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What is QWE?
QWE aims to be a more flexible approach than the current period of recognised training, commonly referred to as a ‘training contract’.
QWE gives candidates the opportunity to:
- interact with clients
- see how solicitors work in practice
- consider ethical challenges
- develop competences
Myth
““QWE must be completed in one law firm.”
Facts
You can complete QWE in up to four organisations, including:
- law firms
- in-house legal teams
- NGOs or charities
- law clinics
- alternative legal service providers
This makes the route more flexible than the traditional training contract.
Requirements for Qualifying work experience
- All candidates will need to complete at least two years full-time (or equivalent) qualifying work experience (QWE).
- There is no minimum length of time for placements. QWE could include summer work placements or work as a paralegal so long as it’s signed off.
- While it is not necessary to evidence every competence set out by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), candidates must be able to demonstrate the development of at least two core competencies from the SRA framework
Myth
“You must complete QWE before taking the SQE exams.”
Facts
You can complete QWE before, during, or after your SQE exams. There is no fixed order as long as all components are completed before you apply for admission.
Structure of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)
The structure of QWE is determined by the individual firm or organisation providing the placement. This means experiences can vary significantly in length and format:
- Some organisations may offer only a short placement contributing to the overall requirement.
- Others may provide the full two years of QWE needed for qualification.
Employer Responsibilities
To ensure QWE is meaningful and compliant, employers should:
- Maintain accurate records of the work undertaken by the candidate.
- Track and record competencies developed in line with the SRA’s Statement of Solicitor Competence.
- Provide confirmation at the end of each placement, verifying both the duration and competencies gained.
Myth
“QWE must include rotations across departments.”
Facts
Rotations are optional. Even experience in one practice area counts as long as you develop competencies aligning with the SRA’s solicitor statement.
What’s the Difference Between QWE and a Training Contract?
Both Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) and the traditional training contract share the same ultimate goal — to help aspiring solicitors develop practical legal skills, apply their knowledge in real settings, and gain hands-on experience before qualifying.
However, the introduction of the SQE and QWE system has made this process far more flexible and accessible compared to the traditional training contract route.
QWE vs. Training Contract: A Comparison
| Aspect | Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) | Training Contract |
| Route | Part of the SQE qualification pathway | Part of the LPC qualification route |
| Structure | Can be completed across up to four organisations or employers | Completed entirely at one firm |
| Practice Areas | Offers flexibility — you can gain experience in multiple practice areas or specialise in a single niche, depending on your preference or the organisation’s focus | Usually involves rotations (“seats”) across different departments, though some firms focus on one practice area |
| Timing | Can be completed at any stage of the qualification process — before, during, or after sitting SQE1 or SQE2 assessments | Typically undertaken after completing the LPC |
| Record Keeping | You are responsible for tracking your QWE and recording the competencies you develop, which must be signed off by a solicitor of England and Wales or a COLP | Structured and monitored internally by the training principal or supervisor within the firm |
| Location | Can be completed internationally, provided there is a UK-qualified solicitor available to confirm and sign off the experience | Generally undertaken within the UK, under the supervision of an authorised law firm |
| Additional Requirements | Does not require completion of the Professional Skills Course (PSC) | Requires completion of the Professional Skills Course (PSC) before qualification |
| Flexibility | Highly flexible allows candidates to gain diverse legal experience in varied settings such as law firms, in-house teams, or legal clinics | More traditional and structured — focused on firm-based training with defined supervision and rotations. |
Myth
“Only solicitors can sign off QWE.”
Facts
Anyone regulated by a legal services body can sign off QWE — including:
- solicitors
- barristers
- CILEX professionals
- overseas lawyers (if supervised work aligns with the SRA competencies)