What Counts as QWE

Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) is a critical component of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route to qualification, providing candidates with the practical experience needed to develop as solicitors. For work experience to count as QWE, it must involve providing legal services, as defined by the Legal Services Act 2007 (section 12). This definition is important because it helps determine whether a particular role truly involves delivering legal services and therefore qualifies as QWE. The role should expose candidates to some or all of the competencies outlined in the Statement of Solicitor Competence, making it likely that such work would meet the QWE requirements.

However, not all legal-related roles qualify as QWE. For example, if someone is employed in a law firm or in-house legal team but their role does not involve delivering legal services as defined by the Legal Services Act, this experience would not count as QWE. Additionally, simulated legal work, such as practice scenarios or mock exercises, does not qualify—it must be real-life experience.

When and Where QWE Can Be Gained
One of the key benefits of QWE is its flexibility in terms of timing. Candidates can gain this experience before, during, or after sitting the SQE assessments, and past experience in relevant roles can also be counted. The flexibility extends to the types of organisations where QWE can be gained. QWE can be completed in up to four different organisations and includes roles in paid or volunteer positions. Examples of qualifying experiences include placements during a law degree, working in a law clinic, volunteering at a legal centre, serving as a paralegal, or even completing a traditional training contract.

The geographical scope is broad as well because QWE can be gained in England and Wales or overseas. Importantly, while the SQE assessments test knowledge of English and Welsh law, the work experience itself does not necessarily need to focus on these jurisdictions. This allows candidates who gain experience abroad to still qualify, provided their experience meets the other QWE criteria.

Determining Whether a Role Qualifies as QWE
Deciding whether a specific role qualifies as QWE depends on several factors. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) does not provide individual advice on whether a particular experience qualifies as QWE, but candidates can assess their situation by considering the following questions:

• Does or did the role involve providing legal services as defined by the Legal Services Act 2007?
• Does or did the role involve real-life provision of legal services, rather than simulated scenarios?
• Has the role exposed you to at least two of the competencies in the Statement of Solicitor Competence?
• Has the experience been gained within a maximum of four organisations?
• Has the role been (or will it be) completed over a period equivalent to two years of full-time work?
• Has or will the experience be confirmed by a solicitor or a Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP)?

These criteria help candidates determine whether their work experience meets the requirements for QWE. The SRA does not prescribe what constitutes full-time work; this is left to the discretion of employers and QWE providers, who are expected to apply a common-sense approach in determining what qualifies as full-time or equivalent.

QWE is designed to be a flexible and accessible way for aspiring solicitors to gain the necessary practical experience to qualify. By involving real-life legal work, providing exposure to solicitor competencies, and offering broad opportunities across different legal environments, QWE allows candidates to tailor their experience to their career goals while meeting the requirements for qualification. Understanding what counts as QWE is crucial for candidates planning their route to becoming a solicitor through the SQE.