Registering After You Pass and Admission
Congratulations on conquering the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). Passing SQE1 and SQE2 is a huge milestone, but you're not quite a solicitor yet. The final steps,registering with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and securing admission - require careful attention to detail to ensure a smooth transition into your legal career.
These steps involve confirming your Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), passing the SRA's character and suitability check, and applying for admission. At LAWANGELS, we're here to guide you through this process with expert tips, checklists, and exclusive resources to streamline your journey.
This guide breaks down the registration and admission process, shares practical insights, and highlights how LAW ANGELS can support you. Let's dive into what you need to do after passing the SQE to become a fully qualified solicitor in England and Wales.
Before you can apply for admission, you must complete and verify two years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). This is a critical step, as it proves you've developed the practical skills needed to practice as a solicitor.
What You Need: Two years of experience in roles providing legal services, such as paralegal work, law clinic volunteering, or in-house legal tasks. These can be spread across up to four organizations, and part-time work counts proportionally (e.g., four years at 17.5 hours/week equals two years full-time).
Verification Process: A solicitor or compliance officer (with SRA approval) must confirm your QWE. They'll sign off on your experience, verifying it aligns with SRA competences like client communication or case handling. You don't need SRA pre-approval, but you must submit details via the SRA's online portal.
Timing: You can complete QWE before, during, or after SQE exams, but it must be finalized before admission. Most candidates confirm QWE after passing SQE2 to streamline the process.
Pro Tip: QWE is flexible, but accuracy is key. For example, a candidate might combine 18 months as a paralegal in a family law firm with 6 months volunteering at a pro bono clinic, covering diverse skills like drafting and advocacy.
Registration & Admission
Complete and verify two years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).
What You Need: Two years of experience in roles providing legal services across up to four organizations.
Verification: A solicitor or compliance officer must confirm your QWE via the SRA's online portal.
Timing: Most candidates confirm QWE after passing SQE2 to streamline the process.
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