F&Co and the SQE
In September 2021, the Solicitors’ Qualifying Exam (SQE) was introduced by the SRA, providing a new route to qualifying as a solicitor. The SQE replaces the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), Legal Practice Course (LPC) and Professional Skills Course (PSC).
For more details about the SQE, please visit the SRA website.
For insights into how Farrer & Co is approaching the SQE, scroll down.
Are future trainees still required to do the PGDL if they haven't studied law before?
The SRA says it's no longer compulsory for non-law university graduates to attend a law conversion preparation course in order to sit the SQE or qualify as a solicitor.
However, Farrer & Co is taking a different approach: our non-law future trainees are required to take the PGDL before they sit their SQE. We think it is important to give them the best opportunity to ensure success on SQE and make sure they come into the firm with a level of legal grounding.
How is Farrer & Co approaching the Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)?
We will continue to require our trainees to carry out a two-year period of qualifying work experience with us. This will include our unique six-seat system. QWE will also continue to be signed off centrally by our appointed Training Principal.
We will provide trainees with informal training, which occurs on the job and is overseen by their supervisor(s), and formal training, organised for trainees either centrally by our dedicated KL&D team or within practice areas.
What support is on offer to future trainees sitting the SQE prior to joining the firm?
There's lots of support available, both financially (including a maintenance grant and the opportunity to apply for a bursary and loan to assist with living costs) and pastorally (including a trainee buddy already at the firm, opportunities to visit our office to share experiences with those who have already been through the process, and our Graduate & Solicitor Apprentice team who are available for check-ins with trainees if issues arise).
Does Farrer & Co use a particular training provider for the PGDL and SQE preparation courses?
Yes, we use the University of Law as our future trainees' training provider. They are also our academic provider for our Solicitor Apprenticeship programme.
Advice from our trainees
"I would really recommend getting into a routine of regularly taking time off studying. I found it worked best for me to stay on top of work throughout the semester but then commit to intensive revision for the month before the exams. I would also not underestimate SQE 2. I somehow convinced myself it would be easier than SQE 1, but found it the harder of the two in the end." - Maddie
"The SQE is a marathon and not a sprint: make sure you look after yourself throughout the whole process. The amount of content seems completely overwhelming at first, but day by day you will build upon your knowledge." - Charlotte
"Try and still make time to do things you enjoy. It is a very intense course and can feel quite overwhelming particularly around exam time. Getting outside to play a sport or just spending time with friends is a great way to take your mind off it. Being physically and mentally healthy will be more important than a few extra hours of revision." - Emily
"Collaborating with a study partner can also enhance your understanding and efficiency. On exam day, avoid discussing the test with others to minimise anxiety, and remind yourself that you've prepared thoroughly. Focus on rest and self-care before and after the exam." - Elisheva
"Stamina is your best friend. In preparing for the classes and exams you should find a routine that works the best for you and stick to it. There is little point doing 16-hour days if nothing goes in. Consistent and productive working times will lead you to be in the best place.
SQE 1 preparation and revision is particularly tough. There is a lot of information to memorise in a lot of detail. Prepare flash cards for the information and keep practising the questions. The more skilled you get in focusing on the key information in the question and picking up on the patterns, the less likely you will be thrown in the exam.
SQE 2 is skills-focused. Master the skills and ensure you have a consistent broad understanding across the board." - Alex
"Firstly, try and not take too much notice of the frenzied panic about the SQE that is rife wherever you look on the internet. I think it’s easy for that to spiral and make the exams feel insurmountable. They’re difficult exams, but if you work hard it is likely that you’ll pass. This is easier said than done and I definitely spent a lot of time thinking it was impossible and lamenting the exam structure. Which is of course pointless…
If you have the time and inclination before starting the SQE course, try and spend some time gathering notes from your law undergrad or GDL, and going over the information. The main learning of any SQE course is new information, and if you have a solid grasp of the black letter law from a GDL/undergrad that will help hugely. You’ll have much more time and brain space to concentrate on the new stuff. Some of the new stuff also takes time to sink in so it’s helpful if you can feel the least pressure possible to be juggling the new with the old.
It doesn’t matter if you can’t do this as there is scope to refresh the black letter throughout the course, which you should absolutely do. Don’t leave it to the last minute and try and cram. There is too much to fit in to the timeframe you have.
On that note, make a timetable! I found this was essential. There is so much to keep on top of that I basically mapped out what units/topics to cover every day each week." - Eloisa
