Webinar on LPC & SQE by University of Law

Introduction

• Host: University of Law
• Speakers: Jennifer (3rd-year law student) and Peter Crisp (Deputy Vice Chancellor of UoL)
• Topic: Choosing between LPC (Legal Practice Course) and SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination)
• Audience: Potential solicitors for September intake
• Q&A: Questions answered post-presentation

Speaker Introduction

• Jennifer: 3rd-year law student, considering a master's degree
• Peter Crisp:
  • Background: Philosophy graduate, qualified barrister (Chancery Bar, specialized in land law)
  • Legal Education: Taught GDL and Bar courses at BPP Law School
  • Leadership: Dean and CEO of BPP Law School (2003-17), played a key role in BPP’s university status
  • Current Role: Business development, apprenticeships, professional development at UoL, set up the Hong Kong campus in 2019

LPC (Legal Practice Course)

• Current Route: Transitional but still a staple qualification
• Regulation: Overseen by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
• Structure: Highly regulated
  • Compulsory Subjects: Business Law and Practice, Property Law and Practice, Litigation/Dispute Resolution
  • Skills Training: Legal writing, drafting, advocacy, interviewing, advising, and legal research
  • Elective Subjects: Can choose based on career interests (e.g., family law, immigration, personal injury, commercial law)
• Assessment: Set and marked by tutors at the respective institutions

SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination)

• New Route: Centrally set by SRA, marking a significant shift
• Structure:
  • Two Parts:
    • SQE1: Foundations of Legal Knowledge (assessed by multiple-choice questions)
    • SQE2: Practical legal skills (assessed through various formats, including online and in-person)
• Assessment Centralization: All assessments done at Pearson Vue centers, not university-led

Choosing the Right Course

• Current Eligibility: If eligible for LPC this year, it's generally advised to take it
• Challenges & Unknowns: SQE is new with limited pass rate data; LPC is well-established with known outcomes
• Law Firm Preferences: Most law firms prefer their trainees to do the LPC for the next two years

Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)

• Replacement for Training Contract: Flexible, can be completed in segments across up to four institutions
• University of Law Guarantee: One month of QWE for students in their SQE master’s program
• Forms of Work: Can be done in law firms, law centers, legal clinics, etc.

Costs and Funding

• LPC: Various full-time and part-time options available, can be studied online or in-person
• SQE: Different prep courses; price considerations to include SRA assessment fees
  • Fees: SQE1 - £1622, SQE2 - £2493
• Funding: SLC loans available for certain master’s programs incorporating SQE preparation

Additional Considerations

• Online Study: Flexibility for international students and those living abroad
• Vacation Schemes: Practical experience often used as a recruitment tool by law firms
• International Recognition: Varies by jurisdiction
• Conversion Courses for Non-Law Graduates: Recommended by most law firms despite not being compulsory by SRA

Q&A Highlights

• Training Contract Availability: Training contracts will still be available next two years; shift to SQE in 2023-2025
• Difficulty of SQE Exams: Mixed data, SQE1 had a low pass rate; SQE2 results awaited
• Combining LPC with Other Studies: Advised against due to workload
• International Work Experience: Possible as part of qualifying work experience
• Providers: Importance of choosing providers with good employability and additional training offerings

Advice

• General Advice: Take LPC if eligible this September due to its established reputation and high pass rates
• Advisors: Seek guidance from career advisors or admissions advisors for personalized advice