SQE exams: A trainee guide to success

Jessica Falworth discusses preparation tips for the SQE exams and experience from her first seat with the Banking & Finance team.

My route into law began with an undergraduate degree in Geography with Spanish, before proceeding straight to the GDL (now PGDL). Following the summer vacation scheme, I accepted an offer for a training contract and after a year of travelling, started my journey to qualification through the SQE route at the University of Law.

The SQE offers a new and flexible route to qualification, allowing students to undertake two years of any qualifying work experience. Taylor Wessing's approach is for trainees to undertake the two-year training contract after completing the SQE exams.

Being among one of the first cohorts of students to undertake the SQE exams, understanding the course structure and finding insights from other students' experiences proved difficult. Therefore, this article aims to provide a clear outline of the course structure and offer some top tips for preparation that I learnt along the way!

SQE structure

The course is divided into three parts: SQE1, SQE2, and SQE Plus.

SQE1 is purely knowledge-based. It comprises 360 multiple-choice questions in single best answer question format (SBAQ), examined over two days. The content of these exams includes:

• Academic law: Subjects studied during undergraduate law degrees or conversion courses. These are Contract, Tort, England & Wales Legal System, Constitutional & EU Law, Land, Trusts, and Criminal.
• Professional practice: These modules build on each of the Academic Law modules. These include Business Law, Dispute Resolution, Legal Services, Solicitors Accounts, Property Practice, Wills and Administration of Estates and Criminal Practice.
• These individual modules are split into two broader groups: FLK 1 (Functioning Legal Knowledge) and FLK 2. This is essentially just a way in which the modules are administratively grouped for the exams.

SQE2 tests the practical application of the SQE1 content. The exams are divided into written tasks (drafting, research, letter writing, case and matter analysis) and oral tasks (client interviews and court-based advocacy).

SQE Plus is integrated within the LLM programme and, unlike SQE1&2, is internally assessed. Six pieces of coursework and one presentation are required. Within the course, you choose three optional modules, for example, Mergers & Acquisitions, Advanced Real Estate or Intellectual Property. You also study both a business and innovation module and then finally, write a longer research report of your choosing.

Top preparation tips and insider advice

• Hard copy manuals: Whilst it is a matter of personal preference, I found that having the hard copy manuals in addition to the online versions was useful for making quick notes during class. The manuals are an investment – but I believe they are definitely worthwhile!
• Refresh your knowledge: If you are returning to the SQE after a break in your studies, I would advise reviewing the 'Academic Law' subjects e.g. contract law, before your start date. These modules are not retaught again in class, so it is your responsibility to revise them independently.
• Question banks: ULaw has thousands of mock SBAQs, which may seem overwhelming at the start of the course; however, the more you complete, the faster and more proficient you will become. Avoid leaving them all to the week before the exam! The SQE1 exam days are long and tiring, so try to replicate this when doing practice tests at home.
• Mock questions from other providers: If you do rely on mock SBAQs or practice questions from other course providers, bear in mind that they all have varying levels of difficulty, so do not solely rely on one.
• SQE2 content: The content of the SQE2 exams is the same content used in the SQE1 exams, so do not throw any notes away or think that you can forget everything after January!
• Time management: The SQE is a demanding course and requires considerable time and dedication. Whilst it is important to take time off, ensure that you carefully balance your workload with outside commitments.
• Support each other: My biggest piece of advice is to use your classmates for support.  You are all going through this challenging journey together, so turn to each other and your tutor when needed.

My experience with Taylor Wessing

The first few weeks at the firm have been busy and exciting. After a full week of induction and team introductions, we were immediately engaged in client matters.

Starting as a trainee in a law firm is undoubtedly a significant change and will require adjustment, however, the time management and organisation skills acquired during the SQE have proven invaluable thus far. Seat specific training sessions have also been scheduled for the initial months to build on the SQE content and introduce us to the work conducted in each practice area.

Trainees also benefit from an extensive support network throughout the entire training contract. In each seat you are assigned a supervisor, with whom you work closely on a day-to-day basis and a buddy from the cohort above. Additionally, the Early Talent team play a major role in your training, with regular check-ins throughout the two years.

Final thoughts

For those starting the SQE, I wish you the best of luck! It might be incredibly daunting at this stage, but maintaining a positive mindset and having a strong support network will help you take on this challenge. I have made lifelong friends during the SQE, some of whom are now colleagues within the firm – so do also try to enjoy the year if you can!

Finally, I would encourage anyone with an interest in Taylor Wessing to apply to the vacation scheme. It is an incredible opportunity to understand how a law firm works and get direct exposure to the work that they do, as well as the clients they work with. Firm culture can vary significantly, so attending the vacation scheme is important for you to discover whether you align yourself with the firm's values.