SRA to pilot SQE in Welsh
updated on 11 April 2023
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The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has announced that it will trial running the first part of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) – SQE1 – in Welsh.
The pilot, which will take place in June, aims to “test the operational and language aspects of conducting SQE1 in Welsh” and will involve answering 90 multiple choice questions over the course of the morning session.
The regulator is offering a £250 cash incentive to those who take part.
Candidates wishing to take part must:
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be fluent in Welsh (written being essential);
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have some practical or educational legal experience (eg, student, paralegal, trainee, apprentice, qualified barrister or solicitor etc); and
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meet at least one of the SRA’s education criteria (eg, having a law degree, completed at least six months of qualifying work experience, at least six months of experience as a pupil or qualified barrister, completed an SQE preparation course, completed the SQE1).
The deadline to apply is Friday 12 May 2023.
Successful candidates will be notified by the SRA no later than Monday 15 May 2023. In the event that the pilot is oversubscribed, priority will be given to those who applied early. The SRA has also stated that it’s encouraging applications from minority groups.
The pilot will be held on Wednesday 28 June 2023 at locations in Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham, Bangor, Aberystwyth, Birmingham, Liverpool and London. The SRA will also offer “a contribution towards reasonable travel expenses” for eligible candidates.
