Does my qualifying work experience need to be the same standard of work as a qualified solicitor?
No, your QWE does not need to be at the same standard of work as a qualified solicitor. The purpose of QWE is to give you the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge, and behaviours expected of a solicitor. Therefore, at the start of your QWE, you are likely to be demonstrating skills at a lower standard than at the end. The SQE assessments, particularly SQE2, ensure that all candidates have demonstrated the necessary skills at the right standard. As long as your work experience allows you to develop some or all of the competencies in the Statement of Solicitor Competence, it can count as QWE.
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