We spoke with Sophie Azzopardi, solicitor, and Alexander Cater and Alistair Slack, trainees, all with Acuity Law. Acuity follows a bespoke training programme, incorporating our SQE1 and SQE2 Prep courses to give their trainees robust academic and practical training in advance of their examinations. Sophie, Alexander and Alistair share with us their experiences of preparing for the SQE, as well as their top tips for succeeding in your SQE examinations.
We’d love to hear a bit about your experiences, and where you are at in your training
Sophie: “I am a solicitor at Acuity, and I qualified on 1st February 2025. I quite recently did the SQE Prep with the College of Legal Practice. I sat SQE1 in July, and then I sat SQE2 the following August.”
Alexander: “I’m a second year trainee, currently in the Dispute Resolution team. I studied at the London School of Economics and Political Sciences in London, before starting as a paralegal at Acuity law, whereupon I became a trainee.”
Alistair: “I am a second year trainee at the moment. I studied at Cardiff University and did my LLP, followed by a placement year at Hugh James in Cardiff and a short stint at a boutique firm in London before moving to Acuity where I am now. I sat SQE1 last summer, and I have just sat SQE2 last month.”
What was the work and study balance like during your SQE Prep?
Sophie: “It works really well at Acuity. Trainees get a day and half study leave a month so they really respect that it’s a mentally and physically challenging process. We’re really supported as The College of Legal Practice and Acuity work closely together to align study and work.”
Alexander: “I found the training contract a great way to progress through the SQE. That practical experience across different teams marries well with the academic learning you need to get your head around.”
Alexander: “So when I came out of my initial law training at University I felt a bit disillusioned with the academic side of things, so went into employment as a paralegal. For me, that practical experience was what got me passionate about the law again - so the route of training alongside study with Acuity actually suits my learning style really well. The balance isn’t easy, but for me it’s actually what makes the entire process enjoyable and worthwhile.”
Is there anything you would recommend trainees do before they begin SQE Prep?
Alexander: “I went over a lot of my old law degree notes, as well as studying a lot on the SRA website about the mechanics of the exam, just to get my head around what I was heading into. I also tried to keep on top of wider developments in the legal sector generally, reading the news, that sort of thing.”
Alistair: “I really agree with Alexander there, that’s all great prep - because I didn’t do that, and did feel behind to start with.”
Did you have any particular techniques for revision that you can share?
Sophie: “So MCQ questions are a really new type of learning for some, and can be intense, especially with the best possible answer route to answering. I think, get as much practice as possible in the assessment method and as much as the actual learning content.”
Alexander: “Yes, so I developed my own timetable of sorts. With the College you do get deadlines, dates for submission, but I used that to inform my own working practices knowing what I had on at Acuity.”
Alistair: “I’m with Alexander again there. I also think it’s important to remember you will have strengths in some areas of law and weaknesses in others, so you factor that in when you’re planning on where to focus your time. I had experience in property, for example, so I knew I’d likely need to dedicate less revision time there than areas that I didn’t yet have practical experience in.”
How many hours a week did you find yourself putting into studying?
Alexander: “So I’d say I spent about an hour and a half each weekday night in the run up to the exam, then additional hours on the weekend when I had more time. Prepping ahead and planning all my time out was what made it manageable for me. It’s definitely not something you can cram for.”
Alistair: “So I also did about an hour each night and more on the weekends, but I’m that example Alexander mentioned where I put a lot of pressure on myself close to the exam to really cram it in. I booked two weeks off of work before the exam to do that. I do work best under pressure, hence going down that route, but it did feel tense nearer the time. In hindsight I think regardless of whether you’re a pressure focused person, it is still better for your overall wellbeing to get a good timetable in place”.
What was your support like from the College?
Alexander: “So I found I got a great deal of support from the College. My mum was diagnosed with dementia part way through my studies and had real declining health. My one to one supervisor really supported me, checking in, ensuring I could meet deadlines or where I might need any extensions or support. That was huge for me.”
Alistair: “The support was great, and you always knew they were there. I’d say just don’t forget to ask for support when you need it. I had some personal issues that meant I fell behind and they were there to pick me up, asking what my gaps were, and putting a plan in place to get me where I needed to be.”
How did you find the assessments themselves?
Sophie: “The assessments themselves are intense, but with the right prep, you can do it. If you’ve been for a driving theory test you’ll recognise the set up - it’s all computers, headphones, and really clear guidelines as to what you need to do during assessments. It’s long, but it’s, of course, worth it!”
Alexander: “So the assessments are long, and they’re intense. There’s a huge amount of questions to get through and it feels like a very tight time to do it all in. That’s why prep is key.”
Alistair: “I found them tough! Especially the conditions themselves. It’s bearable but it’s really tough. You can’t take water in, or any food, and it’s a long long process with a short break. You definitely need to plan time to rest afterwards.”