We use necessary cookies to make our site work. We would also like to set certain functional and advertising cookies to help us improve our site. We won't set optional cookies unless you enable them. Using this tool will set a cookie on your device to remember your preferences.
You can click "Accept all cookies" below to accept use of all cookies on this website, or select "Manage cookies preferences" to choose which cookies we can use. For more information about the cookies we use, see our Cookie Notice
student experiences
Salma Abdussalam
Senior Paralegal in legal operations at Lean Technologies - International student currently studying our SQE2 prep course
Hi, I’m Salma, I’m an international student at the College. I'm a Senior Paralegal in legal operations at Lean Technologies. After having completed my LPC and spending a year in full-time practice - living and learning all things corporate law, I am now undertaking the SQE2 Prep course so that I can become a solicitor practicing under the laws of England and Wales.
Why did you choose to study with The College of Legal Practice?I decided to study with The College of Legal Practice mainly because of timing - everything just fell into place at the right time. A professor from my undergraduate university reached out and mentioned that COLP was looking for students in the Middle East who may be interested in taking the SQE prep courses. From that, I got in touch with Peter from COLP, and he explained how flexible the SQE course is, making it ideal for working professionals like myself. The dynamics of the course seemed to fit perfectly with my schedule and work style, so I was completely on board.
What prompted you to want to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales?
My decision to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales was largely influenced by my situation as an international student based in the Middle East. You see, my options for getting qualified into jurisdiction here were pretty limited, given the different processes and regulations. Essentially it came down to two choices, qualifying in England and Wales, or under the New York Bar. But, with my background in English law through my degree, and coming from a Commonwealth jurisdiction, England and Wales felt like the more natural fit for me.
In addition to already having a good grip on the legal system in England and Wales, I was also drawn to the idea of working in diverse, international teams and experiencing the breadth of multinational practice, and England and Wales offered the most appealing route for this. So, I started exploring opportunities in English law firms and in-house teams in the Middle East, that would offer me experience in practice whilst qualifying.
Why choose the SQE route to qualify?
I opted for the SQE route for qualification primarily because of its flexibility - which is a real game-changer as an international student working from a different time zone and alongside full-time employment. The traditional path required completing the LPC, followed by training and qualification, which in itself is a highly competitive process. However, the SQE opens up opportunities for those with diverse legal careers, not just limited to private practice or contract work.
Plus, I had already completed the LPC after my LLB, initially to boost my chances of landing a training contract. But when the SQE came along, I was able to use my LPC credit to jump straight into SQE2, skipping SQE1 and utilising my work experience as QWE, making qualifying much more streamlined and aligning perfectly with my career ambitions.
What has your overall experience of studying at the College been like?
My overall experience studying at The College of Legal Practice has been incredibly rewarding. After a gap in education following my LPC, transitioning back to full-time study alongside practical work was a learning curve, but COLP made it seamless. They provided essential materials, even sending physical copies, which proved invaluable as a practicing professional. The weekly surgeries and check-ins with mentors kept me comfortable and on track, ensuring I knew where I stood at each stage.
One aspect that stands out is the invaluable feedback sessions. These sessions are crucial because they provide insights from practitioners who understand their fields well and know what examiners are looking for. They offer regular opportunities to exercise critical legal thinking skills, allowing us to refine our answers and align them with examiner expectations.
What piece of advice would you give to someone studying for SQE2?
If you're embarking on the SQE2 prep course, my one piece of advice would be to establish a realistic timeline that accommodates your full-time professional commitments. Balancing the course alongside your work is entirely doable, but it's crucial to set achievable expectations. Staying on top of your study schedule is crucial, and a well-organised calendar can be a lifeline. It's a tool for anyone and everyone, helping you juggle your commitments effectively. In a course as valuable as this, every bit of preparation counts, so make the most of it.