©Copyright Legal Women Limited 2025
Legal Women c/o Benham Publishing Limited, Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park Liverpool, Merseyside L9 5AQ
Charity talks to Neeta Halai, Solicitor, Trainer/Coach, Author, about the SQE Review -from a Trainer/Coach’s viewpoint.
In December 2024, The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) commissioned the IFF, a social and market research agency, to conduct an independent review on the premise of evaluating whether the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is achieving its objectives.
As a Trainer/Coach what is your general view of the SQE as a route to qualification?
The intention behind changing the way to qualify as a solicitor through the SQE is good. It is designed to end bias or perceptions based on what route is taken. For example, many may think the traditional route (via university and training contract) is better than apprenticeships etc.
The SQE offers everyone the same consistent approach in assessments, which is fairer and more transparent.
The level of flexibility available with the SQE and Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) means that often people do not fully understand what to do, what is involved and how to go about it. Many do not properly understand what the SQE is and what it entails or its standard and format.
How does the SQE fare in contrast with completing the LPC, GDL or traditional LLB law degree?
The SQE replaces all the existing routes to qualifying as a solicitor by providing one centralised and standard route. It is a high-stakes professional exam where the standard is higher than the existing routes available, so naturally it is expected to be more difficult/challenging.
This one centralised route removes inconsistencies in exams which occurred with many universities and training providers.
3.There seem to be concerns about the pass rate (in particular for the SQE1 assessments).
For example, in October 2024, the pass rate hit an all time low of 44%.
What do you think are the contributing factors? And
There are so many variables that could be linked to the lower pass rates. Is the format the best way to test legal knowledge? Are candidates attempting it before they are properly ready? Are many self-studying or using a law school? So many factors could play a part.
As a brief reminder, the SQE1 is two multiple choice tests of 180 questions each, a total of 360 questions – over two full days. They cover the fundamental legal rules and principles expected of a newly qualified solicitor.
It covers the substantive and procedural law testing realistic client-based ethical problems and situations.
The multiple choice format has been controversial and there are pros and cons to all formats.
Additionally, there is a persistent attainment gap issue (differential outcomes by ethnicity-specifically impacting black candidates.
To date the causes have yet to be identified and no solutions established.
What do you think could be causing this “persistent issue”? and
We cannot compare the LPC and SQE (the SQE is a higher standard than the LPC) – but the SRA data shows the disparities existed for the LPC too. This does not make it right and it will be interesting to see what the SRA action plan is to address this issue.
What solutions would you as a Coach/Trainer suggest to remedy this?
I personally believe that the SQE exam needs to be approached holistically. Learning the law is just one part of it (a given) but you need to know how to deliver that legal knowledge effectively. That means making sure you are mentally and physically in the best state when preparing for them.
What do you perceive to be the positive aspects of the SQE? and
I have coached may aspiring solicitors who would never have had the opportunity to qualify if it was not for the SQE. This was simply because they did not secure a training contract.
The fact that the QWE allows people to qualify as a solicitor through flexible means is great. Having said that, the influx of newly qualified solicitors means that brings its own problems further down the line in securing newly qualified roles.
The negative aspects of the SQE?
There is much to be said about the format of the exam for both parts. Do they reflect ‘real life’ practice? Is what you are expected to do for some assessments realistic in the timeframe expected? I hear lots of opinions.
One of the many negative aspects about SQE1 is that the multiple choice tests are harder for some people than traditional essay style questions where thought and nuanced responses are more reflective of thinking like a lawyer. For SQE2, timing is the biggest issue for some assessments where it is just not realistic in the timeframe given to do the task required.
The QWE is also quite controversial in that law firms need to adapt their processes and get more familiar with less traditional routes. This brings into question the quality of QWE too because of the flexibility. The fact that confirmation of work experience is by any qualified solicitor, and it does not assess competence (the SQE2 does that) means there are concerns around how quality is measured.
As a Coach/Trainer, what advice and guidance would you give to those wishing to qualify through the SQE route?
My advice is preparation is key. This is what will help you shape your approach in your SQE journey. You also need to understand what your learning preferences are so you can leverage from them beneficially and work smart.
As a performance coach (this is different to being a law tutor), I work to help you use your legal knowledge in a way that delivers it with confidence and credibility, maximising the marks. This is done using the psychology of human behaviour, language patterns and emotional intelligence. The goal is not to just pass the SQE but to create well-rounded Cognitive Intelligent (IQ) and Emotionally Intelligent (EQ )smart lawyer.
There is so much flexibility out there and so many different training providers and law schools you need to do your own research. It can be overwhelming who to choose and a key factor is also the cost if you are self-funding. In my SQE book called “Skilfully Passing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)” I have shared a list of questions to ask any training provider/university before you decide who to do your SQE prep course with so you can be confident in your choice.
You are author of the SQE book “Skilfully Passing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)”.
Can you please tell us about the premise of the book? And
Skilfully Passing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) helps aspiring solicitors to study for and pass this qualification. From start to finish it provides practical tips and tools; from learning how to choose a course provider, through to how to be admitted to the Roll of Solicitors as a qualified solicitor.
Complementing your academic study materials, it provides insightful and practical, rather than merely theoretical, understanding. It offers solutions around questions and challenges when studying and practising for the assessments.
The SQE book teaches you how to explain the law and legal principles in a clear and simplified manner, as well as how to hone your communication skills in order to deliver a confident performance.
How does the book equip SQE candidates to “skilfully pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)”?
As the SQE is heavily based on the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS), this is an essential title for all aspiring solicitors, qualified lawyers in foreign jurisdictions and students. It will help you understand what to expect from the exams, how to prepare for them and how the skills will benefit you in practice.
It covers real life practical challenges such as:
• What do you do when writing your attendance note and you realise you forgot to discuss an important point with your client in the interview?
• Should you make small talk or not with your client?
• How do you deal with a situation when you cannot answer your client’s question?
• What happens if you go over time?
• How do you continue with confidence and maintain your focus when you have made a mistake or do not know the law?
• How do you answer a judge professionally if you do not know the answer to a question?
What aspects of the SQE do you think could be improved to enable the SRA to achieve its goal of advancing social mobility in the legal profession? And
The fact the SQE was introduced to make it easier and more flexible for everyone to have an equal chance of qualifying as a solicitor, there is room for improvement.
There are many variables that can improve social mobility – for example, having a better support system, data transparency and affordability.
What feasible steps does the SRA need to take to ensure they achieve this?
For the SQE exam, the SRA announced that they are offering the SQE Access and Reinvestment Fund to support aspiring solicitors facing significant personal barriers to qualification. Established organisations can apply and I think this is a step in the right direction.
For Qualifying Work Experience, it would be a good idea to standardise and regulate it to ensure that the quality is not compromised.
Neeta Halai
Solicitor, Trainer/Coach, Author
Founder-New Heights Training Ltd
https://www.linkedin.com/in/neetahalai/
Interviewed by Charity Mafuba
Commissioning Editor,
Solicitor (England and Wales), New York Attorney