# Pradip Khakhar | SQE Journey
> Join other aspiring solicitors who read SQE Journey for tips, strategies, and resources to pass the SQE (and beyond).
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## Pages
### Hi 👋 I’m Pradip
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/about/
Last updated: 2026-05-30T23:12:18.000Z
- I write a weekly newsletter for aspiring solicitors. Join other readers of SQE Journey for tips, strategies, and resources to pass the SQE Exam [here](https://pradipkhakhar.com/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
- I teach law at Long Island University.
- ✈️ My first *real* job was as an engineer. At 17 I was building Full Flight Simulators and flying (trying) around in A330/340 and 777 simulators. This was the start of my love for flying and traveling.
- 🏏 I enjoy playing and watching [Cricket](https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket?ref=pradipkhakhar.com), it started off with playing with my dad in the front garden. I remember my first international game, watching the England v. India test match at [Lords – the home of Cricket](https://www.lords.org/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) 1996.
- 🐦 Tweet me [@PradipCloud](https://twitter.com/pradipcloud?ref=pradipkhakhar.com), if it’s something short, or feel free to send a DM via Twitter. 🙌 Meet Me. If you are in NYC or London hit me up

---

### Contact Me
### About
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/about-2/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T22:38:32.000Z
## Hey friends 👋

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/pradip_khakhar-2.webp)

## hi 👋 I'm Pradip

- I write a weekly newsletter for aspiring solicitors. Join other readers of SQE Journey for tips, strategies, and resources to pass the SQE Exam [here](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/content/files/2026/05/sqe-journey-5.html)
- I teach law at Long Island University.
- ✈️ My first *real* job was as an engineer. At 17 I was building Full Flight Simulators and flying (trying) around in A330/340 and 777 simulators. This was the start of my love for flying and traveling.
- 🏏 I enjoy playing and watching [Cricket](https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket?ref=pradipkhakhar.com), it started off with playing with my dad in the front garden. My dad and I used to play and watch [Cricket](https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) together. I remember my first international game, watching the England v. India test match at [Lords - the home of Cricket](https://www.lords.org/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) 1996.
- 🐦 Tweet me [@PradipCloud](https://twitter.com/pradipcloud?ref=pradipkhakhar.com), if it's something short, or feel free to send a DM via Twitter. 🙌 Meet Me. If you are in NYC or London hit me up
### Wall of Love
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/love/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T22:37:03.000Z
Have you enjoyed working with me? Add your thoughts [here](https://testimonial.to/pradip-cloud?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)

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## More from teams we have worked withWant to work with us. Get in touch
### Speaking
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/speaking/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T22:37:32.000Z
\-

## invite me to speak at your event!

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## Past Events  

Engaging and informative sessions!  

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### Instructions - how to join SQE Journey Lab
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/instructions-how-to-join-sqe-journey-lab/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T22:37:57.000Z
Follow the below instructions - how to join SQE Journey Lab.

SQE Journey Lab Community of other individuals who are studying the SQE exam with regular virtual events (study sessions, networking, support/ social hour) and in person events in London. Read more about [SQE Journey Lab](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/content/files/2026/05/introducing-sqe-journey-lab-1.html).

1\. Click [Join SQE Journey Lab](https://legalrefresher.circle.so/join?invitation%5Ftoken=9fa94b9f974fd94e0baddfea23ca3bdd9bdf5d3d-4cc0262c-6ffe-4505-abc8-0f11a683e61a&ref=pradipkhakhar.com)

2\. Create your account. Enter your name, email and choose a password. Click the check box and then click Sign up.

![](https://pradipcloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-02-at-10.20.40%E2%80%AFAM.png)

3\. Create your profile (or click skip), you need to add your name. What should we call you? the click continue.

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4\. That's it. you are in.

![](https://pradipcloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-02-at-10.27.25%E2%80%AFAM.png)

5\. If you are experiencing issue please [contact me](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/content/files/2026/05/contact.html) or send me a [DM on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkhakhar?ref=pradipkhakhar.com).
### (Untitled)
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/links/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T22:38:06.000Z
## Hey i'm pradip 👋

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**SQE Journey Newsletter**

**A Free Weekly Newsletter**  
Join other aspiring solicitors who read SQE Journey for tips, strategies, and resources to pass the SQE (and beyond).

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**Popular Posts**

https://pradip-khakhar.ghost.io/content/files/2026/05/top-resources-for-aspiring-solicitors-1.html 

**What is the SQE?**

https://pradip-khakhar.ghost.io/content/files/2026/05/what-is-the-sqe-exam-1.html 

**Resources**

https://pradip-khakhar.ghost.io/content/files/2026/05/sqe-1-night-before-success-checklist-1.html
### Resources
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/resources/
Last updated: 2026-06-03T01:22:40.000Z
[Top Resources for Aspiring SolicitorsAs an aspiring solicitor there is so much information out there. These are some of the top resources for Aspiring Solicitors.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/icon/PK60x60-d5b4b9cbee1d943039c870b9a594bfad29c55458b3d621cbfc21c7f244cc60fb.png)Pradip Khakhar | SQE JourneyPradip Khakhar![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/thumbnail/top-resources-for-aspiring-solictors-65ffc552b56368bfe2317227108c9136c78dca63394e5479d2ab4312e15a3c41.png)](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/top-resources-for-aspiring-solicitors/)

[SQE 1 - Night before Success ChecklistHere is a concise, one‑page SQE 1 - Night before Success Checklist you can print or keep on your phone/tablet![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)Pradip Khakhar | SQE JourneyPradip Khakhar![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/thumbnail/sqe-1-night-before-success-checklist33-cf10a4bf09c98d226af2b4fee14d0843e7d1d06bcc461b408713a8392fe07d1e.png)](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-1-night-before-success-checklist/)
## Posts
### One Exam Down, Here Is How To Walk Into FLK 2
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/one-exam-down-here-is-how-to-walk-into-flk-2/
Last updated: 2026-07-19T11:00:09.000Z
FLK 1 is behind you. One Exam Down, Here Is How To Walk Into FLK 2\. Whatever happened in that hall, it is finished, and no amount of replaying question 87 changes a single mark. The only exam that exists now is the one in front of you.

## Stop Marking A Paper You Cannot See

Some candidates may spend this week quietly grading themselves on a test they have no answers to. The brain does this because uncertainty feels worse than bad news. Notice it, name it, and put it down. You will know in due course. Until then, that mental energy belongs to FLK 2.

## Remember What You Are Actually Doing Here

You did not sign up for this because you enjoy multiple choice questions. You signed up because somewhere along the way you decided you wanted to be the person in the room who understands what the document actually says. The one a client rings when something has gone wrong and they do not know what happens next. That [version](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/qualified-with-aishwarya-luthra/) of you is real, and every hour of this fortnight is buying them into existence.

## Clear Your Head Properly

Sleep before you cram. Sleep is when memory consolidates, and NIH research reports that going without it can reduce your ability to take in new material by around forty per cent. A late night of frantic revision can cost you more than it gains. [Read the NIH summary](https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2013/04/sleep-it?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)

Walk. A meta analysis of 75 randomised trials covering 8,636 people found walking produced meaningful reductions in anxiety and low mood. Twenty minutes outdoors is not procrastination. It is maintenance. [Read the study](https://publichealth.jmir.org/2024/1/e48355?ref=pradipkhakhar.com).

Breathe deliberately when panic arrives. Stanford researchers tested a technique called cyclic sighing in a randomised trial published in Cell Reports Medicine, and it outperformed mindfulness meditation for improving mood and slowing breathing rate. You inhale through the nose, take a second short inhale on top to fill the lungs, then let a long slow exhale out through the mouth. Five minutes. Do it the morning of the exam and in any moment the room starts closing in. [Read the Stanford write up](https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2023/02/cyclic-sighing-can-help-breathe-away-anxiety.html?ref=pradipkhakhar.com).

## Guard Your Inputs

Group chats in exam week are rarely your friend. Someone will always make claims. Someone else will announce a topic you barely covered. None of it tells you anything true about your own performance. Mute what you need to mute until Friday.

## Keep The Horizon Where It Belongs

SQE 2 is coming. Client interviewing, advocacy, drafting, the parts of this that actually look like the job. It is worth being excited about, and it is worth leaving exactly where it is until FLK2 is done. You get there by giving this week your full attention, not by looking past it.

You have already done the hardest part, which was starting!
### Walk Into Your SQE With a Clear Head
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/walk-into-your-sqe-with-a-clear-head/
Last updated: 2026-07-12T11:00:07.000Z
Walk into your SQE with a clear head. That is the whole goal this week. If you are sitting FLK 1 or FLK 2 in the coming days, this issue is for you.

