1. Solicitors Qualifying Examination Reference Group – 3 November 2017
Julie Brannan
Director of Education and Training

2. Agenda 10.30 - 10.45 Welcome and purpose of group
SQE update – questions and discussion
Toolkit – table discussion
Any other issues and next steps

3. Purpose of group
To share information to support the introduction of the SQE
Not the only forum to discuss the SQE – SQE LinkedIn group, December conference for universities and training providers, one to one meetings
Not the forum to debate whether the SQE should be introduced
Not confidential – materials and note of discussion points will be shared with the SQE LinkedIn group, member interests will be disclosed
Focus may shift once we have appointed the assessment organisation

4. Why SQE? High professional standards
Greater flexibility in training routes
Next steps:
How to implement, practical issues
Call for more detail

5. Key milestones

6. SQE four elements for admission
Liz suggested that I add this one in

7. How it is being assessed
What we do know
The assessment process
What is being assessed
How it is being assessed
Competence Statement
Knowledge Statement
Threshold
Standard
Draft Assessment
Specification
SQE
Stage 1
SQE
Stage 2

8. SQE stage 1 Functioning Legal Knowledge Assessments
Principles of Professional Conduct, Public and Administrative law and the legal systems of England and Wales
Dispute Resolution in Contract and/or Tort
Property Law and Practice
Business Law and Practice
Wills and the Administration of Estates and Trusts
Criminal Law and Practice
Practical Legal Skills Assessment
Legal Research
Writing Skills

9. SQE stage 2 Practical Legal Skills Assessments Client interviewing
Advocacy/Persuasive Oral Communication
Case and Matter Analysis – including Negotiation Planning
Legal Research and Written Advice
Legal Drafting
Assessed in the following contexts:
Criminal Practice; Dispute Resolution; Property; Wills and the Administration of Estates; Business Practice

10. Qualifying work experience (QWE)
Learn the practical work of a solicitor
Exposure to ethics
Development of professional competences
SQE 2 assesses competences developed during QWE
Sign off by COLP or solicitor

11. For example Three year law degree route Results Job start
date confirmed
by firm
Results given before end of QWE
SQE 1
SQE 2
Leave uni
with trainee
job offer
Start two years work
experience
Firm makes qualified job offer
Results
I haven’t put any dates on this as after talking it through with Liz we felt it complicated it too much.

12. What we don’t know Cost of assessment and training Sample questions
Final detailed form of assessment
Start date – 2020 is target
What training courses will be available

13. Practical arrangements
Two exam sittings per year
SQE available in England and Wales
And (for written tests) internationally
Future – more sittings in more places 2

14. Results Marks will be published to students
Consistent standard over time
Objective data available to firms to support recruitment
Re-sits
Three attempts over six years
If your trainee fails – must repeat to pass

15. Transition Currently consulting
Last academic year on old system is 2019/2020
Start QLD/CPE before 2020: choose to continue
under old system to 2031, or qualify under SQE

16. Tool kit It won’t It will
Provide clear, accessible and relevant information
Align with the remaining development of the SQE
Help you think about what you need to do to prepare for the SQE
It won’t
Provide bespoke advice to individuals currently qualifying on the most appropriate pathway for them. We will provide pointers for people to consider
Advise firms on how to respond to changes but we will highlight points that they may want to consider

17. Toolkit Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 Pre SQE development
Getting ready for the SQE
Phase 2
1st year of SQE development/testing
Transitional arrangements
Assessment approach
Position of Qualified Lawyers
Phase 3
2nd year of SQE development and testing
Material on testing/assessment questions
Qualifying Work Experience
Process for qualification as a Qualified Lawyer
Becoming a recognised jurisdiction
Phase 4
Implementation
Guidance on meeting regulations

18. Toolkit Event Name Here 12/02/2007 Top Level Level 1 Level 2 Generic
Persona content
Current SQE content
Short overview of SQE
How people can use these resources
Information release infographic- what are we releasing and when
Share your ideas / thoughts – #sqeready
I want to be a solicitor
I employ solicitors
I am a qualified lawyer
I am an apprentice
I deliver training
I provide training
Videos that explain why SQE is being introduced
Implementation milestone info graphic
Periscope sessions
Feedback / join our LinkedIn group
Competence Statement, threshold statement, statement of legal knowledge
Project Name: HMRC v1.8

19. What information do you want to see in the tool kit?
Table discussion
What information do you want to see in the tool kit?
How can we do this?

20. Any other issues and next steps Keep in touch sqe@sra.org.uk