Legal Career Week 2026 brought together leading voices from across the profession, including Robert Dudley, Head of Employability and Engagement at Barbri, for a focused session on the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

Drawing on over two decades of experience in legal education and training, Dudley shared practical, experience-led insights into the SQE’s structure, its challenges, and the strategies candidates need to succeed, particularly in an increasingly global and competitive legal landscape.

Understanding the SQE Framework

Dudley outlined the SQE as the centralised route to qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales, introduced in 2021. It comprises four components: SQE1 (testing functioning legal knowledge), SQE2 (assessing practical legal skills), Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), and character and suitability checks.

A key feature of the SQE is its accessibility. Unlike the previous route, it is open to both law and non-law graduates and offers flexibility in how and when candidates complete their QWE. Experience can be gained across up to four organisations and in varied legal settings, including law firms, in-house teams, and clinics.

Rising Demand and Accessibility

Dudley noted a clear increase in SQE uptake, driven by its inclusive structure and centralised assessment model. The ability for international lawyers and career changers to access the qualification has broadened participation significantly. Approximately 25% of Barbri’s students are already qualified in other jurisdictions, reflecting the global relevance of the SQE.

The Challenge of the SQE

Despite its accessibility, the SQE is widely regarded as more demanding than its predecessor. Dudley highlighted that the exams are pitched at the level of a “day one solicitor”, rather than a trainee, raising the standard of both knowledge and application.

The format itself presents a challenge. SQE1 relies heavily on multiple-choice questions, requiring candidates to identify the “most correct” answer, an unfamiliar and nuanced skill for many UK students. SQE2 adds further complexity with 16 assessments, including oral and practical evaluations.

Pass rates reflect this difficulty. Dudley referenced a recent SQE1 sitting with a 41% pass rate, underscoring the importance of preparation and exam technique.

Preparation and Study Strategies

A central theme of the session was the importance of structured preparation. Dudley emphasised that a law degree alone is insufficient; candidates must develop specific exam skills, particularly for multiple-choice assessments.

Barbri’s approach combines technology-driven learning plans with human support. Personalised study plans adapt to candidates’ schedules, allowing them to pause and resume learning around professional commitments. This is critical, given that up to 95% of students are working alongside their studies. Learning coaches, qualified solicitors, provide guidance, accountability, and practical support.

The correlation between structured engagement and success rates was clear: students who actively use these tools are significantly more likely to pass.

Balancing Work and Study

The discussion acknowledged the reality that many candidates must balance full-time work with SQE preparation. This creates pressure on time management and consistency. Dudley stressed the importance of maintaining a steady workflow and using tools that enable flexibility without losing momentum.

Employer Expectations and Market Dynamics

The shift to the SQE has also impacted employers. Law firms are adjusting to a system that produces fewer immediate passes, leading to challenges in workforce planning. Some firms have historically rescinded offers following exam failure, although Dudley noted that this trend is stabilising as the market matures.

From an employer’s perspective, the higher standard is ultimately beneficial, producing more practice-ready solicitors. However, it requires recalibration of expectations and recruitment strategies.

Resilience and Alternative Pathways

A key message was that failing the SQE is not career-ending. Dudley encouraged candidates to consider alternative routes, including in-house roles, legal technology, and project management positions. These pathways provide valuable experience and can strengthen future applications.

Gaining practical exposure, through paralegal work, internships, or shadowing, was highlighted as essential, both for building competence and restoring confidence.

International Opportunities

The SQE is particularly attractive for internationally qualified lawyers. Many can claim exemptions (especially from SQE2) and use prior experience towards QWE. Dudley noted that such candidates often perform well, particularly in practical assessments, due to their existing legal experience.

Cost Considerations

The financial commitment is significant. Dudley outlined approximate costs of £5,000 for exams and a similar amount for preparation, bringing the total to around £10,000. This reinforces the need for informed decision-making and thorough research when selecting training providers.

Key Takeaways

The session reinforced several critical insights:

• The SQE offers flexibility and accessibility but demands a higher standard of competence.
• Preparation is essential, particularly for unfamiliar exam formats.
• Balancing work and study requires structured planning and discipline.
• Employers and candidates alike are still adapting to the new system.
• Alternative career pathways provide resilience and long-term opportunity.
• International candidates benefit from both accessibility and exemptions.

Overall, Dudley positioned the SQE as a rigorous but fair system that better reflects the realities of legal practice, provided candidates approach it with the right preparation and mindset.