Making the move to qualify in a new jurisdiction can be both exciting and daunting. For many internationally qualified lawyers, the SQE offers a clear and flexible route to becoming a solicitor in England and Wales.
Duha Al Hassnawi, an Australian-admitted lawyer now based in the UK, writes about why she chose to pursue dual qualification and how she found studying with The College of Legal Practice while balancing work, study, and motherhood.
Why I chose the SQE route and studied with The College
Hi, I am Duha, and I am an Australian admitted lawyer who decided to move to the United Kingdom and qualify as an English solicitor.
As an Australian lawyer I choose to qualify as an English solicitor to expand my career opportunities and enhance my international legal expertise. The legal systems in both Australia and the UK share common law foundations, making the transition relatively smoother compared to other jurisdictions. By becoming dual-qualified, as an Australian lawyer I access a broader range of clients and cases, particularly in areas like international arbitration, finance, and commercial law, where English law is often the governing standard. Additionally, London’s status as a global financial hub presents lucrative career prospects and the chance to work on complex, cross-border transactions. This qualification can also enhance my credibility and open doors to positions in multinational law firms and organisations.
I chose to study with The College for the SQE due to the institution's flexible and practical approach to legal education. The College offers personalised learning pathways that allow students to tailor their studies according to their schedules, which is especially appealing for those balancing work or other commitments such as myself who was juggling being a new mum and a student. Their courses are designed with a strong emphasis on practical skills and real-world application, ensuring that students are well-prepared for both the SQE assessments and their future careers as solicitors. Additionally, The College provides comprehensive support from experienced legal professionals and tutors, offering one-on-one mentoring and guidance throughout the preparation process which I found especially useful.
Reflections on the SQE experience: challenges and rewards
Upon reflecting on the SQE course with The College, it is clear that the program is highly organised and designed in a manner that is easy to navigate, making it straightforward for students to follow their learning path. The course structure is logical and well-planned, with comprehensive resources and clear guidance at each stage, which helps to build confidence in tackling the assessments. However, it is also important to acknowledge that the course is quite intense and demands a significant time commitment. The volume of material and the depth of understanding required can be overwhelming at times, especially for those balancing work or personal responsibilities. I would say that prospective students should be fully aware of the time-consuming nature of the program and ensure they can allocate sufficient time and effort to succeed. Effective time management and self-discipline are crucial to making the most of this rigorous but rewarding route to qualification.
Australian lawyers thinking of undertaking the SQE course with The College to qualify as English solicitors can expect a challenging but rewarding experience that builds on their existing common law knowledge while introducing new areas of English law and practice. Although both Australia and England share common law foundations, Australian lawyers should be prepared to study areas of law that may differ, such as trusts, business law, and specific procedural rules in civil and criminal litigation.
Australian lawyers should also be ready for a self-directed learning approach, with a significant amount of independent study, although resources such as practice questions, mock exams, and one-on-one support from experienced tutors are available. Additionally, the practical focus of the course means that Australian lawyers will need to adapt their skills to the specific expectations of English legal practice, including client care standards and ethics.
Nonetheless, with the right preparation and commitment, the SQE course with The College is a great option and/or pathway for dual qualification, enhancing career prospects both in the UK and internationally.
Support for students preparing for the SQE
Whether you're already qualified in another jurisdiction or exploring the SQE as your route into the legal profession, The College of Legal Practice offers dedicated support for international students.
With flexible, online courses and tailored guidance, the College helps aspiring solicitors from around the world navigate the SQE pathway, wherever you're starting from.