SQE for Nigerian lawyers

Lawyers qualified in Nigeria qualify as solicitors of England and Wales through the SQE, and may apply to the SRA for exemptions from SQE1 and/or SQE2. Nigerian law has English roots, but English law has moved on in many areas, so revise carefully.

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 Nigerian lawyer

Nigerian law grew from English common law and equity, so many ideas feel familiar. Statute and practice have since diverged.

• Land. Nigerian land law is shaped by local land legislation. England uses a registered land system and its own conveyancing process. Give time to land law and property practice.
• Contract and tort. Familiar principles, but check the modern English position. See contract law and tort.
• Civil and criminal procedure. England uses the Civil Procedure Rules and its own criminal procedure. See dispute resolution and criminal practice.
• Wills and estates. Learn the English rules on will formalities, intestacy and administration. See wills and estates.
• Business law. Company law, partnerships and insolvency follow English statutes. See business law and practice.
• Conduct. The SRA Principles and Code of Conduct apply. See SQE2 ethics.

Language and speaking tips

English is the language of Nigerian courts, so most candidates read well. The main gap is the style of speech and writing.

• Keep sentences short and direct, especially in writing tasks. See the legal writing guide.
• With a client, use everyday words and avoid courtroom language.
• Practise the pace and rhythm of British speech by recording yourself.
• Ask the client to repeat if you did not hear. It is a skill, not a weakness.

A worked mini example: opening a probate interview

One oral interview is in Wills and Intestacy, Probate Administration and Practice. The client, Mrs Adeyemi, says: "My father died last month. I think I am the executor. What do I have to do?" A weak opening: "The administration of estates is governed by detailed statutory rules." A better opening:

"I am very sorry about your father, Mrs Adeyemi. I will help you understand what an executor does. First I will ask some questions about your father's will and his property, then I will explain the steps, and we will agree what happens next. Do you have a copy of the will?"

This shows care for the client, uses plain words, sets out the plan and asks a useful first question. 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.

Questions

Related

• QLTS replaced by the SQE
• SQE for foreign lawyers
• SQE1: format, subjects and how to prepare
• SQE2: what it tests and how to prepare
• How to prepare for SQE1 and SQE2

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