
Global Legal Profession Opportunities with the SQE
When the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) was initially introduced as the new route to qualification in England and Wales by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), it was met with some apprehension from industry professionals. However, with over 1,000 candidates enrolled on the inaugural November 2021 SQE1 exam and over 700 candidates receiving their SQE2 results across 24 countries this August, it seems as though aspiring solicitors have begun to embrace this new route to qualification.
What is the SQE?
What are the opportunities for firms, in-house teams, and legal professionals?
Opportunities for dual qualification
The SQE has also replaced the QLTS for international solicitors hoping to practice law in England and Wales. Many practitioners globally have benefitted from the ability to operate in multiple jurisdictions, with almost 6,000 registered foreign lawyers admitted to the Roll of Solicitors as of July 2022. This enables legal practitioners to offer a higher level of client service enhancing their unique selling point on an individual and firm level. While the legal industry continues to be increasingly competitive, the ability to offer an international service is invaluable and will help future-proof operations. Also, the SRA has introduced exam exemptions for lawyers already practising across international jurisdictions including Australia, the US, Singapore, New Zealand and India. Individuals who meet the SRA’s criteria can apply for an SQE2 exemption provided they have gained at least two years of QWE, helping to fast-track the dual qualification process, and benefiting both firms and the individual.
Upskill existing talent
UK research shows that bringing a senior corporate/commercial lawyer into the business can cost your organisation up to £200k in the first year thanks to base salary, employment costs and recruitment fees. However, upskilling existing talent including paralegals and legal secretaries can be a more cost-effective solution and can demonstrate your commitment to your team. With SQE assessments costing just £4,115 (although this excludes the cost of preparation), this can help organisations to keep costs down while enhancing the diversity of thought by developing professionals from all backgrounds. Plus, individuals who have been at an organisation for two years or more, may have already fulfilled the Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) requirement of the SQE which replaces the traditional training contract element. This means exams will be the final hurdle, offering a more efficient route to qualification for aspiring solicitors while organisations reap the rewards of their upskilling.
Increase team retention
“Not only does the SQE carve out a more cost-effective qualification option in comparison to the pre-existing LPC alternative, but it holds significant opportunities for individuals, firms, and organisations globally. From increased talent retention, dual qualification opportunities, improved diversity across the profession, and more,” explains Lucie Allen, Managing Director for global legal education provider, BARBRI.
Follow the link to learn more information regarding the SQE and BARBRI’s Prep course.
Subscribe to the Legal Practice Intelligence fortnightly eBulletin. Follow the links to access more articles related to the business of law and legal technology.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Novum Learning or Legal Practice Intelligence (LPI). While every attempt has been made to ensure that the information in this article has been obtained from reliable sources, neither Novum Learning or LPI nor the author is responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information, as the content published here is for information purposes only. The article does not constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto and does not constitute professional and/or financial advice.