Newly qualified solicitor:
what happens after passing the SQE
Passing SQE2 is the last exam, but you're not a solicitor yet. Here's exactly what to do in the weeks between results day and admission to the roll.
Step 1: Confirm your QWE is complete
Before you can apply for admission, you need 2 years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). The SRA does not require specific practice areas. Any legal work supervised by a solicitor counts, including paralegal and in-house roles.
Important
QWE must be confirmed by a solicitor (your supervisor or employer). If you've changed jobs, you'll need a confirmation from each relevant employer. Chase these before you start your MySRA application, as they're the most common cause of delays.
QWE can run alongside your SQE preparation, so many candidates have already completed their 2 years by the time SQE2 results land. If you're still accruing QWE, you can apply for admission as soon as it's done. There's no waiting period after your results.
Admission to the Roll: MySRA Application Step-by-Step
The admission application is done entirely online through MySRA (the SRA's online portal). You'll need:
- ✓Proof of your SQE1 and SQE2 results (the SRA holds these, so you don't upload them)
- ✓QWE confirmation from each supervising solicitor
- ✓Character and suitability declaration (criminal convictions, financial issues, etc.)
- ✓Identity documents
- ✓The admission fee: £300 (as of 2026)
The SRA targets 10 working days for complete applications. Allow 3–4 weeks if you have multiple QWE employers or anything to declare. If your application is straightforward, many candidates are admitted within 2 weeks.
Step 3: Admission ceremony (optional)
Once the SRA approves your application, you're technically admitted to the roll. No ceremony is required. However, the Law Society holds periodic admission ceremonies at the Royal Courts of Justice in London where you can take an oath and mark the occasion formally.
Ceremonies are popular but not mandatory. You can start using the title 'Solicitor' as soon as you receive your admission letter from the SRA.
NQ Solicitor Salaries 2026: What to Expect
Salary on qualification varies enormously by firm type, practice area and location. These are current NQ base salaries (London, 2026):
| Firm type | NQ salary (London) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Magic Circle | £125,000–£150,000 | Clifford Chance, Linklaters, Allen & Overy etc. |
| US firms (London) | £150,000–£180,000+ | Kirkland, Latham, Weil etc. |
| Silver Circle | £90,000–£110,000 | Hogan Lovells, Herbert Smith, Ashurst etc. |
| Top 25 City firms | £65,000–£85,000 | Varies widely |
| Mid-size / boutique | £50,000–£65,000 | London focus |
| Regional (England/Wales) | £38,000–£55,000 | High Street to large regional |
| In-house / legal ops | £45,000–£70,000 | Sector-dependent |
| Public sector / CPS | £32,000–£45,000 | Includes HMRC, Government Legal |
Salaries sourced from firm announcements and Legal Cheek NQ salary survey, April 2026. Figures are base salary only.
Paralegal to Newly Qualified: What Actually Changes
Most people qualifying via the SQE route have worked as paralegals or trainees during their QWE period. The jump to 'solicitor' involves more than a title change:
Professional obligations
You're now personally subject to SRA Principles and Codes of Conduct. You can face individual disciplinary action, not just your firm.
Supervision requirements
You'll be supervising others (including paralegals doing the same work you used to do). This is a significant shift in responsibility.
Client relationship
You'll often have direct client ownership: billing targets, relationship management, update calls, especially at smaller firms.
Salary negotiation
If you're being retained from a paralegal role, negotiate actively. Firms expect this and there's usually a budget. Don't rely on a standard uplift offer.
NQ job search: timing and strategy
Most NQ roles are advertised 3–6 months before qualification date. If your results land in October (SQE2 July sitting), start searching in July. City firms often hire 6–9 months out.
Where to look
- • Roll on Friday: NQ job listings and salary reports
- • Legal Week / The Lawyer: senior/lateral moves, but NQ roles appear
- • Direct firm career pages: many NQ roles never reach agencies
- • Legal recruiters (Leighton Taylor, Taylor Root, G2 Legal): worth registering 6 months before qualification
- • LinkedIn: update your profile immediately on admission; recruiters search by admission date
If you're qualifying without a training contract, lead with your QWE practice area experience, not just your exams. Firms care about what you've done, not just that you passed.
Post-SQE Admission Checklist
Results received
SQE2 results typically arrive 8–10 weeks after the sitting
QWE confirmations chased and saved
Get written confirmation from each supervising solicitor
MySRA account set up and application started
Allow 1–2 hours for the full application
Character & suitability declaration complete
Be upfront: omissions are treated more seriously than declarations
£300 admission fee paid
Card payment via MySRA portal
Admission letter received from SRA
Store this. You'll need it for conflict checks, indemnity insurance queries etc.
SRA ID number recorded
This is your public identifier on the Solicitors Register. Firms and clients will use it.
LinkedIn and firm profile updated
Update title to Solicitor with your admission date
Indemnity insurance confirmed
Covered by your firm if employed; essential if going self-employed or setting up
CPD plan in place
SRA requires you to maintain competence. There are no set hours, but you must reflect and act on gaps.
Still preparing?
Frequently asked questions
How long does admission to the roll take after passing SQE2?
Typically 4–8 weeks from submitting your MySRA application, assuming no character and suitability issues. Apply as soon as results are confirmed. Don't wait.
What is the salary for a newly qualified solicitor in the UK?
It varies significantly by firm type. Magic Circle and Silver Circle firms pay £100k–£125k+. Mid-size London firms typically pay £65k–£85k. Regional firms range from £35k–£55k. Public sector and in-house roles typically start at £40k–£60k.
Do I need a practising certificate to work as a solicitor?
Yes. You must hold a valid practising certificate issued by the SRA before you can practise as a solicitor. It renews annually via MySRA and your employer typically handles this for you.
Can I still work as a paralegal after passing SQE2 while waiting for admission?
Yes: passing SQE2 does not automatically make you a solicitor. You remain a paralegal (or whatever your current role is) until the SRA formally admits you to the roll and issues your practising certificate.
What is continuing competence for newly qualified solicitors?
The SRA replaced mandatory CPD hours with a continuing competence framework. You must reflect on your learning needs, address them, and self-certify annually. There is no minimum hours requirement but you must keep a record.