Full-Time Worker Passes SQE1 Without Prep Course: Find Out How!

Matthew Smith, a trainee solicitor, shares his journey.

After completing my law degree, I was keen to apply my academic knowledge in a practical setting. In 2022, I joined a personal injury law firm, starting as a paralegal before advancing to the role of a trainee solicitor.

To qualify as a solicitor, I needed to pass the Solicitors Qualifying Exams (SQE), which were relatively new at the time. I was determined to understand the structure and preparation required for these exams thoroughly.

My research on the possibility of passing the SQE without enrolling in a preparatory course led me to several websites, all suggesting that self-study was impractical and promoting expensive courses instead.

I questioned the absolute need for structured courses. Could I not simply acquire the necessary knowledge on my own? This idea proved more challenging than I anticipated, especially while working full-time.

Exiting the first SQE1 exam in January left me feeling uncertain about my performance, which negatively impacted my motivation for the subsequent exam, leading to a slightly poorer outcome. The key lesson here was to maintain mental steadiness regardless of initial perceptions.

A few weeks later, I checked my results via my SRA account and was thrilled to find I had passed both exams. My team leader, who had supported me throughout, shared in my joy. This success made all the effort feel justified.

The exams test understanding of general legal principles, their exceptions, and situations where these exceptions do not apply. True to the nature of law, this complexity is expected but doesn’t simplify the learning process. A revision strategy that acknowledges this complexity would be beneficial.

For those considering the SQE, I recommend setting an exam date early. My initial attempts to start studying early ended up extending the preparation period, making it more exhausting. It’s rare to feel completely prepared for these exams, but often, you know more than you think.

If you find yourself stuck on a particular topic that doesn’t resonate, it might be best to move on. The exams cover a wide range of topics, and dwelling too long on one might not be practical.

For those opting for self-study, ensure you get textbooks aligned with the SRA Syllabus to avoid unnecessary topics.

One of the toughest challenges was gauging my own knowledge without the benchmarks provided by a formal course, such as mock exams and progress trackers. This uncertainty often left me doubting whether passing was even possible.

Although I tried to maintain a strict study regimen, it was a race against time to finish the required readings before the exams, despite my best efforts and extensive use of flashcards.

Successfully passing the exams independently requires significant self-discipline and motivation. If you think a structured course might better support these needs, it might be the preferable route for you. Self-studying is no shortcut.

Combining study with full-time work was another hurdle. I made a habit of early morning revisions before work and utilized lunch breaks for studying, sacrificing regular gym sessions to accommodate my study schedule.

Keeping myself motivated to study after a long day at work was tough, but breaking the workload into manageable blocks helped. I tried to reserve time after 9pm for relaxation.

Looking forward to SQE2, I feel more confident in my personalized study approach, learning to trust what works for me rather than following a prescribed path. It’s crucial to avoid comparing your progress with others; focus on your strategy and its effectiveness for you.

While there are no official statistics to compare the performance of self-study candidates versus those enrolled in courses, my experience shows that self-study can be successful. It may not be suitable for everyone, but it is definitely achievable.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about my experience with the SQE, please feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn.

Matthew Smith is a trainee solicitor specializing in personal injury. He has passed SQE1 and is preparing for SQE2, aiming to qualify as a solicitor by the end of 2025.