The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is a new assessment for individuals who wish to qualify as solicitors in England and Wales. The SQE1 is divided into two parts: Functioning Legal Knowledge 1 (FLK1) and Functioning Legal Knowledge 2 (FLK2).
FLK 1
Business Law and Practice: The Business Law and Practice module in SQE1 aims to assess candidates' understanding of various business structures, commercial contract principles, and regulatory frameworks. Assessment objectives include recognising different business structures, comprehending company law in a business context, and understanding the regulatory compliance and taxation requirements for businesses. Candidates are expected to demonstrate knowledge of business structures, commercial contract formation, terms, and enforcement, as well as regulatory compliance aspects.
Dispute Resolution: This module focuses on assessing candidates' knowledge of dispute resolution mechanisms, such as litigation and arbitration, and their understanding of civil procedure rules. Objectives include familiarity with civil procedure rules, court processes, and alternative dispute resolution methods. Candidates should be well-versed in the procedural aspects of resolving disputes and be able to navigate various dispute resolution avenues.
Contract: The Contract module evaluates candidates' understanding of contract law principles. Assessment objectives include comprehension of contract formation, terms, and remedies. Candidates are expected to demonstrate knowledge of the essential elements of a valid contract, terms and conditions, breach, and available remedies for contractual disputes.
Tort: The Tort module assesses candidates' knowledge of tort law principles and liability. Objectives include understanding negligence, intentional torts, and strict liability. Candidates are required to demonstrate their knowledge of various torts, their elements, and the legal consequences of tortious conduct.
Legal System of England and Wales: This module focuses on assessing candidates' understanding of the legal system's structure and sources of law in England and Wales. Assessment objectives include familiarity with legal institutions, the hierarchy of courts, and legal professionals. Candidates should also have knowledge of sources of law, including statutes and case law, and how they contribute to the legal system.
Constitutional and Administrative Law and EU Law and Legal Services: The Constitutional and Administrative Law and EU Law and Legal Services module aims to evaluate candidates' knowledge of constitutional and administrative law principles, EU law, and legal services regulation. Assessment objectives include understanding constitutional principles, administrative law, the impact of EU law on the legal system, and the regulation of legal services.
FLK 2
Property Practice: The Property Practice module assesses candidates' understanding of property transactions and law. Objectives include familiarity with conveyancing processes, leases, and mortgages. Candidates are expected to demonstrate knowledge of the legal aspects related to property, including the transfer of ownership, lease agreements, and mortgage transactions.
Wills and the Administration of Estates: This module focuses on assessing candidates' knowledge of will drafting, probate, and estate administration. Objectives include understanding the requirements for a valid will, probate procedures, and the legal processes involved in administering estates. Candidates should be well-versed in the legal aspects of managing individuals' wills and estates.
Solicitors Accounts: The Solicitors Accounts module evaluates candidates' understanding of financial management and accounting principles relevant to solicitors. Assessment objectives include knowledge of solicitors' accounts rules and financial management principles. Candidates should demonstrate competence in handling financial matters specific to legal practice.
Land Law: This module assesses candidates' knowledge of land law principles. Objectives include understanding ownership rights, easements, and covenants. Candidates are expected to demonstrate knowledge of the legal aspects related to land, including property rights, restrictions, and obligations.
Trusts: The Trusts module focuses on assessing candidates' understanding of trust law, including the creation and types of trusts. Objectives include knowledge of trust creation, trustee duties, and the various types of trusts. Candidates should be familiar with the legal principles governing trusts and their application in practice.
Criminal Law and Practice: This module evaluates candidates' knowledge of criminal law and procedure. Assessment objectives include understanding criminal offences, legal procedures, and potential defences. Candidates are expected to demonstrate knowledge of the elements of criminal offences, criminal proceedings, and the legal principles governing criminal law.
Cross-Cutting Themes
Ethics and Professional Conduct: Emphasised pervasively across both FLK assessments, this theme ensures that candidates are aware of and can apply ethical considerations in various legal contexts. It is an integral part of the SQE1 assessment, reflecting the importance of ethical behaviour in the legal profession.
Principles of Taxation: Examined specifically in the context of Business Law and Practice, Property Law and Practice, and Wills and the Administration of Estates, this theme integrates tax principles into relevant legal areas. Candidates are expected to apply their knowledge of taxation principles within the specific legal contexts outlined in these modules.
For each subject area, candidates are expected to apply their knowledge to answer questions that may draw on any combination of the subject areas encountered in legal practice.
