The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is a two-part assessment required to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. SQE2 focuses on practical legal skills, including advocacy, client interviewing, legal drafting, and case analysis. However, if you are an experienced lawyer or hold relevant qualifications, you may be eligible for an exemption from SQE2.

Your Future Visa can help you navigate the steps to obtaining a SQE2 Exemption successfully.

Who Can Apply for an SQE2 Exemption?

Certain groups of legal professionals may qualify for exemptions based on their qualifications and experience:

• International Lawyers: Foreign-qualified lawyers admitted to practice in another jurisdiction that were granted “agreed exemptions”.

• UK Barristers: Individuals who have completed Bar training in the UK.

• Experienced Solicitors: Lawyers from jurisdictions such as Northern Ireland, Scotland, or overseas with significant legal practice experience.

• CILEx Practitioners: Chartered Legal Executives with substantial legal experience.

If you fall into one of these categories or have other relevant experience, you might be eligible for an exemption.

Benefits of Obtaining an SQE2 Exemption

• Reduced Examination Load: Save time by bypassing the practical assessments. Taking the SQE2 means delaying your qualification by another 4-6 months, from revising for and sitting the examinations to waiting for the results. You can secure your SQE2 exemption even before undertaking any preparations for the SQE1.

• Cost Savings: Avoid the fees associated with taking the SQE2 exam. The cost of taking SQE2 is currently at £2,902. By obtaining a SQE2 exemption and paying only for the application fee, you save a significant amount not only of time but also money in your path to qualification.

• Recognition of Prior Experience: Validate your existing qualifications and professional expertise.

However, it’s essential to weigh these benefits against potential drawbacks, such as missing opportunities to refine practical skills or concerns from employers about gaps in your UK-specific legal knowledge.

Steps to Apply for an SQE2 Exemption

The process of applying for SQE2 exemption involves several steps that can be both administratively and practically challenging to navigate.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

The first step is to understand if you qualifications or experience fit the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA’s) requirements. The SRA provides detailed information on how to meet the eligibility requirements supported by the relevant documentation.

Step 2: Prepare Relevant Documentation

Perhaps the most important part is putting together a convincing case that you are qualified for exemption. This includes gathering validated proof of your previous qualifications, details of professional experience, examples of previous work (if necessary), recommendations and relevant certifications.

Step 3: Submit your Application and Pay the Fee

Your application will mainly be lodged on the mySRA Account. This is going to be your constant companion in the SQE process, including when you take your SQE1 exam. There is a specific application form on the portal that will allow you to apply for a full exemption from the SQE2.

Step 4: Wait for the Decision

The waiting time takes up to 180 days, but can be shorter depending on the caseworker assigned to you, as well as the complexity of your individual case. The key point here is to make sure that your documents are easy to understand and refer to.

Step 6: Sync your Exemption with the SQE Records

As you know, the SQE2 exemption is just one part of the SQE. You will also need to take SQE1. At this point, you should ensure that your SQE2 exemption has been sync-ed to your SQE account. This way, your admission will go smoothly once you successfully pass the SQE1.

Our Services

We provide bespoke consultancy services to ensure your chances of success in obtaining SQE2 exemption. With our bespoke service, you can save time navigating complex SRA requirements, increase your chances of approval through meticulous application preparation, and have the peace of mind as you spend your time preparing for the SQE1.

Our pricing are as follows:

• Eligibility assessment: FREE

• Basic advisory service (1h30m): £150

• Full service application: £450 - £700

Various factors affect pricing, such as agreed exemptions from certain jurisdictions and the complexity of individual cases. In any case, you will find our services to be the lowest in the market, which range from £750 to £1000.

Reach out to us now at hello@yourfuturevisa.net or book some time to speak with us here.