There are four parts to the new Solicitors Qualifying Examination, the SQE1 and SQE2 assessments, satisfying the character and suitability requirement and gaining 2 years’ worth of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). In this episode the team are joined by Lucy Blackburn (University of Central Lancaster) and Lisa Slater (A-maze Consulting) to discuss what this means in practice. This episode will look at what qualifying work experience is, as well as a closer look at how and when it can be accumulated.

We always encourage listeners to undertake practical actions after listening to the episode.

• Review your latest CV and see if there is any experience which might count as QWE.

• Speak to law firms to see what their approach to QWE is.

Useful resources

• Read about QWE on the Solicitors Regulation Authority website: https://www.sra.org.uk/become-solicitor/sqe/qualifying-work-experience/

• Explore the Law Society website for QWE updates: https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/career-advice/becoming-a-solicitor/solicitors-qualifying-examination-sqe/qualifying-work-experience-qwe

Comparing the training contract and QWE with Legal Cheek: https://www.legalcheek.com/paths-to-becoming-a-lawyer/the-training-contract-qualifying-work-experience/