A new way to qualify
If you are an overseas-qualified lawyer looking to dual-qualify as a solicitor in England & Wales, there is now a new route to qualification. In 2021 the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) replaced the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS) as the main route to qualification.
For qualified lawyers outside England & Wales, the UK remains a major center of activity and the prospect of qualifying as a solicitor is an attractive one. Whether you want to practice locally or abroad, this is an opportunity to widen your legal career beyond your jurisdiction and bolster your resume.
As a qualified lawyer in your own jurisdiction all you need to do to qualify is to pass the two stages of the SQE, satisfy the character and suitability requirements as set out by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), and demonstrate your English or Welsh competence.
Overseas qualified lawyers are exempt from having to demonstrate the Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) element of the SQE, bringing you one step closer to being qualified in England & Wales.
What is the SQE?
The Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) is comprised of a series of exams that include mixed subject questions (eg. contract with civil litigation) in a multiple-choice format. The course is divided into two parts: SQE1 focuses on legal knowledge, and SQE2 focuses on practical skills. If you want to qualify as a solicitor in England & Wales this is the route you need to take.
About BARBRI
BARBRI has successfully coached thousands of overseas qualified lawyers through the QLTS exams, and our results speak for themselves. On the last QLTS exam our students achieved an 83% pass rate, and an overall pass rate of 76% on all the courses we have delivered since 2018.
Our SQE courses can guide you through to becoming a solicitor in England and Wales, as well as offering dual-qualification opportunities in the U.S.
How do I prepare for the SQE?
We've created a range of flexible SQE Prep course's that let you study whenever and wherever you want. We provide our students with a structured and supportive learning environment which is both time and cost-effective.
For overseas students and qualified lawyers we recommend our Flexible SQE1 Prep course and our 20 week SQE2 Prep course.
Ready to enrol?
If you are qualified in certain jurisdictions, you may be eligible for an exemption from part of the SQE. For more information on exemptions and how to apply, please check the SRA website.
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is a single, national licensing examination that all aspiring solicitors will take before qualifying into England and Wales. If you hold a degree in any discipline from any recognised jurisdiction you will be eligible for the SQE.
We offer three course durations for SQE1.
The first option is our Flexible 40-week course and is most suitable for students without an English or Welsh law degree, those working full-time or overseas qualified lawyers.
The second option is the Accelerated 20-week course which can be done full-time or part-time, depending on availability or level of familiarity of the assessed subjects.
The third option is an Intensive 10-week course and is only suitable for law graduates with the ability and opportunity to study intensively and full-time.
You may find that you are exempt from parts of the SQE.
If you are qualified lawyer overseas looking to dual-qualify in England & Wales via the SQE, you may find that your home jurisdiction is in the list of exemptions for either the SQE1 or SQE2.
For details on exemptions, whether you qualify, as well as how to apply for these, please check the SRA website here.
All course lengths cover the same materials but at different speeds/hours per week.
The Flexible 40-week part-time course is 10-12 hours per week of study, and we recommend 1 hour of study a day with 1 full day of study on the weekends.
The Focused 20-week part-time course is 20 hours per week of study, and we recommend 3 hours of study per day over the 7-day week period.
Finally, the Accelerated 10-week full-time course will require 40 hours per week of study and is recommended for recent law graduates who can dedicate the time and study intensively.
SQE1 Prep costs £2,999. SQE2 Prep costs £3,499. For SQE1 alumni, SQE2 Prep costs - £2,999.
there are several scholarship options available, including a Public Sector SQE Scholarship (£600 off SQE1 Prep course fees), Essay Competition SQE Scholarship (partial or full funding off SQE1 Prep course fees) and a Humanitarian SQE Scholarship (50% off SQE1 Prep course fees). You can find out all the latest information and how to apply here.
If you are a BARBRI alumni, you are also entitled to a £200 discount (confirmed through enrolment. We also offer payment plans and finance options.
Not sure of your next step?
Our BARBRI SQE Prep team is here to help support you by providing all the information you need about your qualification journey.