## 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 key

Nerves are unreliable narrators. The week of an exam they will tell you that you know nothing and that everyone else is more prepared. That is a feeling, not a fact. The facts are the months of revision, the practice questions answered when you would rather have been anywhere else, and the mock scores that stung but taught you something. [Confidence comes from doing](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/why-sqe-confidence-comes-from-doing/), and you have already done the work. Every timed question you attempted was a small act of proof. That proof walks into the exam room with you whether your nerves cooperate or not.

## 𝐖𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞

Do not try to learn anything new this week. Skim your summary notes, remember that Professional Conduct and Ethics appears in both FLK 1 and FLK 2, and stop studying by 9pm. Then handle the boring things that quietly protect your score. Photo ID and confirmation email ready. Route to the test centre planned, with a backup. Clothes set out in layers, because testing rooms run hot and cold. Alarm set, with a second one behind it. Then sleep. A rested brain retrieving what it knows will beat a tired one chasing perfection. The full [night before checklist](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-1-night-before-success-checklist/) is one page and printable.

## 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐦 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦

Read every question carefully and watch for words like not, only, and always. Pick the single best answer based on the facts in front of you, not assumptions. And remember that the SRA confirms [there is no negative marking](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/sqe-results/results-resits/sqe1-results?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) on SQE 1, so answer every single question. A guess can only help you.

When you hit a brutal stretch of questions, and you will, keep moving. A hard run tells you nothing about your result, because those questions are hard for the whole cohort.

Guard your break. You get a full hour between sessions. Do not compare answers with other candidates and do not look anything up. Nothing said in that hallway can raise your score, but it can rattle your second session. Eat something, stretch, and head back early for the ID checks. For the full walkthrough of the day, from lockers to start screen, read [what to expect on SQE 1 exam day](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/what-to-expect-sqe-1-exam-day/).

## 𝐈𝐟 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲

Technical failures and delays have happened at test centres before, and the SRA now has a formal process for [exam day disruptions](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-exam-day-disruptions/). If your sitting is disrupted, you will usually be rescheduled within the same assessment window, and if that is not possible your attempt is discounted and your fee refunded. A disruption is not your fault and it does not burn one of your attempts. Take a breath and follow the instructions in the room.

## 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠

When you finish, resist the urge to check your answers against the textbook. The exam is done and the second guessing only steals your recovery. You did not get this far by accident. Walk in, trust your preparation, and show the paper what months of quiet work looks like.

I am rooting for every one of you this week. Hit reply after your first day and tell me how it went. I read every message.
### Never Send an Emotional Email
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/never-send-an-emotional-email/
Last updated: 2026-07-05T11:00:11.000Z
Here is a rule that will protect your career more than once: never send an emotional email. Not to a partner who criticised your work. Not to opposing counsel who moved a deadline. Not to the client who questioned your fee. The moment you feel your pulse in your fingertips as you type, stop.

## 𝗘𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀

Every email you send is a permanent record. It can be forwarded, screenshotted, printed and read aloud in a meeting you are not invited to. In legal practice the stakes are higher still. Correspondence can be disclosable in litigation, reviewed in a complaint, or pulled up years later when someone wants to form a judgement about you.

The email you wrote in frustration at 5:47pm on a Friday reads very differently at 9am on Monday. The problem is that by Monday, it has already been read.

## 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗯𝗼𝘅 𝘇𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗽

Most emotional emails are not sent out of anger. They are sent out of urgency. You want the thing off your plate. It is the end of the day, the end of the week, or the last hour before you leave for a holiday, and replying now feels like progress.

It rarely is. A rushed reply written under personal time pressure almost never hits the mark. You concede a point you did not need to concede. You commit to a position before you have thought it through. You hand back leverage that took weeks to build, and you do it for the small satisfaction of a clean inbox.

Inbox zero is a productivity goal. It is not a negotiation strategy.

## 𝗕𝘂𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲

You do not need a perfect response today. You need a holding response today and a proper response later. Something like:

"Thank you for your email. I want to give this the consideration it deserves. I will come back to you by Wednesday close of business."

That is it. You have acknowledged receipt, shown professionalism and given yourself room to think. Nobody reasonable reads that and sees weakness. They see someone in control of their workload.

If it helps, write the angry version anyway. Get it out of your system. Just write it in a blank document with no recipient, then delete it. Draft folders have a habit of sending things.

## 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝘅

None of this means you should write like a robot. Emotion, used deliberately, is one of the most powerful instruments in business. Controlled frustration can signal that a line has been crossed. Genuine warmth can rescue a strained relationship. Blunt honesty might cost you one deal but win you a stronger position in the longer fight.

The difference is choice. Emotion you choose to show is strategy. Emotion that leaks out because you replied too quickly is a liability, and people will remember it long after they have forgotten what the argument was about.

So before you hit send, ask one question: would I be comfortable if this email were read out in front of the people whose respect I want?

If the answer is no, close the laptop. The email will still be there tomorrow. So will your leverage.
### AI Cannot Tell You What Matters Most To The Client
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/ai-cannot-tell-you-what-matters-most-to-the-client/
Last updated: 2026-06-28T11:00:55.000Z
AI cannot tell you what matters most to the client. It can draft the letter, pull the precedent, and produce a first draft faster than any trainee in the building. The technical floor has never been easier to reach. 

But the part that decides whether a client trusts you, comes back to you, and [asks for you by name ](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/why-emotional-intelligence-makes-clients-ask-for-you-by-name/)is the part no tool can reach. That is the skill worth building now, and the good news is that you can.

Then the client says they want this resolved without burning the relationship, and the legally strongest position becomes the wrong one.

That sentence is worth sitting with, because it cuts against everything you are trained to chase. As a junior lawyer, you spend years learning to find the strongest argument, the tightest clause, the position that wins. AI can now do a lot of that for you. What it cannot do is know when winning is not the point.

That is the gap AI cannot cross. It reads text. It does not read people. It does not weigh the business sitting behind the request, the relationship the client wants to protect, or the deal they are quietly planning two years out. And it does not carry the consequence when the call goes wrong. You do.

> The number one human skill is judgement. Knowing what to accept from AI, what to question, and what only a person in the room can decide. Judgement is what turns a technically correct draft into the right advice for this client, in this situation, with these stakes.

Here is the part worth holding onto, especially early in your career. Judgement is learnable. It is not a fixed trait you either have or you do not. It is built, case by case, conversation by conversation. Every time you sit across from a client and work out what they actually need rather than what they literally asked for, you are building it.

The same goes for the skills around it. Holding your own with clients and senior solicitors alike. Building trust so people listen when you speak. Reading a room and adjusting before anyone has to tell you to. None of these come from a prompt. They come from being in the room, paying attention, and caring about the outcome more than the output. **You develop them alongside AI, not instead of it.**

The lawyers who struggle will be the ones who treat AI as the whole job. The lawyers who thrive will treat it as the starting point, then do the work it cannot. They will be the ones who know what AI can never do, and build their careers on exactly that.

So use the tools. Draft faster. Research deeper. Then close the laptop and go do the part that was always yours.
### Are Conferences Worth The Investment While Studying For The SQE?
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/are-conferences-worth-the-investment-while-studying-for-the-sqe/
Last updated: 2026-06-21T11:00:49.000Z
Are conferences worth the investment while studying for the SQE? It's a fair question when your time and money are already stretched thin. A good conference can put you in the same room as solicitors, recruiters, and other candidates who are exactly where you want to be, and those conversations can open doors that no amount of revision will. 

But there's a real cost to weigh up. Tickets aren't cheap, travel and a night away add up fast, and walking into a room full of strangers on your own can feel intimidating enough to put you off going at all. This post breaks down what you actually get for the money, what to watch out for, and how to decide whether a conference earns a place in your schedule before exam day.

## The Cost

Legal conferences vary a lot in price. Plenty of online events, including some Junior Lawyers Division and university law society sessions, are free. In person events tend to run up to around £200 (or more) for a full day. Add travel if it's in London and you're not, plus a hotel if it runs across two days, and the all in figure climbs fast. For a candidate funding their own SQE prep, that's a real trade off against course materials, a mock exam, or simply the rent.

If you can attend something local, or something your university or a sponsoring firm covers, the maths changes completely.

## The Good

So why pay to spend a day in a conference hall when you could be revising?

Studying for the SQE is isolating. Most candidates revise alone, often around a job, and the only other people who understand the slog are scattered across the country. The right conference puts you in a room with people who are exactly where you want to be. The value sits in those hallway conversations. Not the panels, the people.

There's also the practical upside. Training contract conversations happen face to face. Recruiters remember someone they met over coffee far better than another name in an inbox. And the connections you can't plan for, the ones that lead to a mentor or a referral, can happen if you're in the room.

