Navigating the SQE Exemption Application Process

Setting up Your Base

Start by creating a mySRA account. This will be your portal for submitting all necessary forms and receiving updates about your application.

Know Your Exemption Category

Determine if you're applying based on:

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Experience during your qualification (Section 7a)

2 years professional legal work experience was gained as part of your qualification: upload the form to your 'MySRA' portal + presumably proof of qualification + fee £265

Post-qualification experience (Section 7b)

If you've acquired 2 years of professional legal work experience after your qualification, here's your roadmap:

• Reference Requirement: Obtain a signed reference letter detailing your post-qualification work, preferably from your supervisor or someone familiar with your legal expertise.
• Certificates of Good Standing: You and your reference (if they're a lawyer) need to secure Certificates of Good Standing from your respective local legal regulatory bodies.
• Proof of Qualification: Have your qualification documents ready for presentation.
• Fee: A fee of £265 is applicable for the SQE exemption process.
• Submission: Log into your 'MySRA' portal and upload:
  • The duly filled exemption form.
  • The aforementioned fee.
  • The reference letter.
  • Your Certificate of Good Standing.
  • If your referee is a legally qualified professional, their Certificate of Good Standing too.

In essence, be prepared with the form, required fee, reference letter, and pertinent certificates for a seamless application process.

A combination of both (Section 7c)

Your 2 years professional legal work experience is a combination of both post qualification and as part of your qualification: you have to do what is required for both 7a & 7b above.‍

Diverse experiences without the standard 2-year benchmark or across various practice areas (Section 8)

Section 8: If you lack the requisite 2 years of professional legal experience or cannot affirmatively respond to every practice area specified in section 2.2 of the form, you must complete the table provided in section 8. Alongside, submit a comprehensive compilation of corroborative documents as evidence. An application fee of £265 is also mandatory.

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Documentation Collection

For a successful SQE exemption application, the SRA requires specific documents:

• Completed application form.
• Fee of £265
• Proof of qualification
• If applying based on experience (especially post-qualification), a signed reference letter from your supervisor, coupled with a Certificate of Good Standing for both you and your supervisor (from respective legal regulatory bodies)

Application Submission

Once all documents are in place, access the 'Apply for qualified lawyer exemption from the SQE assessments' option under 'Start new applications' on your mySRA dashboard. Ensure you have all documentation ready for upload.

Await the SRA's Verdict

After submitting, the SRA aims to revert within 180 days. While it may seem like a lengthy timeframe, remember that they are meticulously reviewing all provided evidence to ensure it aligns with the solicitor exemptions standards.

Success Stories

Many foreign-qualified lawyers have successfully navigated the exemption process. Receiving a message from the SRA confirming a successful application is a testament to one's qualifications and expertise aligning with the rigorous standards set for solicitors in England & Wales.