The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) could be tweaked to clarify the differences between Welsh and English Law, the Solicitors Regulation Authority has said.

The SQE, which will eventually replace the Legal Practice Couse, came into force in September 2021. Candidates must pass two sets of assessments – SQE1 and SQE2 – and complete two years of qualifying work experience. Under SQE1, a computer-based single best answer multiple choice test, candidates have to complete two ‘functioning legal knowledge’ papers, known as FLK1 and FLK2.

In its latest SQE update, the regulator said all solicitors have the right to practise in England and Wales so it is important that SQE candidates understand that Wales has devolved powers, that Welsh law may differ from English law, the main areas in which the law differs and the sources of Welsh law.

‘Where the law differs in an area covered by the SQE, candidates need to understand how and when to apply both English and Welsh law,’ the SRA said.

‘We are looking at the extent to which we need to amend the SQE assessment specifications and the functioning legal knowledge to make this clearer. We will publish the outcome of our review in April 2023.

‘We will then update the assessment specification and FLK, as necessary, to reflect any developments in Welsh law in areas covered by the SQE. Any changes will apply to assessments taking place after September 2023.’

 

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