## The Harder Truth

Going alone is daunting. If you walk in knowing nobody, starting conversations with strangers can feel awkward enough to keep you by the coffee station all day. The fix is having one or two people to anchor to. Message someone beforehand, agree to meet, and the rest gets easier from there.

There's a quieter fear too. Many candidates worry they're too junior to be worth anyone's time. Some people will indeed only engage once they hear an impressive title. Most people are very friendly. The far more common questions are simply what you do and where you're heading, and your honest answer to those is enough.

## Match The Event To Your Goal

The honest answer comes down to what you're trying to gain. If you want a recruiter to put a face to your name, a careers focused conference is worth considering the ticket. If you want to understand what commercial practice actually looks like day to day, a sector event will teach you more than any panel. Get specific about the one thing you want to walk away with, then pick the format that delivers it. A conference is only ever worth it when it matches the goal, not when it simply fills a Saturday.

And conferences aren't the only way into the room. Some of the most useful conversations I've had happened around a dinner table, not in a conference hall. Smaller gatherings strip away the parts that put candidates off: no cold start, no working out who's worth approaching. Just a handful of people in the same field talking properly. It's the reason I started hosting intimate dinners for a mix of candidates, solicitors, and recruiters, and why I keep a seat open for SQE candidates who want to be in those conversations early. If that sounds more your speed than a hall of a thousand strangers, it might be the better first step.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/06/SQEDinner_2025.JPG)

Dinner in 2025

## So Are Conferences Worth The Investment While Studying For The SQE?

If your goal is purely to learn the law, conferences are probably not the best use of your budget. Your study materials and mocks will teach you more, pound for pound.

But if you're after anything beyond the syllabus, meeting people, finding a mentor, getting on a recruiter's radar, then a well chosen conference can earn its place. Do your research first, pick one that fits where you're trying to go, and treat it as an investment in the career, not the exam.
### Thinking About An SQE Course?
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/thinking-about-an-sqe-course/
Last updated: 2026-06-14T11:08:09.000Z
The [SRA training provider list](https://www.sra.org.uk/become-solicitor/sqe/sqe-training-options/sqe-training-courses/?exam=&deliveryMode=&price=&ref=pradipkhakhar.com) has over 100 entries. Every provider claims to prepare you for the SQE. Most look identical at first glance. If you are trying to figure out which course to pick, the volume of options alone can stop you from making any decision at all.

That paralysis is costly. Some candidates go with whatever feels familiar. Others pick whoever ranks first on Google. Neither is a strategy. And a course that does not match how you actually learn can cost you thousands of pounds and months of preparation time, without getting you any closer to passing.

Here is what to actually look at before you commit.

**Content format.** Does the course deliver content in multiple ways, video, written materials, bite size sessions? Your schedule is tight. A course that only works if you can attend live sessions on fixed days may not survive contact with real life.

**How understanding is built.** The SQE is not a memorisation exam. Look for courses that give you space to discuss, apply, and test what you have learned, not just consume it.

**Practice questions with explanations.** Access to practice questions is table stakes. What separates good providers is the quality of the answer explanations. Knowing you got something wrong is not enough. You need to understand why.

**Access to someone who can help.** Law has nuance. You will hit questions a video lecture cannot resolve. Does the course give you access to a tutor or coach you can actually talk to, or is it a ticket system where follow up is difficult?

**Community.** Studying with others helps. But a community that is poorly structured becomes noise. Ask what the community is actually designed to do before you treat it as a selling point.

No [course](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/how-to-pick-an-sqe-course/) is perfect for everyone. The right one is the one that fits how you learn and what you need to get through the exam.
### Why SQE Confidence Comes From Doing
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/why-sqe-confidence-comes-from-doing/
Last updated: 2026-06-07T11:00:21.000Z
A common instinct when preparing for the SQE is to wait until you feel confident before doing the hard things. That instinct is understandable. It is also backwards. SQE confidence comes from doing, not waiting, and the research behind that is worth understanding.

## 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭

Psychologist [Albert Bandura](https://www.simplypsychology.org/self-efficacy.html?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) spent decades studying what actually produces confidence. His conclusion was that the strongest driver is what he called mastery experiences: moments where you attempt something, complete it, and register that you did. Not someone telling you that you can do it. Not reading about how others did it. Doing it yourself, repeatedly, and building evidence that you are capable.

Self-efficacy, as Bandura defined it, is domain-specific. You might feel confident in one area and completely uncertain in another. That specificity matters because confidence in legal practice is not built by general positive thinking. It is built by doing legal things repeatedly until the unfamiliar becomes familiar.

Repetition trains the brain to replace fear with familiarity. The uncomfortable moments are not signs that you are failing. They are signs you are in the territory where learning is actually happening.

## 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐐𝐄 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬

The SQE is not testing whether you feel confident. It is testing whether you have done the reps.

That means doing [MCQ](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/common-sqe-1-mcq-traps/)s before you feel ready. Getting answers wrong, understanding why, and going again. It means attempting a client scenario before you feel capable, because the act of attempting it is exactly how you get closer to being capable.

Designer Debbie Millman puts it plainly: "[Confidence is the successful repetition of any endeavour](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/confidence-comes-from-repetition-bec-evans/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)." You cannot wait for it. You build it through the work.

Preparation built on self-testing tends to outperform passive study. Every question answered under timed conditions is a small act of proof. Over enough repetitions, that proof becomes something you trust.

Start before you are ready.

## 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬

- Confidence is built through repeated action, not through waiting to feel ready. Bandura's research shows that mastery experiences are the strongest driver of self-belief.
- Domain-specific practice matters. Confidence in legal work comes from doing legal things repeatedly, not from general motivation or positive thinking.
- Every practice question you attempt under exam conditions is evidence. That evidence accumulates into the confidence you are looking for.
### How to Use AI: When to Lead, When to Check, and When to Let Go
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/how-to-use-ai-when-to-lead-when-to-check-and-when-to-let-go/
Last updated: 2026-05-30T21:11:03.000Z
How to use AI: when to lead, when to check, and when to let go is a question most aspiring solicitors are now sitting with. The problem is that most of the answers are either uncritical enthusiasm or blanket warnings. Neither is useful. 

What actually helps is a clearer framework for where AI belongs in your work and where it does not. This guide covers exactly that: how to use AI in a way that protects your judgement and your professional reputation.

## **Tasks That Must Stay With You**

Some decisions carry consequences that require professional accountability. Legal advice to a client, judgement calls on risk, signing off on a document that will bind someone in law. AI can inform those moments but it cannot own them. If something goes wrong and the answer is "the AI told me so", that is not a defence. Your name is on the work. The judgement stays yours.

## **Tasks Worth Doing Together**

This is where AI earns its place. First draft of a research memo, summarising a long document, generating a list of questions you had not thought to ask. Use it to move faster through the groundwork, then read the output with the same critical eye you would apply to work from a junior colleague. Verify the cases. Check the logic. Confirm the facts. The output is a starting point, not a conclusion.

## **Tasks You Can Hand Off Entirely**

Formatting, scheduling, converting a document, organising notes from a meeting. Low stakes, repeatable, no legal consequence if a detail is slightly off. These are the tasks worth automating without hesitation. Every hour you recover here is an hour available for the work that actually requires you.

The question worth asking about any task is not whether AI can do it. It is whether you are comfortable with what happens if it gets it wrong.

## Summary

1. Tasks that must stay with you: Legal advice to a client, judgement calls on risk, signing off on a document that will bind someone in law.
2. Tasks worth doing together: First draft of a research memo, summarising a long document, generating a list of questions you had not thought to ask
3. Tasks you can hand of entirely

## Quick note for email subscribers

From Saturday 6th June, the newsletter will be moving to a new home. My name is Pradip Khakhar. When I started building my online presence, I used PradipCloud because my surname felt like a barrier. It served its purpose. But as AI and search continue to change how people find information and who they trust, I decided it was time to build under my real name.

The new domain is PradipKhakhar.com and emails will now come from hello\[at\] my new domain.

Everything else stays exactly as it is. You will not notice any difference in the newsletter itself since all the changes are on the back end (including moving from Wordpress to Ghost).

 Two small things worth doing before 6th June: add hello\[at\] my new domain to your whitelist so the newsletter continues landing in your inbox, and check your spam folder in the first couple of weeks just in case. If you have saved any links to PradipCloud.com, please update those to [PradipKhakhar.com](https://pradipkhakhar.com/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com).
### SQE 1 Update: SRA Rationales vs. The Law Society Toolkit
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-1-update-sra-rationales-vs-the-law-society-toolkit/
Last updated: 2026-06-04T14:29:26.000Z
SQE 1 Update: SRA Rationales vs. The Law Society Toolkit. SRA confirms no new questions for 2026\. Learn how to use these two in your prep.

