Thanks to the widening participation efforts of the SRA through the introduction of SQE routes to qualification, applicants at various career points are now undertaking legal training. With varied life experiences and a breadth of knowledge to draw from, the legal profession is set to see solicitors with diverse experiences, such as that of Anthony Fairclough.
Associate Solicitor at Capsticks, Anthony completed his first step of legal education in 2001 with a BA in Jurisprudence, and after many years of non-qualified roles, is set to soon qualify. Anthony passed SQE1 in July 2024 and SQE2 in August 2025.
Returning to legal study after time away from education can feel daunting - especially with the unique structure and assessment style of the SQE. Whether you’ve been working in a different area of law, another profession entirely, or have taken time out for personal reasons, getting back into “study mode” takes planning, effort and persistence. Drawing on his own journey, Anthony shares the strategies that helped him prepare effectively for SQE1 after more than two decades away from formal legal study.
Keeping up with sub-units
My first tip would be that you really must make time for your studies. Turn up to the seminars, get through the questions, take the notes (take the additional notes, even!) and try to keep on top of things. When you slip behind it can get really full on, especially when you’re working on the more intense shorter term courses. Exam season can come upon you very quickly if you don’t keep an eye on things. It’s not rocket science - know your stuff, do the stuff, get through things!
Make use of your manuals
My second piece of advice would be making use of all the materials you receive. I made heavy use of my physical and electronic manuals - I really appreciated that from the College. I used to rely heavily on memory when I first did my legal education, and my memory isn’t quite what it once was, so this time around I made lots of notes! That was effectively my study task every week.
Use your network - talk to people
I’m quite a motivated person but I really appreciated discussing my learning with colleagues in the firm who were also doing the same course. The single best answer assessment format is all about judgement, and it’s quite a mental shift, getting into that concept. Often, two or three answers were completely plausible, and it could be the smallest wording or phrase that makes one answer the right one. Talking with others on the course, and my colleagues at Capsticks who were also doing SQE Prep, really helped, especially when you’re trying to spot the minutiae that get you the correct answer.
Mock tests
The formative tests are really useful. I used the assessment banks every week, and every fortnight in the 20 week course you worked on increasingly long real life versions of the assessment. It builds and builds throughout the course, always covering what you have learned so far, so you get more experience of the question types and topics. It also helps you develop the stamina required for those 180 question papers.
Thank you, Anthony, for your insight into getting back into law at a later stage in your career!