SQESQE Mock

SQE for foreign lawyers

Foreign-qualified lawyers qualify as solicitors of England and Wales through the SQE, and may apply to the SRA for exemptions from SQE1 and/or SQE2. This page sets out the route, where you sit each part and which gaps to revise.

RouteSQE1 then SQE2
ExemptionsMay be available; the SRA decides
SQE1 and SQE2 writtenPearson VUE centres, including abroad
SQE2 oralEngland and Wales

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The route in five steps

  1. Check exemptions. Qualified lawyers may apply to the SRA for exemptions from SQE1 and/or SQE2 based on their qualification. See SRA qualified lawyers. Start early and do not assume a result.
  2. Sit SQE1. Two closed-book papers, FLK1 and FLK2, at a Pearson VUE centre. See SQE1.
  3. Sit SQE2. You must pass SQE1 first. The written tasks can be sat at a Pearson VUE centre abroad. See SQE2.
  4. Travel for the oral. The four oral tasks, advocacy and client interviews, are in England and Wales.
  5. Finish the other requirements. The SRA page explains what else you must show.

This page is not immigration advice. For visas and the right to work or study in the UK, use GOV.UK visas and immigration.

Law to revise as a foreign-qualified lawyer

The SQE tests English and Welsh law as a first-day solicitor would use it. Whatever your home system, expect to revise these areas.

  • Contract. Check consideration, remedies and terms. Rules in your home country may differ.
  • Land and property. Registered land, leases and the conveyancing process are particular to England and Wales. See land law and property practice.
  • Trusts and equity. If your system has no trusts, give time to trusts.
  • Wills and estates. See wills and administration of estates.
  • Criminal procedure. See criminal practice.
  • Solicitors accounts and conduct. Ethics, based on the SRA Principles and Code of Conduct, is tested across both FLK papers. Solicitors accounts is tested in property and wills questions. See solicitors accounts and legal services.

Language and speaking tips

Short sentences work best in both papers and speech.

  • Read each stem once for the facts and once for the question.
  • In oral tasks, say the answer first, then the reason.
  • Learn a few plain phrases: "The main point is", "This means", "The next step is".
  • Record yourself. Check your pace and clarity. Clear speech matters more than accent.

A worked mini example: opening an interview

One oral interview is in Property Practice. The client, Ms Silva, says: "I want to rent a shop for my bakery. The landlord has sent me a lease. Is it fair?" A weak opening: "Leases in England are governed by many statutes and cases." A better opening:

"Thank you for coming, Ms Silva. I can help you understand the lease before you sign. I will ask some questions first, then explain the main points, and then we will agree next steps. Can you tell me about the shop and what the landlord has offered?"

This is short, uses plain words, sets out the plan, and invites the client to speak. Then ask open questions about rent, length of the lease and repairs before you give advice. The interview is marked on listening, questioning, explaining clearly and building trust. See the client interview guide for the full structure.

Common mistakes and checklist

  • Using home-law answers. Check each point against English law.
  • Long, formal sentences. Speak simply.
  • Forgetting the client. Advice must be client-focused.
  • Leaving ethics out. It is tested throughout SQE2 without a flag, and from 1 September 2026 it has its own criterion in the marking of written and advocacy tasks.
  1. Apply for exemptions through the SRA.
  2. Check dates: SQE dates and costs: SQE fees.
  3. Choose centres for SQE1 and the SQE2 written tasks, and plan the trip for the oral.
  4. Practise out loud, using SQE2 mock practice and SQE1 practice questions.
  5. Read how to prepare for the SQE.

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Questions

Can foreign lawyers qualify as solicitors in England and Wales?

Yes. Qualified lawyers from other jurisdictions qualify through the SQE and may apply to the SRA for exemptions from SQE1 and/or SQE2.

Where can foreign lawyers take the SQE?

SQE1 and the SQE2 written tasks run at Pearson VUE centres, including abroad. The SQE2 oral assessments are held in England and Wales.

Do I need a visa to sit the SQE?

That depends on your nationality and plans. We do not give immigration advice. Check the visas and immigration pages on GOV.UK.

Is the QLTS still available?

No. The QLTS has closed and the SQE replaced it.

Related

Sources: SRA: Qualified lawyers; Law Society: SQE1 and SQE2 assessments; SRA: SQE assessment dates. Checked 10 November 2026.