Do law firms prefer SQE or LPC?

The LPC is a well-established course, containing additional content beyond the SQE syllabus, much prized by law firms. These factors will continue to make the LPC a popular choice with both students and their employers whilst it remains an option to qualify using this route.

Will the SQE be cheaper than the LPC?

The SQE 1 exam will cost £1,558.00 and the SQE 2 exam £2,422.00, with preparation courses starting from £1,200 (SQE 1) and £1,900.00 (SQE 2), making it considerably cheaper than the LPC.

How many years will the SQE take?

The SQE2 course material and exam preparation can be compared to a one-year full-time Legal Practice Course (LPC), which was followed by a two-year training contract. So that’s at least two years’ study on a full-time basis – longer for part-time study.

Can the SQE be hard?

SQE1 is a computer-based exam. It is designed to test functioning legal knowledge by way of multiple-choice questions. This is far more challenging than it may sound. Excelling with multiple-choice exams is a very specific skill that requires both practice and expertise.

Should I wait for the SQE?

Firms fund and organise all required courses, and you’ll complete one or both of the LPC and GDL in the two-year period before you start your training contract. In this situation there is no reason at all to wait for the SQE, which has a provisional start month of November 2021.

Is the LPC going to be scrapped?

From September 2020, the traditional GDL and LPC route will be scrapped in favour of an independent assessment called the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

Does LPC replace SQE?

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is being phased in to become the new centralised way to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. It will eventually replace the Legal Practice Course (LPC) route to practice.

How long is LPC valid for?

The Legal Practice Course (LPC) does not expire. Realistically though, after 10 years, employers may not feel that it’s recent enough to take that person on for training to become a solicitor, depending on what work they’re currently doing.

How difficult is the LPC?

The LPC is a heavy course – the material itself is not necessarily difficult, but the quantity can prove daunting at times. The course is structured with lectures and the material is then thoroughly discussed in small seminar groups.

What happens if you fail SQE?

If you fail any part of the SQE, you will have two further chances to retake them. However, you have six years from the day you take the first SQE exam to complete the whole course.

Is the LPC being scrapped?

Our LPC will run until at least 2026.