LPC or SQE: Choosing the Right Route to Qualify as a Solicitor

Emily Jones

Hi and welcome! If you’re planning to become a solicitor in England or Wales, one of the first big questions you’ll face is: LPC or SQE?

Emily Jones

In this session, we’ll walk you through what both of those routes involve, how they differ, and—most importantly—why the SQE is now the main qualification pathway moving forward.

Emily Jones

Let’s start with a bit of background. For years, the LPC, or Legal Practice Course, was the standard route to qualifying as a solicitor after completing your law degree or conversion course. It was followed by a two-year training contract with a law firm. But things have changed.The Solicitors Regulation Authority—better known as the SRA—has introduced a new, centralised system called the SQE, or Solicitors Qualifying Examination. This is now the primary route to qualification.

Emily Jones

So, why the change? The goal of the SQE is to standardise the process and make qualification more accessible and flexible for a wider range of candidates. Whether you’ve done a law degree, a non-law degree, or you’ve come through an apprenticeship or legal work experience—you now have one clear path to follow.

Emily Jones

Now let’s talk about what each route involves. The LPC is still available—for now. But it’s being gradually phased out, and many universities have already stopped offering it to new students. If you’ve already started the LPC or have accepted a place, you may still qualify under that route—but you’ll need to complete it within the transitional period, which ends in 2032. On the other hand, the SQE is already fully in place. It’s made up of two stages: SQE1, which focuses on legal knowledge, and SQE2, which tests your practical legal skills. You’ll also need two years of Qualifying Work Experience—known as QWE—and to pass a character and suitability check.

Emily Jones

You might be wondering how to actually go about completing the SQE—and that’s where one of its biggest strengths comes in. The SQE opens the door to more flexible and accessible qualification routes, like qualifying through a law apprenticeship. This option allows you to earn while you learn, build up your Qualifying Work Experience as part of your role, and spread the cost of qualification over time. It’s a practical, hands-on route that removes many of the financial and structural barriers of the traditional LPC model, making it ideal for those who want to gain experience, develop real legal skills, and qualify without taking time out of the workforce.

Emily Jones

So, how do you decide which is right for you? Here’s the short version: If you’ve already started the LPC, you can carry on and qualify through that route. But if you haven’t started yet, the SQE is your future. It’s more flexible, often more cost-effective, and allows you to earn while you learn—since you can complete QWE in different settings, including paid roles like being a paralegal or apprentice.

Emily Jones

Let’s wrap up. Whether you're deciding between the LPC or SQE, or just starting to explore your legal career options, understanding the structure of each route is key. The SQE is now the main pathway, offering new opportunities for aspiring solicitors across different backgrounds. If you're just beginning your journey, the SQE route is likely the best way forward.Thanks for joining me—and if you’d like more guidance on solicitor apprenticeships, QWE, or the SQE exams, feel free to visit us at lawapprenticeships.co.uk.