In this article, Jane Waddell, Head of Curriculum at the College, explains why Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) is one of the most misunderstood parts of the SQE route and shares the questions students should be asking before they start.
Students often spend months researching preparation courses, assessment dates and revision strategies, only to discover that they are still unsure how QWE actually works. What counts as QWE? Can a paralegal role count? Does the experience need to be completed after the SQE? Who signs it off? What happens if you change employers?
The SQE route introduced a level of flexibility that simply did not exist under the traditional training contract model. While that flexibility has opened doors for many aspiring solicitors, it has also created new questions.
QWE was designed to create more flexibility
One of the biggest differences between the old qualification route and the SQE route is when you gain your experience.
Historically, students completed their academic study before moving on to a training contract. The SQE changed this. QWE can be completed before, during or after your SQE studies. For many students, this is one of the most significant benefits of the new route.
This means there is no single "correct" pathway to qualification. Some students complete SQE1 and SQE2 before gaining experience. Others study whilst working in the legal field. Some build experience first and undertake the assessments later.
This flexibility allows students to create a route that works for their circumstances rather than trying to fit into a single model.
Your job title matters less than you think
One question I am frequently asked is whether a particular role counts as QWE.
Students often want a simple yes or no answer. Does a Paralegal or Legal Assistant role count? Does an in-house role count? Does a legal assistant position count?
The reality is that the title itself is often less important than the work you are actually doing.
The focus of QWE is exposure to the solicitor competencies set out by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Rather than asking whether a role sounds legal enough, it is often more useful to ask whether the work is helping you develop the skills and competencies expected of a solicitor.
That is why two people with the same job title can have very different experiences.
Don't leave the sign-off conversation until the end
If there is one piece of advice I would give every aspiring solicitor, it is this: discuss QWE early.
Far too many students assume that because they are doing legal work, it will automatically be confirmed when the time comes. Unfortunately, it is not always that straightforward.
Before beginning a role, or as early as possible once you start, it is worth understanding and documenting:
- Whether the organisation is familiar with QWE requirements
- Who would be responsible for confirming your QWE experience
- What records you should keep
- How your experience will be evidenced
These conversations are much easier at the beginning than they are two years later.
Keep records from day one
Another common mistake is assuming that you will remember everything you have done when the time comes to complete your QWE records.
That is why I always recommend keeping a record of the work you are doing as you go. It does not need to be complicated. The important thing is that you can clearly demonstrate the nature of your experience and the competencies you have been exposed to.
Good record-keeping makes conversations about QWE significantly easier later in the process. The SRA in fact have a training template that will help you reflect on your work and experience, identify how this experience has helped you develop some or all of the competences required to be a solicitor and pass SQE2 and recognise if there are any gaps that you need to address.
You do not need to have a traditional training contract
Many students still assume that qualification requires securing a training contract with a law firm. While training contracts remain a valuable route into the profession, they are no longer the only option.
The introduction of QWE was intended to broaden access to qualification and recognise that aspiring solicitors gain valuable experience in a range of settings. This has created opportunities for many students who may previously have struggled to access a traditional training contract.
For some, it has made qualification feel significantly more achievable.
Focus on understanding the process, not just ticking a box
Students often view QWE as something they simply need to complete before they can qualify. I think that misses the point.
At its best, QWE provides an opportunity to build confidence, legal skills, develop professional judgement and gain exposure to the realities of legal practice.
That is why I encourage students not just to ask, "Will this count as QWE?" but also, "What am I going to learn from this experience?"
The students who get the most value from QWE are usually the ones who see it as more than a requirement. They see it as an important part of their development as future solicitors. You will be asked about it in your NQ interview!
If you're considering the SQE route and want to understand how QWE fits into your qualification journey, take time to explore the options available to you. Understanding how QWE works early can help you make more informed decisions about both your studies and your career.
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