students only attempt the exam when fully prepared.
Practical Experience: Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)
Setting itself apart from competitors, the Freedom Law Clinic integrates Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) into its SQE1 course. Students gain immediate access to practical opportunities within the clinic, enabling them to apply legal knowledge in real-world contexts. From assisting with housing and welfare cases to engaging in complex criminal appeals, students actively contribute to the community while honing their skills.
Advancing Career Opportunities
Beyond academic success, the Freedom Law Clinic’s course opens doors to exciting career opportunities. By engaging in practical legal work early on, students build a solid foundation for future professional endeavors. This proactive approach not only enhances employability but also cultivates a sense of purpose and community engagement among students. We have an excellent record of getting our online SQE1 students into paid employment. Our courses are often cited in professional profiles.
Conclusion
The Freedom Law Clinic’s online SQE1 course redefines legal education by prioritizing active learning, community engagement, and personalized support. Through its innovative approach, the program not only equips students with essential legal knowledge but also instills practical skills and fosters a supportive learning environment. If you seek a transformative SQE1 training experience that prepares you comprehensively for legal practice, look no further than the Freedom Law Clinic.
In a landscape crowded with online SQE courses, the Freedom Law Clinic stands out as a beacon of excellence—an institution committed to empowering the next generation of legal professionals with the skills and confidence to succeed.
