Exploring routes to legal qualification: SQE and CILEX explained

Routes to qualification in the legal sector have evolved in the last few years offering variety and flexibility. This has empowered aspiring legal professionals to tailor their journey to fit their individual needs and preferences when it comes to how they want to learn.

But how do you choose the right path for you? Let's explore the differences between the SRA's Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and the pathway under the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) to help you decide on your route.

SQE – what's it all about?

The SQE is a generalist qualification that exposes individuals to a lot of areas of law, meaning that any decision on specialisation happens after qualification. There are two elements – SQE 1 and SQE 2. Once you have passed SQE 1 and SQE 2 and completed your two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) you become a Solicitor.

• SQE 1 covers lots of content and assesses an individual's functional legal knowledge. It's no secret that this first part is content heavy as it covers 13 areas of law. The assessment involves 360 multiple choice questions, asked over two assessment papers – it is certainly an endurance event!
• SQE 2 focuses on the practical application of the knowledge gained in SQE 1. Candidates are assessed on skills such as interviewing, legal drafting and advocacy to name a few. The exams assess a candidate's competency against a central benchmark.
• QWE enables you to embed the learning from SQE into real life practice. It can be completed before, during or after the SQE assessments and can be broken up into chunks of experience in different firms. The SQE is also embedded within the solicitor apprenticeship, providing an avenue to qualify as a Solicitor without the need for a university degree.

There has been a lot of noise since the SQE's introduction around cost, the assessment experience and pass rates. However, with every assessment window we learn more about the assessments themselves and how to support candidates. It's a route into law that has the flexibility to study whilst you work and gives you a solid grounding in 13 areas of law. This route is often preferable for those that aren't sure what area of law they want to focus on in their career.  

For more insight and some tips on how to navigate the SQE take a listen to our episode of The Trainee Lowdown that focuses on all things SQE.

CILEX – what's it all about?

CILEX is an alternative professional body for legal professionals offering a progressive, flexible route to qualification – you'll hear this pathway referred to as CILEX or CPQ (CILEX Professional Qualification). It's a vocational route for those that have already decided upon their legal specialism and it enables you to develop and progress your career whilst working.

With open entry, CILEX learners do not need prior academic qualifications to start their journey. Individuals need to complete three years of work-based experience, which they undertake whilst they study. Once completed you qualify as a CILEX Lawyer which is the same level as a Solicitor who has undertaken the SQE route. As a CILEX Lawyer you will have practice rights in your chosen area of law compared to a Solicitor who undertakes SQE and has practice rights in all areas of law before specialising through experience.

The CPQ framework consists of three stages: Foundation, Advanced, and Professional. Each stage is made up of modules that learners can complete at their own pace, allowing progression to qualification to fit around both work and personal lives. The training covers legal technology, business skills, and emotional intelligence as well as the area of legal specialism.

This can be a preferable route to qualification for those that might find their life circumstances or learning style is not suited to the intensity of the SQE.

At Foot Anstey, we have a number of individuals who have built impactful and successful careers following qualification with CILEX. To find out more about Yanthe Richardson's story, click here.

The power of choice

There is no path that is better or easier than another. Ultimately, the qualification route you choose needs to be the one that appeals most to your career aspirations and learning style. Whether you opt for the SQE or CILEX route, with hard work and the right mindset, you will build strong foundations for a successful career.

To find out more about Early Careers opportunities at Foot Anstey click here.