🎓 SQE QWE Explained – A Practical Guide for Foreign Lawyers

Are you a foreign-qualified lawyer or an international candidate navigating the SQE route to qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales?

This video from the Academy of Smart Lawyers offers a clear and practical explanation of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) — what it is, how it applies to foreign lawyers, and when (or whether) you need to have it verified. The QWE requirement is one of the four essential elements of the SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination) route. However, its application for international and foreign-qualified candidates is flexible, and in some cases, QWE is not required at all.

🧾 🎥 Video Summary: What You’ll Learn

This short but informative video answers key questions around QWE for foreign lawyers:

✅ What is QWE?
QWE (Qualifying Work Experience) is the practical experience component required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) for admission as a solicitor. It must be two years in duration and can be completed before, during, or after SQE1 and SQE2. It is highly flexible — candidates can combine placements at up to four different organisations, and the work can be paid or unpaid.

✅ Do foreign lawyers need QWE?
In many cases, foreign-qualified lawyers are exempt from the QWE requirement. The SRA offers a discretion to waive this condition if your existing legal experience abroad is sufficient. However, non-qualified foreign candidates can still count legal experience obtained outside the UK — including local domestic legal roles — as long as it’s signed off by a qualified solicitor or compliance officer.

✅ When should I get my QWE verified?
The Academy strongly advises that international candidates wait until they’ve passed SQE1 and SQE2 before initiating QWE verification. Why? Because verification is only required at the point of admission, and pursuing it early may lead to unnecessary delays or costs — especially if you don’t end up passing both exams. There is no need to rush, and the SRA has confirmed there is no benefit to early verification unless you're confident you will apply for admission soon.

✅ Can I use non-UK experience?
Yes! Even experience in your home jurisdiction can count as QWE — provided it involves legal work, has a legal services nature, and is certified by a solicitor. For example, document review, client communication, research, drafting, and even compliance roles can qualify.

📚 Want More Help Understanding QWE, SQE1, or SQE2?

Here at the Academy of Smart Lawyers, we’ve been guiding foreign-trained lawyers, law graduates, and professionals since 2018, helping more than 350+ candidates qualify through the QLTS and now the SQE.

We offer structured preparation, realistic mock exams, and one-to-one support specifically designed for international lawyers. Whether you're just starting your SQE1 studies or need help planning for SQE2 and QWE — we’re here to support you every step of the way.

🔗 Useful Links and Next Steps

✅ Read more about SQE1 training for foreign-qualified lawyers
https://superexam.uk/sqe1-preparation...

✅ Get personalised help if you’re resitting SQE1 or SQE2
https://superexam.uk/sqe-resitters-form/

✅ Register on the SUPERexam platform to access your SQE1 insights
https://smart.superexam.online/regist...

✅ Access FREE sample SQE1 study materials
https://smart.superexam.online/regist...

✅ Explore the full SQE1 Course Timeline — pay only for what you need
https://smart.superexam.online/regist...

🚀 Why Foreign Candidates Trust the Academy of Smart Lawyers

📌 We focus on foreign-qualified lawyers, LLB/GDL grads, and international students
📌 Structured SQE1 & SQE2 preparation — lectures, notes, flashcards, MCQs, mocks
📌 LIVE one-to-one SQE2 mock stations with detailed examiner-style feedback
📌 Personalised support plans for resitters and first-time test-takers
📌 Integrated QWE guidance and realistic training strategies

Many lawyers discover the QWE exemption or flexibility late in the process. By understanding your options early, you can save time and costs — and avoid unnecessary paperwork. We help you build a clear pathway through SQE1, SQE2, and admission, with or without QWE.

🗣️ What our students say
“I thought I needed to sort my QWE before even booking SQE1. The Academy helped me understand I could wait — and focus first on passing the exams.”
“I used my domestic legal experience in Vietnam, and it was accepted. They helped me prepare the forms and plan when to submit.”
“SUPERexam is a brilliant platform — everything I need for SQE is there, including support when I need it most.”

🧠 Key Takeaways from the Video:

QWE is not always required for foreign-qualified lawyers

You can submit experience before, during or after your SQE exams

Do not rush QWE verification — wait until after passing SQE1 and SQE2

Use your local legal work experience — even if not in the UK

Always have your work certified by a solicitor or COLP