Latest news with #SQE
Telegraph
6 days ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
Snowflake solicitors are destroying a once proud profession
Britain's legal profession – once a byword for rigour, intellect and integrity – now finds itself the latest battleground in the war against excellence. A cohort of aspiring solicitors has taken to petitioning for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) to be made easier. Their complaint? The exams are 'too hard, disproportionately challenging ', and, of course, 'biased towards certain backgrounds and learning styles '. In other words: 'We didn't do well, and it must be someone else's fault.' There could hardly be a more telling parable of our times. The snowflake sensibility – once confined to undergraduate common rooms and the wilder fringes of social media – has now infected even the corridors of legal ambition. The future custodians of our justice system are not asking for a level playing field; they are asking for the pitch to be tilted until everyone scores. The argument, if we can call it that, is that maintaining high standards will inevitably restrict 'diversity' in the profession. And here we are again, at the familiar intersection where merit collides with identity politics – and where the latter is expected to triumph, no matter the cost. This isn't about widening opportunity. It is about lowering the bar. Having sat more than a dozen legal exams across three jurisdictions – from the halls of Cambridge to the benches of the Sorbonne, and ultimately the famously exacting New York bar – I speak from a place of experience. These were not fun. I lost a stone in weight during one set of particularly punishing exams. They were not 'inclusive'. They were not designed to reflect my personal learning style. They were difficult. That was the point. And when I passed them, I felt a precious sense of achievement and readiness for the real world of legal practice. And therein lies a truth we are fast forgetting: standards are not meant to flatter us, they are meant to test us. The whole premise of a professional exam is that it provides an independent measure of competence. It is meant to be hard. It is meant to discriminate: not on the basis of race or class, but on the basis of skill, preparation and effort. That is not injustice. That is fairness. If I'm paying a lawyer, a doctor, or a pilot for their services, I do not want someone who merely feels entitled to the role. I want someone who has earned their place. Their colour, class or creed do not matter to me. What matters, and should matters, is their calibre. And if that view now makes me unfashionable, then so be it. But the consequences of this race to the bottom go far beyond a few disgruntled exam-takers. Undermining legal standards risks hollowing out one of the UK's most formidable exports: our legal profession itself. English law is the governing framework of choice for international commerce precisely because it has been shaped by a world-class profession. A profession forged through rigour, not rhetoric. Flooding it with underprepared entrants – however well-meaning or well-intentioned – will not promote equity. It will diminish excellence. And it is the very people supposedly being helped who will suffer most, entering a crowded profession where oversupply drives down wages and erodes prestige. Here, then, is the central paradox: in the name of inclusion, we exclude the very mechanisms that uplift. Hard work. Discipline. Ambition. Standards. The old virtues are being recast as vices: elitism, snobbery, oppression. And all to appease a cultural mood that seems to confuse equal opportunity with equal outcomes. But Britain cannot afford this decline. Not in a century where the likes of China, India, and the United States are training their brightest and best to surpass us. While they chase excellence, we chase excuses. This is not compassion. It is cowardice, disguised in the language of empathy. It is not progress, it is entropy. And unless we reclaim the idea that standards matter – that excellence should be earned, and that challenge is a feature, not a flaw, of a functioning society – then we will become a country incapable of producing not just good lawyers, but good professionals of any kind.
Telegraph
7 days ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
Difficult exams are ‘discriminatory', say junior lawyers
Demanding solicitors' exams are 'discriminatory' and risk leading to a 'lack of diversity' across the industry, lawyers have warned. A petition signed by hundreds of trainee lawyers has called for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) to be made easier over concerns the tests are 'disproportionately challenging' and favour 'certain backgrounds and learning styles'. In an appeal to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), the lawyers said that low pass rates among ethnic minority candidates 'will undoubtedly lead to a lack of diversity within the profession'. Critics of the SQE have pointed to figures from the SRA showing that white candidates have significantly higher pass rates than those from ethnic minority backgrounds since the exam was introduced in 2021. In the most recent round of testing in January, 70pc of white candidates passed the SQE compared to 49pc of Asian candidates and 37pc of black candidates, the SRA's figures show. The petition, which has now been signed by more than 650 lawyers, also claims that the pressure surrounding the exam is causing 'extreme stress and anxiety' for candidates. Low pass rates on the SQE have led to criticism that the tests are overly difficult compared to the Legal Practice Course (LPC) exams that they replaced four years ago. The most recent figures from January show that 56pc of candidates passed the SQE tests, up from 44pc in July. The SRA's figures show that women have lower pass rates than men, while candidates from working-class backgrounds also perform worse than their peers. In a note explaining the petition, a trainee solicitor under the name Hannah Cox said: 'Despite being academically very strong, with a law degree from a top university and a training contract with an international firm, I have found the SQE disproportionately challenging. 'It has not only affected my academic life but has also taken a severe toll on my mental, financial, and physical well-being. This is a sentiment echoed by the vast majority of other candidates who have undertaken this exam.' The SQE is now the main way to qualify as a lawyer. It sees candidates take a series of multiple-choice tests on subjects including criminal law and contracts. Trainees also take oral exams to test their advocacy skills. Trainee lawyers have faced severe consequences for failing their SQE, including having their training contracts rescinded and being forced to repay qualification costs to their respective law firms. The SRA itself has admitted to 'teething problems' with the SQE, including in relation to the lower pass rates among black and Asian candidates. It has said it is investigating the reasons behind the discrepancy, which it said was also seen on the LPC exams.