The SRA confirmed on 22 May 2026 that no new SQE 1 sample questions will be released this year. Instead, candidates are getting rationale on the existing 220 questions late in 2026.

At the same time the Law Society has released a new digital toolkit. With the aim to identify single best answer questions, filling the same gap candidates have flagged for years.

## SQE 1 Update

### What the SRA is publishing and when

Toward the end of 2026, the SRA will publish the rationale for the correct options in the existing [SQE](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-is-robust-but/) 1 sample materials. This is the first time stakeholders will get an official rationale alongside each sample question, rather than reverse engineering it themselves or relying entirely on prep provider commentary. The SRA explicitly cites further feedback from stakeholders as the reason for the shift.

### Why this matters for your prep

For three years running, new sample questions have dropped at the end of the calendar year. This year, redirect that energy. Use the rationale to review your reasoning on the 220 sample questions already published, even when you got the answer right. Most marks are lost on the wrong answer reasoning, where you eliminated an option for the wrong cause and got lucky.

### What the law society toolkit adds

The Law Society's new SQE 1 Toolkit fills a similar gap, available now. You get detailed rationale from subject specialists on why the correct option is the single best answer, alongside training on time management and exam day technique. The toolkit also covers stress management and revision planning. It is online and instant access, which suits candidates who want structure without committing to a full prep course.

### How to use both together

If you sit in January 2027, the Law Society toolkit is what you have right now. Use it to build the habit of asking why each option is right or wrong, not just which one to pick. When the SRA's official rationale lands at year end, treat it as your benchmark. Compare your reasoning against the regulator's logic, and use the toolkit's explanations as a second perspective.

### Links: SQE 1 Update

1. SRA May 22, 2026 [news release](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/news-item/2026/05/22/further-sqe1-sample-question-guidance-to-be-released?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
2. SRA SQE 1 Sample [questions](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/assessments/sqe1-assessments/sqe1-sample-questions?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
3. [Law Society](https://learn.lawsociety.org.uk/product/sqe1-toolkit-how-to-identify-single-best-answer-questions-with-confidence/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) SQE 1 tool kit
### why emotional intelligence Makes Clients Ask for you by Name
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/why-emotional-intelligence-makes-clients-ask-for-you-by-name/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:21.000Z
You can leave a client meeting having said all the right things legally and still lose the room. The client felt unheard. The conversation felt transactional. Nothing you said was wrong, but something was missing. That something is what separates the lawyers clients forget from the ones they call back.

## why emotional intelligence Makes Clients ask for you by name

### It is not about being Nicer

The lawyers who get requested most in their firms are not necessarily the most technically brilliant ones. They are the ones who can read a client's mood mid conversation and respond thoughtfully when that client is frightened or angry about what comes next. Emotional intelligence in practice means noticing what is not being said, not just what is. A client who feels genuinely understood is more patient when a matter hits a snag. They remember how you made them feel long after they have forgotten what you told them.

### How to build it before you qualify

You do not need clients to practise this. Start with the people around you now.

Before you reply in any conversation where someone seems stressed, pause and ask yourself what they might be feeling, not just what they are saying. On calls, try opening with "What is most important to you today?" then stop talking. On emails, read your draft out loud before sending. If it sounds cold or rushed, rewrite it before you hit send.

One specific technique worth trying now: when someone is clearly frustrated, name it. Say "I can hear this has been stressful." It is disarming in a way that a well structured legal argument never is. It also signals that you are paying attention to the person, not just the problem.

### Why Firms notice

Firms can train you in black letter law. What they cannot as easily teach is how to sit with an anxious client and bring clarity to a conversation that has gone sideways. That skill is rarer and it shows up quickly in how clients talk about you internally.

The best place to start is with genuine curiosity about how the other person is feeling. That one shift, practised consistently, will do more for your client relationships than most formal training will.

For a deeper look at where junior lawyers most commonly lose client trust in day to day communication, I have broken down [five of the most common mistakes](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/5-client-communication-mistakes-junior-lawyers-make/) junior lawyers make.

### Employers want workers with high EQs

A Harvard Gazette piece from August 2025, featuring Harvard Medical School psychologist Ron Siegel, draws on the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs report to make the case that several emotional intelligence skills, including motivation, self-awareness, empathy, and active listening, rank among the top 10 core competencies employers want.

Siegel breaks EQ into four components: self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills. His central argument is that technical expertise is relatively easy to find, but people who can manage their own emotions and work well with others are genuinely rare. With AI handling more interactions, he argues authentic human connection will only become more valuable, not less.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/harvard_eq.png)

Source: https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2025/08/what-is-emotional-intelligence-and-why-is-it-crucial-in-the-workplace/

Read the full Harvard Gazette piece [here](https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2025/08/what-is-emotional-intelligence-and-why-is-it-crucial-in-the-workplace/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com).

## The Be an adult section

This is general guidance, not advice tailored to your specific situation. There is no universal script for client conversations. Stay curious about how the other person is feeling and you will adapt in ways no framework will fully prepare you for.
### The Real cost of Qualifying through the SQE in 2026
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/the-real-cost-of-qualifying-through-the-sqe-in-2026/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:21.000Z
The real cost of qualifying through the SQE in 2026, from exam fees to prep courses to the hidden costs most candidates never plan for.

More than two in five SQE candidates said their work-life balance during study was quite or extremely difficult to manage. That is [42% of over 500](https://www.legalcheek.com/2026/01/stress-study-and-qwe-aspiring-lawyers-reveal-the-reality-of-the-sqe/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) respondents. The remaining majority described their balance as manageable.

## The Real Cost of Qualifying Through The SQE in 2026

### The Cost nobody talks about

Most of the conversation stops at fees and courses. Nobody tracks the income forgone during months of intense study. Candidates working full time alongside SQE prep are not just tired. They are absorbing a real financial cost in hours they cannot bill, shifts they cannot take, or career moves they have to delay. That cost does not appear on any invoice but it is very much real.

Qualifying through the SQE is not cheap. If you are self funding, the full picture needs to be planned for before you sit, not discovered halfway through.

### The Exam Fees

From September 2026, sitting both assessments costs £5,092\. SQE1 alone is £2,006\. SQE2 is £3,086\. These are the baseline figures before you have spent a pound on preparation.

### The Prep Course

A structured course with a major provider runs between £6,000 and £15,000\. Self study is possible but most candidates still pay for a question bank, workshops, or mocks on top of that. The [course ](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-self-study-or-with-a-course-provider/)market is not regulated for price, so what you pay varies enormously depending on provider and format.

### The Resit Risk

The [July 2025 SQE1 pass rate was 41%](https://www.sra.org.uk/news/news/sqe1-july-2025-results/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com). If you fail, you pay the full fee again. There is no partial credit, no discount for a second attempt. For self funders without a sponsored training contract, one failed sitting is not just demoralising. It can push back qualification by six months and cost thousands more.

## The be an adult section

Costs and fees change. Always verify current figures directly on the SRA website before making any financial decisions about your qualification route.
### 5 SRA Updates Every SQE Candidate Needs to Know
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/5-sra-updates-every-sqe-candidate-needs-to-know/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:30.000Z
Preparing for the SQE? Here are the 5 important SRA updates from 2026 covering pass rates, fee increases, and what is changing before you qualify.

## 5 SRA Updates Every SQE Candidate Needs to Know

### 1\. SQE1 January 2026 Results: 58% First-Time Pass Rate (Published: March 2026)

The January 2026 SQE1 sitting saw 7,863 candidates complete both parts. First-time candidates achieved a 58% pass rate, while the overall pass rate including resitters came in at 53%. That is a notable recovery from July 2025's record low of 41%. The gap between first-timers and resitters is significant and worth paying attention to. If you are preparing right now, treat your first attempt as your primary window.

Source: [https://www.sra.org.uk/news/news/jan-sqe1-26/](https://www.sra.org.uk/news/news/jan-sqe1-26/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)

### 2\. The SQE: Four Years On Report Reveals What Actually Predicts Performance (Published: January 2026)

This is the most strategically useful piece of research the SRA has published for candidates. Prior education and past academic achievement have the most impact on SQE performance, accounting for 22% of the variance at SQE1\. Ethnicity accounts for 8% of variance, while gender, age, disability, and socioeconomic background each account for less than 1%. On the diversity side, 35% of SQE candidates identified as Asian, Asian British, Black, or Black British, compared to 14.5% in the working population, and 38% came from less privileged backgrounds. Solicitor apprentices continue to outperform the wider cohort significantly.

