SQE Glossary
Your complete guide to SQE terminology, legal acronyms, and qualification terms. No jargon, just clear explanations.
Admission
The formal process of becoming registered as a solicitor with the SRA after passing SQE1, SQE2, and completing QWE.
ABS (Alternative Business Structure)
A law firm owned or managed by non-lawyers. These firms can employ solicitors and often offer QWE opportunities.
Character and Suitability
Background checks and requirements ensuring fitness to practise as a solicitor. The SRA assesses honesty, integrity, and compliance with professional standards.
CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
Ongoing learning and development required of qualified solicitors to maintain competence throughout their career.
FLK (Functioning Legal Knowledge)
The legal knowledge areas tested in SQE1, including Business Law, Dispute Resolution, Contract, Tort, Legal System, Constitutional Law, EU Law, Property, Wills & Trusts, Criminal Law, and Solicitors Accounts.
FQE (Fees and Qualifying Employment)
Compensation and employment status during qualifying work experience. Not all QWE needs to be paid.
GDL (Graduate Diploma in Law)
Also known as CPE (Common Professional Examination). A one-year conversion course for non-law graduates wanting to qualify as solicitors or barristers. Still valid for SQE route.
LLB (Bachelor of Laws)
An undergraduate law degree. Graduates can proceed directly to the SQE without additional conversion courses.
LPC (Legal Practice Course)
The previous vocational qualification for solicitors, now being phased out and replaced by the SQE. Some candidates may still complete LPC under transitional arrangements.
LLM (Master of Laws)
A postgraduate law degree. Not required for SQE qualification but can demonstrate specialist knowledge.
MCQ (Multiple Choice Question)
The question format used in SQE1. Each question has five possible answers (A-E), with only one correct answer.
Magic Circle
Five elite London law firms: Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance, Freshfields, Linklaters, and Slaughter and May. Highly competitive for training contracts and paralegal roles.
Paralegal
A legal professional who performs legal work but is not qualified as a solicitor or barrister. Many use paralegal roles to gain QWE while studying for the SQE.
Practice Areas
Specialist areas of law such as Corporate, Litigation, Property, Family, Criminal, Employment, Immigration, etc. SQE2 tests skills across multiple practice contexts.
QLD (Qualifying Law Degree)
A law degree recognised by the SRA that covers the foundations of legal knowledge. Graduates can proceed directly to the SQE.
QLTS (Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme)
The route for overseas lawyers to qualify as solicitors in England and Wales. Being replaced by the SQE for new applicants.
QWE (Qualifying Work Experience)
Two years (or equivalent) of work experience providing opportunities to develop some or all of the competences needed to be a solicitor. Can be completed in up to four placements, paid or unpaid, before, during, or after passing SQE assessments.
REL (Registered European Lawyer)
A lawyer qualified in another European jurisdiction who is registered to practise in England and Wales.
RFL (Registered Foreign Lawyer)
A lawyer qualified outside Europe who is registered to practise in England and Wales under their home jurisdiction's title.
ROI (Return on Investment)
The financial benefit gained from SQE qualification relative to the cost. Typically measured by salary increase vs total investment.
SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination)
The centralised assessment to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales, introduced in 2021. Consists of SQE1 (knowledge), SQE2 (skills), and QWE (work experience).
SQE1
The first stage of the SQE, consisting of two computer-based exams (FLK1 and FLK2), each with 90 multiple-choice questions testing Functioning Legal Knowledge across 11 practice areas.
SQE2
The second stage of the SQE, testing practical legal skills through simulated tasks: client interviewing, advocacy, case and matter analysis, legal research, legal writing, and legal drafting.
SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority)
The independent regulatory body responsible for setting standards, admitting solicitors, and regulating the profession in England and Wales.
Statement of Solicitor Competence
The SRA document defining the competencies (skills, knowledge, and behaviours) required of solicitors. The threshold standard for qualification.
Training Contract
A formal two-year training agreement with a law firm, historically required for qualification. Under SQE, training contracts are no longer mandatory-QWE can be gained through other routes.
Trainee Solicitor
Someone employed under a training contract. Under the SQE regime, many gain QWE through paralegal roles or other legal work instead.
Vacation Scheme
Short work placements (typically 1-3 weeks) offered by law firms, usually during university holidays. Can contribute toward QWE and often lead to training contract offers.
Still confused about SQE terminology?
Our comprehensive guides break down the entire SQE process in plain English.