Time Business News
13-06-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Your Roadmap to Passing SQE2: An In-Depth Look at the QLTS School Course
1. Introduction to SQE2 and Its Importance 2. The Role of QLTS School in SQE2 Preparation 3. Structuring Your Study Plan 4. Key Components of the QLTS School Course 5. Leveraging Practice Exams for Success 6. Interactive Learning and Personalized Feedback 7. Mastering the Legal Skills Required for SQE2 8. Strategies for Managing Exam Day Stress 9. Real-Life Case Studies and Success Stories 10. Final Steps Before Taking SQE2 — The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) represents a significant shift in how prospective solicitors in England and Wales achieve qualification. Introduced as part of a broader reform to streamline entry into the profession, SQE comprises two stages: SQE1 focuses on functional legal knowledge, while SQE2 assesses practical legal skills. SQE2 is crucial because it tests candidates on core competencies required for daily legal practice, including client interviewing, advocacy, case analysis, and legal research. This assessment ensures that candidates not only possess theoretical knowledge but can also apply it effectively in real-world scenarios. The QLTS School provides specialized courses designed to equip candidates with the tools necessary to excel in SQE examinations. Known for its comprehensive curriculum and expert faculty, QLTS School offers a strategic approach to mastering the practical legal skills evaluated in SQE2. Their course is tailored to address the specific requirements of the exam, providing students with resources that are both extensive and targeted. This includes detailed study materials and access to an interactive learning platform that enhances understanding and retention of key concepts. A well-structured study plan is paramount for success in SQE2. Candidates should allocate sufficient time to cover all areas tested, while also allowing flexibility for intensive revision sessions closer to the exam date. – Weekly Goals: Break down the syllabus into manageable chunks by setting weekly learning objectives. – Focused Sessions: Dedicate specific days to practice different skills such as drafting, interviewing, and advocacy. – Regular Reviews: Incorporate regular review sessions to consolidate memory and understanding. Creating a personalized study calendar helps keep track of progress and ensures that no aspect of the exam content is overlooked. The QLTS School course is meticulously designed with several components aimed at comprehensive preparation for the SQE2: – Detailed Study Guides: These guides provide structured content covering every aspect of the skills required for SQE2. – Practice Exercises: Engage with exercises that simulate real exam conditions, including written assessments and oral advocacy tasks. – Video Tutorials: Watch expert-led tutorials that break down complex legal procedures into understandable segments. Each component is crafted to reinforce learning through varied methods, accommodating different learning styles and preferences. Practice examinations are integral to mastering SQE2 as they offer insight into the format and timing of the actual test. Utilizing these exams allows candidates to: – Identify Weaknesses: Recognize areas where further study is required. – Build Confidence: Familiarize themselves with exam conditions to reduce anxiety on test day. – Improve Timing: Practice managing time efficiently across different sections. Consistent engagement with practice exams will lead to improved performance by simulating real-life scenarios candidates will face during SQE2. One of the standout features of the QLTS School course is its emphasis on interactive learning experiences paired with personalized feedback: – Interactive Modules: Participate in dynamic learning activities that foster deeper comprehension of practical tasks. – Feedback Sessions: Receive detailed critiques from experienced instructors who provide constructive guidance on improving performance. This tailored feedback loop allows candidates to refine their skills continuously, ensuring they reach their full potential by exam day. Success in SQE2 hinges on mastering a diverse set of legal skills: – Client Interviewing: Develop active listening skills and learn techniques to extract pertinent information during client interactions. – Advocacy: Hone persuasive speaking abilities necessary for effective courtroom advocacy. – Legal Drafting: Cultivate precision in drafting documents such as contracts and letters. By focusing on these core areas, candidates will be well-prepared to tackle any challenge presented during the examination. Managing stress on exam day is crucial for optimal performance: – Mindfulness Techniques: Practice mindfulness or meditation exercises to maintain calmness under pressure. – Physical Exercise: Regular physical activity can reduce stress levels and increase mental clarity. – Proper Nutrition: A balanced diet leading up to exam day can enhance concentration and energy levels. Implementing these strategies will help candidates maintain composure during SQE2, allowing them to focus fully on demonstrating their competencies. Examining real-life case studies provides valuable insights into successful strategies employed by past candidates: One notable example involves a candidate who struggled initially with time management but improved dramatically after integrating timed practice exams into their routine. They