Source: [https://www.sra.org.uk/news/news/press/sqe-four-years/](https://www.sra.org.uk/news/news/press/sqe-four-years/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)

### 3\. SQE Fees Are Rising Again from September 2026 (Published: April 2026)

From September 2026, SQE fees will rise to £2,006 for SQE1 and £3,086 for SQE2, totalling £5,092\. This is a 3.7% increase and marks the fourth fee rise since the SQE launched in 2021\. The SRA cited inflation and Welsh translation costs. If you can book before October 2026, you pay the lower 2025/26 rate.

Source: [https://www.legalcheek.com/2026/04/sra-announces-further-sqe-fees-increase/](https://www.legalcheek.com/2026/04/sra-announces-further-sqe-fees-increase/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)

### 4\. New SQE Course Comparison Tool Now Live (Published: February 2026)

A new SQE training and course finder is now available, allowing aspiring solicitors to filter by study mode, duration, and price, and compare providers side by side. Over 150 providers and 250 different training options are included. Given how confusing the prep market has been, this is a genuinely useful tool if you are still deciding how to prepare.

Source: [https://www.sra.org.uk/news/sqe-update/sqe-update-february-2026/](https://www.sra.org.uk/news/sqe-update/sqe-update-february-2026/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)

### 5\. Mandatory Ethics Discussion Requirements Under Consultation (Published: April 2026)

The SRA has published a consultation on potential new rules around solicitors' learning and development, including proposed mandatory ethics discussion requirements. The SRA is seeking views on whether additional requirements should be introduced to ensure aspiring solicitors understand ethics before admission. This is still a consultation so nothing is confirmed, but if it passes it will directly affect what is expected of you at the point of qualification.

Source: [https://www.sra.org.uk/news/sqe-update/sqe-update-april-2026/](https://www.sra.org.uk/news/sqe-update/sqe-update-april-2026/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)

## The Be an Adult Section

The information presented above is accurate at the time of writing (May 02, 2026), however, it is best to review the SRA’s website for the latest information.

## From SQE Journey

1. [SQE is Robust, but](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-is-robust-but/)
2. [Highlights from SRA webinar](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/highlights-from-sra-webinar/)
### SQE is robust, But
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-is-robust-but/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:30.000Z
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has published its suite of annual reports. On the fourth full year of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), released on 21 April 2026\. The overarching message is the SQE remains a robust. However, the SRA acknowledges that confidence in the qualification is not yet where it needs to be.

SRA Chief Executive Sarah Rapson noted these reports should reassure employers and candidates the SQE is a robust and rigorous assessment. Setting a high bar at the point of qualification is key to our mission to drive public trust in legal services.

## SQE is Robust, but... Highlights from 2024/2025 report

On candidate numbers and performance, 13,081 candidates sat one or more SQE1 assessments during the period. Pass rates remained modest, 56% in January 2025 (unchanged from 2024) and 41% in July 2025, slightly down from 44% the previous year.

SQE2 performance improved more notably, with the overall pass rate rising from 76% to 81%, partly attributed to fewer transitional candidates sitting SQE2 without completing SQE1\. Solicitor apprentices continued to perform strongly.

Candidates reported improved satisfaction with the booking process and reasonable adjustments year on year. 84% are satisfied with on the day administration. Though overall SQE1 satisfaction dipped slightly.

### Fee Increases from September 2026

The SRA confirmed new fees effective from October 2026 bookings:

- SQE1 will rise to £2,006 (up from £1,934)
- SQE2 to £3,086 (up from £2,974)

The increases reflect inflation and partial costs of Welsh language translation.

## SQE is Robust, but... Highlights from Independent reviewer 2025

The SQE Independent Reviewer's role is to provide external assurance the SQE assessments are fair, defensible, and command public confidence. In his 2025 report, Ricardo Lé concludes that the SQE is robust and performing well. However, also identifies several areas still requiring attention.

### What's working well

On site candidate support at SQE2 oral venues, located in Cardiff, Manchester, Birmingham and London, received strong praise. With candidates noting professional and informative interactions with staff. The reasonable adjustments process saw meaningful improvement in 2025\. Including a streamlined single application covering both SQE1 and SQE2, resulting in notably higher candidate satisfaction. Standard setting processes are described as fair and defensible. The introduction of scaled scores for SQE2 from January 2025 enables fairer comparison of results across sittings over time.

### Concerns

The most significant unresolved issue is the absence of a spell

check function in SQE2 written assessments. Lé reiterates his recommendation that this be treated as urgent. Noting that without it, the assessment does not accurately replicate a real working environment for a day one solicitor. Testing on a browser based platform with spell

check capability is underway, with implementation potentially before the end of 2026.

### Go Forward recommendations

Lé makes four forward looking recommendations:

1. Prioritise the spell check rollout
2. Maintain the quality of online marking and calibration sessions as candidate numbers grow in 2026
3. Monitor the impact of the newly introduced assessor performance reports
4. Improve assessment literacy among candidates, helping them better understand why the SQE is designed the way it is.

## The be an adult section

This post is *my* summary of the reports. The reports cover additional topics worth exploring. Read them in full using the below links.

1. [SRA New Release](https://www.sra.org.uk/news/news/press/sqe-2026/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com), The SRA confirms SQE is robust and improving
2. SRA Solicitors Qualifying Examination Annual Report 2024/25, [21 April, 2026](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/docs/default-source/pdfs/reports/sqe-annual-report-2025.pdf?sfvrsn=54e2543f%5F1&ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
3. SRA SQE Independent Reviewer Annual Report 2025, by [Ricardo Lé, SQE Independent Reviewer](https://www.sra.org.uk/sra/research-publications/sqe-independent-25/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) 21, April 2026
### Studying Smarter This Summer
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/studying-smarter-this-summer/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:31.000Z
Studying Smarter This Summer starts with the right strategy. Learn to manage time, & energy, especially when life gets busy.

Summer brings longer days, but somehow less time. Between family commitments, birthday celebrations, and the occasional BBQ, your study schedule can quickly unravel. If you're preparing for the SQE, you already know the material is extensive, and the pressure is real.

But here's the mindset shift you need: **[purpose has to be bigger than the pain](https://youtu.be/3zDt-QeJIw4?si=gG4E%5F5d6hDC%5FBvFP&ref=pradipkhakhar.com).**

When the discomfort of turning down a social invitation or waking up early feels overwhelming, reconnect with *why* you started. That clarity is your anchor.

## Studying smarter this summer

You don't need five hour study blocks to make meaningful progress. Research consistently shows that **spaced repetition and active recall** outperform passive reading every time.

**Active recall and spaced repetition are two of the most evidence-backed study techniques available.** Instead of passively re-reading notes, active recall forces your brain to retrieve information, through practice questions, self-testing, or closing your notes and writing down everything you remember. This struggle to retrieve is exactly what strengthens long-term memory. Spaced repetition builds on this by revisiting material at strategically increasing intervals, so rather than cramming a topic once, you return to it just as you're about to forget it. For SQE candidates working through the Functioning Legal Knowledge areas, combining both techniques means you're not just recognizing the law, you're genuinely retaining it under exam conditions.

Here's how to apply that this summer:

- **Micro-sessions work.** 25–30 minutes of focused revision using the Pomodoro Technique beats an unfocused afternoon. Use commutes, lunch breaks, and waiting times.
- **Active recall over re-reading.** Test yourself on FLK topics rather than simply highlighting notes.
- **Prioritize weak areas first.** Use your practice results to target gaps, not comfort zones.
- **Temptation bundling.** Pair studying with something you enjoy, revise at your favorite café, or listen to SQE podcasts on a summer walk.
- **Protect one consistent slot daily.** Even 45 minutes at the same time each day builds unstoppable momentum.

Everyone learns differently find how you [study](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/learn-how-to-study/) best.

## Protect the Bigger Picture

Missing one BBQ won't derail your summer. Missing consistent study *will* affect your results. Be selective, not absent, socialize intentionally and study purposefully.

The SQE is temporary. The qualification is permanent.

Stay consistent, stay connected to your purpose, and the summer won't beat you, you'll beat it.
### 5 Client Communication Mistakes Junior Lawyers Make
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/5-client-communication-mistakes-junior-lawyers-make/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:31.000Z
5 Client Communication Mistakes Junior Lawyers Make. Passing the SQE gets you through the door, how you communicate with clients determines whether you stay.

This week we're looking at something that will matter just as much once you qualify, how to communicate with clients, in no particular order.

## 5 client communication mistakes junior lawyers make

### 1\. using legal jargon without Realizing it

You've spent months studying. Words like "indemnity", "lien", and "without prejudice" are second nature to you now. They are not to your client.

When clients don't understand what you're saying, most won't tell you. They'll nod, leave the meeting confused, and lose confidence in you.

