The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is divided into SQE1 and SQE2. SQE1 is further divided into FLK1 and FLK2 which assess different sets of functional legal knowledge (FLK). Here is an overview of the topics in FLK2:
Property Practice: Property practice involves the legal aspects related to real estate transactions. It includes buying, selling, leasing, mortgaging properties, capital gain tax, and more. Understanding property law, conveyancing processes, drafting and reviewing property-related documents (such as contracts and leases), dealing with title and land registration, and advising clients on property matters are key components of this topic.
Wills and the Administration of Estates: This topic focuses on the law and procedures related to wills, probate, and the administration of estates. It includes drafting wills, understanding the requirements for a valid will, dealing with intestacy (when someone dies without a will), applying for grants of probate or letters of administration, and administering estates according to the deceased's wishes or applicable laws.
Solicitors Accounts: Solicitors accounts cover the financial and accounting aspects of legal practice. It includes understanding the Solicitors Accounts Rules and regulations, handling client funds, managing client accounts, dealing with client money transactions, and maintaining proper accounting records. Compliance with financial regulations and ensuring the integrity of client funds are crucial in this area.
Land Law: Land law encompasses the legal principles and rules governing rights and interests in land. It includes the nature of property ownership, leases, mortgages, easements, covenants, and the transfer and registration of land. Understanding concepts like legal and equitable interests, adverse possession, co-ownership, and landlord-tenant relationships are essential in this topic.
Trusts: Trusts involve legal arrangements where a person (the settlor) transfers assets to a trustee who manages those assets for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries. This topic covers the principles and rules governing trusts, different types of trusts, trustee duties and powers, trust administration, and the rights and entitlements of beneficiaries. Understanding the creation, management, and termination of trusts is important.
Criminal Law: Criminal Law refers to the body of law that deals with offences committed against the public. It defines and prescribes punishment for criminal acts, such as murder, theft, assault, and fraud. It encompasses substantive criminal law principles, which outline what constitutes a criminal offence and its elements, as well as the defences available to accused individuals. It also includes the principles of criminal procedure, such as the rules of evidence, trial process, sentencing guidelines, and the rights of the accused.
Criminal Practice: Criminal Practice focuses on the practical application of criminal law principles in the representation of clients facing criminal charges. It includes knowledge and skills required for representing clients accused of criminal offences. This involves understanding pretrial processes, gathering evidence, advising clients on their legal options, negotiating plea bargains, representing clients in court, examining witnesses, presenting arguments, and dealing with sentencing proceedings.
These topics are foundational areas of legal knowledge for aspiring solicitors, and familiarity with their principles and practical applications is essential for success in SQE1. Keep in mind that the actual exam may have scenarios that include specific requirements and additional subtopics within each area.
