1. Prepare, prepare, prepare. Before registering to take the exams, it’s worth reading up on what you will be assessed on. There’s plenty of information available, including official notes on the SRA website. For those without a law degree or who feel rusty, the Preparation Course is also a great option.
2. Don’t rush. The goal is to get there, not to get there quickly. First off, don’t underestimate the power of paralegal work – it is a fantastic opportunity to expand your knowledge and get a solid grounding. Secondly, taking more time to complete the prep course, do more work experience, and revise before each SQE assessment will only boost your chances of success. If this means deferring for a year or more, do it! It is not that long on the scale of your career, and it will be worth it to unlock your dream job.
3. Have a detailed plan. Training at a law firm and studying on the side is no mean feat. You will be busy, and a chunk of the challenge will be in how you organise your time. It’s been recommended that candidates study approx. 15-20 hours per week*, but this will depend on your individual learning style. Either way, map out a study plan and communicate it to your employer so they can support you with flexible working. Committing to a detailed plan makes you 33% more likely to succeed*!
4. Build your support system. Learning independently, minus the central community and support of a university, can be tough. Go to your leaders and colleagues who have already been through the SQE, find a mentor, or lean on an experienced recruitment consultant who really cares about your success. There are also a couple of LinkedIn groups dedicated to SQE chat that are worth joining too.
5. Stay confident. There’s a lot to learn when qualifying as a solicitor, which can be disheartening, but remember your existing knowledge counts too. Especially because the SQE values transferrable skills like problem-solving and communication. Remember what you’re good at and be your own cheerleader.
6. Manage your wellbeing. The SQE is not a race but a marathon, so it’s important to look after yourself along the way. Set yourself a manageable pace and have pre-planned days in the week when you don’t study (these will end up being just as important as the days you do!)
7. Do what’s right for you. As leaders in People-first recruitment, we know first-hand that success is about finding the right path for you. It’s good to get advice from others and share experiences, but ultimately your SQE journey has to be your own. It has to work for your individual set of skills and needs, so take the time to think about your priorities and protect them fiercely.