**What to do instead:** Before sending any written communication or ending any call, ask yourself: would someone with no legal background understand this? If not, rewrite it. Plain English is not dumbing down, it's a skill.

### 2\. Over promising on timelines

Junior lawyers often want to be helpful. So when a client asks "when will this be done?", the instinct is to give an optimistic answer.

The problem is that you don't control everything. Other fee earners, court deadlines, third parties, all of these can delay matters. When you over promise and under deliver, you damage trust.

**What to do instead:** Build in a buffer. If you think something will take three days, tell the client five. If you deliver early, you look competent. If something does delay, you have breathing room to manage expectations before it becomes a problem.

### 3\. Going silent when things go wrong

This is one of the most damaging mistakes a junior lawyer can make. When a matter hits a complication, a delay, an unexpected development, a mistake, the temptation is to wait until you have a full answer before contacting the client.

Clients experience that silence as neglect.

**What to do instead:** Contact the client early, even if you don't have all the answers yet. A short message saying "I wanted to update you, there's a development on your matter and I'm looking into it. I'll be back to you by \[specific time\]" does two things. It shows the client they are not forgotten. And it buys you the time you need to get the full picture.

### 4\. Copying supervisors Without context

Early in your career, you will often need to escalate matters to a supervisor or copy them into correspondence. Where junior lawyers go wrong is doing this without explaining why, or forwarding a long email chain with no summary.

Your supervisor is busy. Your client is copied in and watching.

**What to do instead:** When escalating, lead with a brief summary. What is the matter? What's the issue? What do you need? Two or three sentences at the top of the email saves everyone time and makes you look like someone who is on top of things.

### 5\. Forgetting that tone matters in writing

Emails feel informal. That informality can creep into your writing without you noticing, short replies, no greeting, language that reads as curt or dismissive.

Clients read tone into everything, especially when they're anxious about their matter.

***What to do instead:*** Read your emails back before sending them. Not for errors, for tone. Does this email sound like it was written by someone who cares about this client's situation? If not, adjust it. It takes thirty seconds and it makes a difference. Copy the email into AI and ask AI to write it in a friendly, professional, and assertive tone and review the results. Please check your company AI policy before using AI.

## The bottom line

Client communication is a skill. It doesn't come automatically with qualification, and it isn't taught explicitly in most SQE courses.

The junior lawyers who build strong reputations early are rarely the ones who know the most law. They are the ones clients trust, and trust is built through consistent, clear, and considerate communication.

Start practicing now, before you qualify. It's easier to build good [habits](https://www.clio.com/blog/law-firm-client-communication/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) early than to unlearn bad ones later.

## The Be an adult section

Remember your client situation is unique, don't just copy and paste a template you've found online or in my newsletter [SQE Journey](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/content/files/2026/05/sqe-journey.html). Evaluate your specific situation and make a call based on your objectives and what is best for your client.
### Transferrable Skills with Amit Kapoor
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/transferrable-skills-with-amit-kapoor/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:32.000Z
Transferrable Skills with Amit Kapoor. [Amit](https://www.linkedin.com/in/amitkap/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) explains how he draws on his IT background and applies those skills in his work as a solicitor.

![Journey to law with Amit Kapoor](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/amit_kapoor_image.png)

## Transferrable Skills with Amit Kapoor

### Question 1

**Did your engineering / IT background influence how you approach legal problems or contract drafting?**

Yes, particularly in how I think about structure and inter-dependence. In engineering and software, you learn quickly that one line of code can change the behaviour of an entire system. I approach contracts the same way: clauses don’t exist in isolation, they interact. I tend to triangulate provisions across a contract to make sure they are logically coherent and actually produce the commercial outcome the parties intend. That systems level thinking comes directly from my technical background.

### Question 2

**Looking back: is there anything from your IT career that you now see as a potential disadvantage when practising law? (if yes, how did you adapt)**

The biggest challenge wasn’t technical, it was cultural. In most industries, progression is defined by hierarchy and role. In law, I had to re-orient myself around something else: value. I moved from building software for clients to advising them on their rights and risks much further upstream in the value chain. That shift took conscious unlearning & keeping on my path despite stereotypical views of what progression in that career ought to look like.

### Question 3

**For someone coming from a non law background, what are the “hidden” soft skills or less-obvious strengths they have that law firms may undervalue but actually pay off later?**

Commercial empathy. People don’t come to lawyers with “legal problems”. They come with business, career, or personal problems that happen to have a legal dimension. Coming from outside law, I’m often quicker to uncover what actually matters to the client. When clients feel truly understood, they trust the advice and that’s where effective lawyering really begins.

### Question 4

**As someone who has lived through major technological shifts in IT and now in law, what do you believe will be the “non-negotiable” skills for solicitors in the next 5 or 10 years?**

Adaptability. Every generation of technology builds on the last. Lawyers who opt out of today’s tools, especially [AI](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/should-you-use-ai-to-study-for-the-sqe/), aren’t standing still, they’re falling behind. The future isn’t about replacing judgment with machines; it’s about lawyers who know how to use new tools intelligently to think faster, see more, and advise better.

### Question 5

**What’s one belief about the legal profession that you held before you started your training, which turned out to be completely wrong?**

I thought legal careers were driven primarily by visible merit that outstanding work would naturally attract opportunity. In reality, the system is designed more around consistency and throughput: delivering large volumes of competent work.
### highlights from SRA webinar
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/highlights-from-sra-webinar/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:33.000Z
This past week the SRA held two webinars. Below are highlights from SRA webinar, aimed at understanding the SQE and supporting aspiring solicitors.

## Webinar 1: Understanding the SQE

### SQE Data Insights and Performance Analysis

- **Rich Data Set**: SQE collects extensive data on candidate registration, exam performance, individual questions, and examiner marking consistency.
- **Psychometric Team**: A specialist in-house team of psychometricians and data analysts ensures ongoing quality assurance, supported by an independent psychometrician appointed by SRA.
- **Socioeconomic Background Findings**: Candidates are categorized into seven socioeconomic groups based on education and parental background. **38% of candidates come from the three least privileged groups**, illustrating diverse access.
- **Disability and Neurodivergence**: Candidates identifying as disabled perform on par with non-disabled peers. Neurodivergent candidates who requested reasonable adjustments (RAs) performed slightly above average, indicating no disadvantage in the exam.

### Solicitor Apprenticeships

- Over 800 apprentices have passed the SQE.
- Apprentices have high pass rates: 71% (SQE1) and 93% (SQE2), outperforming non-apprentices.
- They come from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, with strong representation from less privileged groups, and are more likely to be female and white compared to non-apprentices.

### Publication of Results by Provider

- SRA plans to publish pass rates by training provider but has paused due to data quality issues.
- A more sophisticated modeling approach is underway to improve transparency and candidate support.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/sqe-facts-and-stats.png)

Screen Shot taken from SRA webinar (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWeooDh7PAI)

Highly suggest viewing the design principles for SQE 1 and SQE 2 with Tim Maddison \[Link to webinar below\].

### Presenters and topics

- SQE facts and stats - Julie Swan, Director of Education and Training, SRA (Chair)
- A deeper drive into the SQE data - Richard Hankins, Quality and Standards Director, Kaplan Assessments
- Design Principles for SQE1 and SQE2 - Tim Maddison, Legal Academic Director, Kaplan SQE
- SQE evaluation - Beverley Rizzotto, Policy Manager, SRA

## Webinar 2: Supporting aspiring Solicitors

This webinar discusses the SQE route to qualification, focusing on the evolving training market. Transitional arrangements from the previous Legal Practice Course (LPC) route. The role of QWE, and solicitor apprenticeships as a flexible route into the legal profession.

### SQE Training Market

- **Purpose of SQE:** Introduced in 2021 to remove artificial barriers in solicitor qualification, promoting **diversity and flexibility** by replacing the expensive and restrictive LPC route.
- **Training Providers:** Over 150 providers offer more than 250 different SQE preparation courses for SQE1, SQE2, and combined pathways.
- **Course Diversity:** Price ranges from free to approximately £10,000\. Varied study lengths, modes (remote, face-to-face, hybrid), and learner-centered pacing.
- **Candidate Behavior:** Some use multiple providers for different stages. Others combine formal training with independent study or mock exams.
- **Challenges:** The vast choice can overwhelm candidates in selecting suitable courses.
- **Support Tools:** The SQE Training and Course Finder Tool (launched February) allows filtering by cost, duration, delivery method, and provider info. Additional resources on funding, consumer rights, and provider viability are available on the SRA website.
- **Candidate Performance Data:** SRA is exploring publishing performance data by provider but emphasizes careful contextualization to prevent unintended consequences and protect market diversity.
- **No Regulation of Training Market:** To encourage innovation and accommodate diverse study preferences, SRA does **not regulate** training providers for consistency, allowing for varied delivery models.

