A new path to dual-qualification
Did you know that it’s possible to receive an exemption from the SQE if you’re qualified in a different jurisdiction? If you’re an overseas-qualified lawyer and you thought the process to qualify as a solicitor in England & Wales was too complicated, you’re in luck as the new route to qualification is more accessible than ever before.
You can find out if you have an exemption for all or part of the SQE by taking a quiz over on the SRA website.
What is the SQE?
In 2021 the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) replaced the old path of the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS) as the main route to qualification. BARBRI has based its SQE Prep courses on the success of the QLTS Prep by BARBRI which mirrors the new assessment style.
The SQE is comprised of a series of exams that include mixed subject questions and multiple-choice assessments. This new method for testing your readiness to become a solicitor in England & Wales requires a completely new method of preparation and that’s what BARBRI offers. BARBRI has been the overwhelming choice of law students in the U.S. for decades, and now we're bringing that expertise to you.
What is an SQE exemption?
Exemptions from all or part of the SQE examinations are available to qualified lawyers in other jurisdictions. These exemptions are either pre-agreed with the Solicitors Regulation Authority based on your country of qualification or can be granted on an individual basis on application. To get an exemption, your legal qualification and/or experience must be the same as the assessment content and standard, which is based on English and Welsh law.
The benefits of dual-qualification
For qualified lawyers outside England & Wales, London remains a major centre of activity and the prospect of practising in the UK is an attractive one. This is an opportunity to widen your legal career beyond your jurisdiction, whether you want to practice locally or abroad. To find out more about studying with BARBRI check out our video.
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.
Ready to enrol?
Not sure of your next step?
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.