Since September 2021 the route to qualify as a solicitor in England & Wales is the SQE: a degree (any subject) plus SQE1 (functioning legal knowledge) and SQE2 (practical legal skills), two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) (across up to four organisations, before/during/after the SQE, signed off by a solicitor or COLP), and a character & suitability assessment — leading to SRA admission and the roll. The former LPC + training-contract route remains available transitionally until around 2032.
What it costs to qualify
- SQE1 assessment fee (FLK1+FLK2), 2026/27
- £2,006 (£1,003 each for FLK1 and FLK2), VAT exempt[2]
Sources & verification
- Since 2021 solicitors qualify via the SQE (SQE1 + SQE2) plus a degree, two years' Qualifying Work Experience and a character & suitability assessment; the LPC route is transitional until ~2032, source, Last verified 2026-09-11 🔶 ⚠ under review
- SQE1 assessment fee (FLK1+FLK2), 2026/27: £2,006 (£1,003 each for FLK1 and FLK2), VAT exempt, source, Last verified 2026-10-15 🔶
Verified reference information, not professional, medical, legal or careers advice. Regulations change; always check the cited primary source before relying on it.