### Presenters and topics

- Introduction - Julie Swan, Director of Education and Training, SRA (Chair)
- The SQE training market - Richard Williams, Policy Manager, SRA
- LPC route and transitional arrangements - Julie Swan, Director of Education and Training, SRA (Chair)
- QWE - Myth busting - Richard Williams, Policy Manager, SRA
- Apprenticeships in practice - Kerry Gilbert, Careers Manager - Apprenticeships TLT LLP

## The be an adult section

This post is *my* summary of the two webinars. Other topics were covered as seen in the presenters and topics section. I suggest you view the webinars if this is a topic of interest to you.

- Webinar 1: [Understanding the SQE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWeooDh7PAI&ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
- Webinar 2: [Supporting Aspiring Solicitors](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjkiADFBtxA&ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
- SRA webinar page: SQE - [what we know, what we're doing and what's next](https://www.sra.org.uk/news/events/on-demand-events/sqe-next/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
- SQE Journey: [Top Resources for Aspiring Solicitors](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/top-resources-for-aspiring-solicitors/)
### Qualified with Aishwarya Luthra
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/qualified-with-aishwarya-luthra/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:33.000Z
Qualified with Aishwarya Luthra. In this 5-question interview, Aishwarya shares how she passed SQE 1 and qualified as a solicitor, with practical advice for aspiring solicitors.

Recently SQE Journey subscriber, Aishwarya Luthra posted she "officially passed the SQE 1 and secured an SQE 2 exemption! This means I’ve finished my assessments to qualify as a Solicitor of England and Wales". Aishwarya is already qualified in India and has earned an LL.B, and two LL.M.s.

This week Aishwarya shares her SQE Journey!

## Qualified with Aishwarya Luthra

### Question 1

**When you first decided to pursue qualification through the SQE route, what felt most uncertain or confusing, and how did you work through it?**

One of the most uncertain aspects of preparing for the SQE was the absence of past exam papers or any meaningful precedent. Unlike most professional exams, there was no historic roadmap to follow. At times, it genuinely felt as though both students and course providers were navigating uncharted territory together, which could be slightly unnerving.

Despite putting in consistent effort, there were moments when it felt like nothing was ever quite enough. I even caught myself feeling guilty for doing normal things like taking a day off or watching a show on Netflix, as if the exam might somehow “know” I had relaxed for two hours.

Eventually, I reached an important realisation, with an exam like the SQE, you may never feel completely “ready.” Once I accepted that, things became slightly better, not much, but something is always better than nothing. Instead of chasing the illusion of perfect preparation, I focused on steadily building knowledge and covering my bases by completing as many questions as possible so that, at the end of the day, I could feel I had done all I reasonably could.

### Question 2

**Looking back at your SQE 1 preparation, what study habits or strategies made the biggest difference for you?**

My preparation involved a fair amount of trial and error, but one strategy that made a significant difference was committing to practice questions every single day. I set myself a target of around 100 multiple choice questions daily and maintained an error log.

The error log became my most valuable tool. It allowed me not only to understand why I got a question wrong, but also why the other options were incorrect. Over time, it became a personal database of lessons learned.

I also relied heavily on spaced repetition, revisiting questions attempted weeks earlier to ensure I wasn’t repeating the same mistakes. Interestingly, this approach produced a noticeable improvement my scores increased by roughly 10–12% during practice.

By the end of the process, MCQs had become less of a test and more of a daily ritual. I also completed questions from multiple sources, so that my brain wouldn’t get used to a single style of question. Shaking things up ensured I was prepared for every possible way a question could be asked on a particular topic.

This practice made a huge difference.

### Question 3

**If you could give one piece of advice to someone preparing for the next SQE 1 sitting, what would it be?**

My biggest piece of advice would be: don’t be too hard on yourself.

The SQE is demanding and can occasionally make even the most prepared candidates question their sanity. The key is to treat it as a marathon rather than a sprint. Consistency will always beat short bursts of overwork.

Give yourself credit for your effort, and don’t feel guilty about taking breaks, they are essential for maintaining focus and perspective.

The exam is challenging, but it is designed to help candidates qualify. The aim is to ensure people succeed in becoming solicitors, not to discourage them.

### Question 4

**What does qualifying as a solicitor mean to you personally?**

I am a first generation lawyer and the first person in my family to study abroad so qualifying as a solicitor represents the culmination of a goal a dream a vision I have pursued for many years.

From early in my legal career, I aspired to become a lawyer with international qualifications and exposure to different legal systems. Achieving that milestone feels incredibly rewarding because it reflects years of study, professional experience, persistence and resilience.

More than anything, it feels like a moment of quiet validation, proof that all the long hours, late nights, and occasional moments of doubt were ultimately worthwhile.

### Question 5

**What are some similarities and differences of practicing law in India vs. England & Wales?**

Having practiced as a lawyer in India since 2019, I would say the day to day experience in the two systems feels remarkably different.

Practice in England & Wales is highly structured and procedural. There is a strong emphasis on meticulous documentation, regulatory compliance, and careful case management. Litigation tends to follow a methodical rhythm, deadlines are precise, preparation is extensive, and written advocacy plays a significant role. The system operates with a level of predictability that practitioners come to rely on.

Litigation practice in India, on the other hand, is far more courtroom centric and dynamic. Oral advocacy takes centre stage, and hearings often involve active engagement between the bench and counsel. Lawyers must think on their feet, respond to judicial questions instantly, and adapt their arguments as discussions evolve. It can feel less scripted and far more conversational.

Another major difference is the scale at which the Indian legal system operates. Courts handle an enormous volume of cases, which means lawyers quickly develop the ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously and build courtroom advocacy skills very early in their careers.

Both systems are fascinating in their own way. England & Wales offers a highly organised and meticulously regulated environment, while India’s system reflects a vibrant culture of advocacy and courtroom engagement.

Having experienced both jurisdictions has been incredibly valuable because it has taught me that the practice of law is not defined by a single method. The same legal principles can come to life through very different styles of advocacy, procedure, and problem solving.

### In closing

Thank you Aishwarya for your sharing your [SQE Journey](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/content/files/2026/05/sqe-journey-1.html) with us. Congrats on passing SQE 1 and qualifying as a solicitor. Feel free to congratulate Aishwarya [here](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/aishwarya-luthra%5Fsqeresults-sqe1-sqe2-activity-7437527849181310976-FVkJ?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fdesktop&rcm=ACoAAAQtZxgBhv3Ir%5FcpjIS61x6y%5FdZTKkb5gO4).
### Losing trust in a Instant
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/losing-trust-in-a-instant/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:34.000Z
Building trust can take years to build, however, one act of broken confidence can lead to losing trust in an instant. Trust is everything.

Recently I spoke to a friend who told me an interesting story. For months, my friend and their business partner steadily built a strong, collaborative working relationship. One grounded in trust, open communication, and shared goals.

The business partner cracked that foundation abruptly one afternoon when my friend caught them in a lie they knew was untrue. In that moment, the trust my friend had invested disappeared. It wasn't the first lie either.

After working side by side toward common objectives, discovering that the partner chose to prioritize their own agenda over honesty and collaboration fundamentally shifted the dynamic.

The deliberate lies showed that they did not value the partnership equally, making my friend question the integrity of the relationship moving forward.

## Losing trust in a instant: 3 lessons

3 lessons to take from this, especially for anyone early in their legal career, is simple:

1\. Be consistent, not impressive. Big gestures don't build trust. Reliable, quiet consistency does.

2\. Guard confidences fiercely. In law, information is everything. How you handle what someone tells you privately defines your reputation.

3\. Own your mistakes early. Trying to hide a problem almost always makes it worse. Raising your hand early is uncomfortable but trust-building.

## Trust takes time

Trust takes time. It grows slowly through small actions, shared goals, and consistent behavior. When we work with someone day after day, we start to believe in their intentions. We assume they value the relationship as much as we do. That belief becomes the foundation for collaboration. It becomes the quiet engine that keeps progress moving.

But trust is fragile. It can break in a single moment.

One act of deception can undo months of steady work. A lie, even a small one, sends a clear message. It tells us that the other person values their own agenda more than honesty. It shows that the relationship is not equal. And once that realization hits, everything changes.

When trust breaks, it breaks fast. The shift is instant. The mind starts replaying past conversations. Doubt creeps in. Questions appear. *What else wasn’t true? What else was hidden?* The partnership that once felt strong now feels uncertain. The energy that once fueled collaboration turns into caution.

This is why trust matters so much in professional relationships. It is not just a “nice to have.” It is the core of effective teamwork. Without trust, communication becomes guarded. Decisions slow down. Creativity fades. People stop sharing ideas because they no longer feel safe doing so.

