This is the fourth post in our mini-series, where we explore what to expect from the SQE assessments. This will be divided into two posts, starting with SQE 1 assessments. If you have missed our previous posts, you can find them here.
SQE 1 assesses the Foundations of Legal Knowledge (FLK) to the standard of a day one qualified solicitor (https://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/guidance/admission-solicitor/)
On Day 1 of the SQE1 assessment, you will tackle FLK 1 subjects (listed below), sitting an exam with 90 single best answer multiple-choice questions in one session. After a one-hour break, you will return to complete the second part of FLK 1 with another 90 questions. In total, you will face 180 multiple-choice questions in a single day.
Day 2 follows a similar structure for FLK 2 subjects (detailed below), with two sessions of 90 questions each, separated by a one-hour break, totalling another 180 questions in one day.
The FLK 1 subjects include Business Law and Practice; Dispute Resolution; Contract; Tort; The Legal System of England and Wales; Constitutional and Administrative Law; EU Law and Legal Services.
FLK 2 encompasses Property Practice; Wills and the Administration of Estates; Solicitors Accounts; Land Law; Trusts; Criminal Law and Practice. Questions may combine elements from any of these subjects as they would in practice.
Ethics and Professional Conduct are integrally tested throughout both assessments.
Taxation principles are specifically examined within the context of Business Law and Practice, Property Law and Practice, and Wills and the Administration of Estates.
While multiple-choice questions may seem straightforward, consider the complexity of the scenarios and the 14 areas of law they encompass, along with the time constraints of 2 hours 33 minutes for each set of 90 questions.
This assessment goes beyond mere knowledge, it’s about how you manage your time and handle pressure. It’s unlikely that you’ll know the answer to every question correctly – no one has so far – and you will find that there are questions that you can’t answer. The key is how you mentally manage this situation.
In practice, not everything will always go as planned. You must develop skills to navigate difficult situations; perseverance is a hallmark of a competent solicitor.
In the next instalment of our mini-series, we will examine the SQE 2 assessments and outline what to anticipate. In subsequent posts, we will delve into more specific details about the exam day itself.