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Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)
What is the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the official and modern route to becoming a solicitor in England & Wales. It replaces the traditional LPC system and introduces a single, standardized pathway for all candidates worldwide.
What is the SQE and who is it for?
The SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination) is the official route to becoming a solicitor in England & Wales. It is open to law graduates, final-year LLB students, and practising lawyers from Pakistan and around the world who want to qualify as UK solicitors
Why choose the SQE?
The SQE is designed for a wide range of candidates, including:
Candidates can qualify with:
This makes the SQE a truly global entry point into the UK, Middle East and UAE legal profession, removing the traditional barrier of studying law in the UK.
The SQE is designed to make UK legal qualification more accessible, flexible, and globally available. For students in Pakistan, it removes one of the biggest barriers to becoming a UK solicitor: the cost of studying and living in the UK.
Study Locally, Qualify Globally
Significantly Lower Cost When Studying from Pakistan
One of the biggest advantages of the SQE is that you do not need to move to the UK to qualify.
By preparing from Pakistan, you avoid major expenses such as:
Instead, you can:
No Mandatory University Fees in the UK
Unlike traditional UK study routes, the SQE does not require you to:
Global Exam Accessibility
The SQE is designed for international candidates:
Flexible Learning and Earning Pathway
Because you are not tied to UK university study:
This makes the SQE a practical and financially sustainable career route.
SQE2 Exemption for Pakistani Lawyers
Pakistani-qualified lawyers may be eligible for an SQE2 exemption, depending on their professional experience and legal training.
SQE2 exemption is granted by the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) where a qualified lawyer can demonstrate that their:
You may be eligible if you are:
SQE2 exemption is granted by the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) where a qualified lawyer can demonstrate that their:
For experienced Pakistani lawyers, this pathway can:
The SQE route follows a clear 3-step structure
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QWE is designed to be flexible so that it can take place in a wide range of organisations providing legal services. It can be gained in up to four organisations, in paid or volunteer work, and could include time spent:</br>
– on placement during a law degree</br>
– working in a law clinic</br>
– at a voluntary or charitable organisation or a law centre</br>
– working as a paralegal</br>
– on a training contract.</br>
QWE can be gained in England or Wales or overseas, and it does not need to cover English and Welsh law. A candidate will need knowledge of this to take the SQE assessment, but they do not need to gain this specifically through their work experience.
Qualifying through the SQE opens doors to:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No. The SQE exams cannot currently be taken in Pakistan. However, candidates can take the SQE exams at authorised international test centres, including locations such as:
No. A UK law degree is not required. You only need a recognised degree to sit the SQE exams.
QWE is 2 years of legal work experience required to qualify as a solicitor. It is flexible and can be completed in:
You can also gain QWE before, during, or after your exams.
Yes, in some cases. Experienced Pakistani-qualified lawyers may apply for an SQE2 exemption with a minimum of 18 months’ post-license experience in Pakistan
The SQE is challenging but structured. SQE1 focuses on legal knowledge through multiple-choice questions, while SQE2 tests practical skills. With the right preparation and training support, candidates from Pakistan regularly succeed.
Yes. While SQE is a UK qualification, it is globally recognised and highly valued in Pakistan’s legal market, especially for international law firms in the Middle East and UAE, corporate roles, and cross-border legal practice.
Yes. Many candidates study part-time while working in law firms, internships, or legal roles. This is also beneficial because it can contribute toward your QWE.
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