Balancing SQE Studies and Full-Time Work: Top Tips

The SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Exams) is the new route to qualification for aspiring solicitors replacing the Legal Practice Course. Testing candidates across 12 topic areas as well as a variety of skills including but not limited to Legal Drafting, Legal Writing and Advocacy. 

With this new diverse route to qualification it has allowed individuals to study around other commitments instead of having to undertake a masters degree for example. The controversial SQE is now in its 4th year and it is one of the hardest exams you will ever sit. So how are people studying whilst working full time for these intense exams?

Top Tips for Studying SQE and Working Full Time

1. Fail to plan, plan to fail! It is imperative you create a plan that works for you and stick to it. This plan should be achievable, the SQE is a marathon and not a sprint, so doing anymore than 2-3 hours a day whilst working a full time job is not sustainable.
2. Ask for help! Discuss with colleagues who have already completed the SQE, discover whether your firm can offer you study days or ask for help with your workload. Each firm will offer you something different but you will not know until you ask. 
3. Take regular breaks! Do not feel guilty by taking a day off, you will thank yourself in the long run. Working on a computer all day and then revising after can be a huge strain physically and mentally, therefore breaks are crucial to your health. 

Depending on whether you are self-studying or undertaking a course with a provider the above 3 tips are key to success whilst studying for the exams. 

At SE-Solicitors, we are excited to present our podcast series, Pathways into Law. This series offers valuable insights as we hear directly from our teams pursuing diverse pathways into law, including LPC, SQE, CILEX, CLC, and trainee solicitor routes. Tune in and explore the journey into the world of law here. 

diverse pathways to qualifying

https://www.sra.org.uk/sra/research-publications/sqe-year-one/