also benefited from personalized feedback sessions that highlighted critical areas needing improvement. These stories illustrate how tailoring study approaches based on personal strengths and weaknesses can lead to successful outcomes in SQE2. As exam day approaches, there are several final steps candidates should undertake: – Review Key Concepts: Conduct a final review of major topics, focusing particularly on weaker areas identified during practice exams. – Mock Exams: Run through full-length mock exams under timed conditions one last time. – Relaxation Techniques: Engage in activities that promote relaxation and clear-mindedness before test day arrives. By following this structured roadmap through diligent preparation with QLTS School's guidance, aspiring solicitors can confidently approach SQE2 knowing they have thoroughly equipped themselves with both knowledge and practical skills essential for success in their legal careers. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Times
Law firms threaten to claw back fees for exam failures
Fees for the solicitors qualifying examination are set to rise slightly next year, meaning the two-part gateway into legal practice will set students back nearly £5,000. Seeking help from firms by getting a training contract could, however, be a risky business. The four-year-old exam, which triggered palpitations among old guard lawyers when regulators first mooted the change after about nine years of consultation, has just had a clean bill of health from an independent reviewer. Bigger problems with solicitor training have emerged not from the exam, but from law firms and their alleged approach to students who fail it. More on that in a moment. First, it should be noted that the latest review described last year's delivery of the SQE as 'good', with clear
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SolicitorQualification.co.uk Launches to Offer Practice SQE Questions to Support Aspiring Solicitors
Revolutionising Legal Education with Stockport, Manchester, May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- a pioneering online platform dedicated to supporting aspiring solicitors in England and Wales, has officially launched, providing comprehensive practice questions to help candidates effectively prepare for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). Founded by Mark Draper, the platform is set to transform how future solicitors approach their exam new Solicitor Qualification website offer practice SQE questionsThe legal profession in England and Wales has undergone a transformative shift with the introduction of the SQE, a centralised exam replacing traditional qualification routes such as the Legal Practice Course (LPC), Common Professional Examination (CPE), Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), and the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS). Overseen by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), the SQE aims to standardise the assessment of solicitor candidates, ensuring consistent professional competence and fairness across the profession. 'The transition to the SQE has left many law graduates, paralegals, and aspiring solicitors uncertain about how best to prepare for this crucial exam,' says Mark Draper, founder of 'We heard from numerous legal students and trainees struggling to find high-quality, realistic SQE practice questions that truly reflect the exam's format and difficulty. Our platform fills that gap by providing expertly crafted, original multiple-choice questions in collaboration with practising solicitors and legal educators.' The SQE consists of two parts: SQE1, which tests functioning legal knowledge through multiple-choice questions, and SQE2, which assesses practical legal skills such as client interviewing, advocacy, and legal writing. Unlike previous qualification routes, the SQE does not require completion of a traditional training contract or Legal Practice Course before sitting the exam, offering greater flexibility but also new challenges for candidates. Many candidates face difficulties including navigating the vast amount of study materials without effective ways to test knowledge retention, finding practice questions that accurately mirror the SQE1 exam's style and rigour, affording expensive preparation courses amid concerns about self-study sufficiency, and managing the anxiety and financial implications of exam failure. directly tackles these issues by offering a comprehensive bank of SQE1 practice questions, approved by qualified solicitors with direct experience in SQE question setting. Topic-specific question packs allow candidates to target and strengthen their weaker areas, while clear, accessible information on the SQE syllabus, exam format, and preparation strategies is provided. Interested students can purchase a low cost sample SQE question pack to try the service out. The launch of aligns with the Law Society of England and Wales and the Solicitors Regulation Authority's shared goal of ensuring the solicitor profession maintains high standards while becoming more accessible and inclusive. By empowering candidates with reliable, expert-validated learning tools, the platform aims to reduce barriers to success and supports the development of competent, confident lawyers ready to serve society—whether in private practice, in-house roles, or pro bono practice question example in Press inquiries Solicitor Qualification Mark Draper contact@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