Building trust requires intention. It requires honesty, even when honesty is uncomfortable. It requires transparency, even when transparency slows things down. Most of all, it requires respect for the other person’s goals, time, and effort.

Losing trust, however, requires almost nothing. One careless choice. One self serving decision. One moment where integrity is pushed aside.

The lesson is simple but powerful: protect trust like it’s your most valuable asset. Because it is. Once broken, it rarely returns in the same form. And even when it does, the cracks remain.

In your SQE journey and in any professional path, trust will shape your progress more than skill alone. Build it with care. Guard it with intention. And never underestimate how quickly it can disappear.

## Additional Reading

[How to build trust](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/how-to-build-trust/)

[Ten Techniques To (Quickly) Build Trust With Anyone](https://fs.blog/building-trust/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
### SQE 1 booking window
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-1-booking-window/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:34.000Z
If you are planning to sit SQE 1, it is important to understand the SQE 1 booking window timelines and cancellation rules set out by the SRA. These details can have real financial consequences if your plans change after you secure a seat.

## SQE 1 Booking Window

The SRA typically offers SQE 1 twice per year. In January and July. The SRA has not yet announced the SQE 1 booking window for July 2026.

The SRA publishes assessment dates well in advance, and candidates must complete booking within a defined window. Seats are limited and generally allocated on a first come, first served basis.

One important rule to remember is that the SQE 1 booking window normally closes around five weeks before the start of the assessment window. If you miss this deadline, you will need to wait until the next sitting to register.

Because demand can be high, it is usually advisable to complete the booking process as soon as the [SQE](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/what-is-the-sqe-exam/) 1 booking window opens. Giving you the best chance of getting the test center location and dates within the testing period of your choice.

However, what happens if you later decide you no longer want to sit during the sitting?

In summary, the longer you leave it to cancel you potentially can lose the entire fee.

### 14 day cooling off period

After you book SQE 1 and receive confirmation, you benefit from a 14-day cooling-off period. During this period, you can cancel your booking and receive a full refund of your exam fee.

### SQE 1 Booking Window cancellation timelines

- More than four weeks prior to the first day of SQE 1 assessment window, a cancellation charge equal to 25% of the assessment fee applies.
- More than 96 hours prior to the scheduled assessment start time, a cancellation charge equal to 75% of the assessment fee applies.
- At or less than 96 hours prior to the scheduled assessment start time or in the event of non attendance, a cancellation charge equal to the assessment fee will apply.

### Plan Carefully Before Booking

These rules highlight why candidates need to think carefully before securing a seat. While the cooling off period offers flexibility, cancellation becomes increasingly costly as the exam approaches.

For anyone preparing for SQE 1, understanding these timelines is an important part of planning your study schedule and managing the financial risk associated with booking the exam.

## The be an adult section

The information presented above is accurate at the time of writing (March 07, 2026), however, it is best to review the SRA's page on [Assessment dates and booking windows](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/booking/assessment-dates-locations/booking-windows?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) and [Terms and Conditions for Assessments](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/policies/sqe-assessment-terms-and-conditions?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) for the latest information.
### 5 negotiation traps
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/5-negotiation-traps/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:35.000Z
We explore 5 negotiation traps, that are subtle but can prove to be a costly mistake that can derail your position before the real negotiation even begins. Whether you’re navigating client discussions, contract terms, or even your own career opportunities. These traps show up more often than we think.

## 1\. Reciprocity trap

Times Square, NYC is a popular tourist attraction. During the summer you generally see folks dressed up as popular children’s characters. One summer afternoon my son and I were exploring NYC. We went to the intrepid museum and my son wanted to check out Times Square.

We got to Times Square, my son saw someone dressed as Mario (the video game character).

Naturally, Mario was waving and being friendly and people were taking photos with him. My son asked if he could have his photo taken. I said sure. To set the scene this was parents taking out their phones and taking pictures. We waited for our turn and took the photo.

Then Mario approaches me and asks for money. I had already taken the photo, what was I going to do? I felt obligated to take out some money to give Mario.

This is an example of a reciprocity trap. It is designed to trigger a donation exceeding the value of a 5 second photo taken on my phone.

To be clear, I understand that is how they make some money. For me, it took me by surprise.

To bring this to a negotiation, beware of people who make small concessions. Then ask for a bigger concession in return.

Or beware of people who disclose little information and then ask you to disclose a lot more information.

## 2\. Good Cop Bad Cop

You may have experienced something like this in the past. An example of this can happen when going through a job application process.

- **Good Cop:** The business owner may say something along the lines of “officially I am not allowed to get into the salary aspect HR normally does that. However, we’d love to have you on board and will help fight for the salary you’ve asked for”. By saying this the business owner is attempting to get on your side and gain your trust.
- **Bad Cop:** The HR team member may counter by saying that unfortunately, we don’t have what you’re asking for in our budget we can only offer this much.

The role of the bad cop is to make an outrageous offer which generally anchors to the lower end of the salary offer.

The role of the good cop is to be on your side and have “internal discussions” to break down the bad cop to come up a little and then work with you to make that offer attractive.

Not saying this happens all the time or the characters involved have bad intent. The goal here is to distract you into a conversation between the business owner and HR while throwing you off your interests.

## 3\. The last minute issue

Just as you’re about to agree on something, the last minute issue is surfaced. Something so small that it doesn’t really need a discussion and you may be tempted to just give in and agree. This becomes a free trade for the other person.

To avoid this, simply say no or ask for something in return (this is where preparation comes into play. Which is a post for another day.)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/redd-francisco-ptrzqc_h1r4-unsplash.jpg)

Photo by [Redd Francisco](https://unsplash.com/@reddfrancisco?utm%5Fsource=unsplash&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/talking-people-sitting-beside-table-PTRzqc%5Fh1r4?utm%5Fsource=unsplash&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText)

## 4\. the school yard bully

During a negotiation you may come across someone who is over powering over bearing and you just cannot get a word in.

Yes, they still unfortunately exist. The key here is to remain calm and not get emotional or be intimidated.

## 5\. the alternative availability

Good negotiators will likely try to ask questions about your best alternative to a negotiated agreement (BATNA). If you have not prepared properly and done your research you may not know if an alternative exists.

Once I got to the second round interview for a position, I asked where the company was in their hiring, they responded they should be making an offer to the right candidate soon.

The choice of words “right candidate” set off an alarm so I decided to probe a little further by asking questions and I found out that the company had a #1 candidate choice (in their own words started the process before me) who they were planning to make an offer.

I was being interviewed to fill up the pipeline in case their first choice said no or did not meet the employment requirements.

## What to do if you fall into a negotiation trap

If you realize that you are falling into one of the above mentioned traps or in general feel that the [negotiation](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/why-learn-to-negotiate/) is not going in the direction you had hoped for, think about the following:

- **Staying quiet.** Don’t start pushing back or making accusations.
- **Focus on their interests.** Does this trap help them in their interests or this is a school yard bully tactic to try and break you down?
- **Do not start defending yourself or your interests.** At this stage do not let your guard down or become emotional.
- **Take a break.** Take a five and come back if you feel progress can be made or consider your walk away point.
### How to Build Trust
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/how-to-build-trust/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:35.000Z
How to build trust during your SQE and QWE journey?

There is a lot of research out there on how to build trust. The trusted advisor even has trust down to a formula, called the [trust equation](https://trustedadvisor.com/build-trust/trust-equation?ref=pradipkhakhar.com).

Before other people trust you, you need to trust others!

At [SQE Journey](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/%5F%5Ftrashed-2/) we talk a lot about pass rates, prep provider, SQE strategy and tips. However, above that sits something more fundamental. Trust!

Trust is what:

- Makes a supervisor comfortable delegating real work to you
- Turns a networking call into a friend
- Makes someone say, “I’d work with them again.”

It’s the real competitive advantage.

![How To Build Trust](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/who_do_you_trust.jpg)

## 4 elements to help build trust

### 1\. Be You, Be Real

People want to connect with people who are honest and fair. Become a trusted resource. The legal profession is full of tradition and hierarchy. It's tempting to sound more polished, (over) confident, more "lawyer like" than you feel. People trust consistency. Don't change tones depending on who you are speaking with. Authenticity builds predictability and predictability builds trust.

### 2\. Be active

Trust grows from visible effort. Respond timely to people, do the prep work. Small, repeated actions signal reliability and over time that reliability compounds.

Be teachable. You don't know everything and you are not always right.

### 3\. know your stuff

You don't need to know everything. However, when you speak, speak grounded. Preparation is a form of respect. It tells others you value their time and the responsibility they've given you. Depth of knowledge beats surface level confidence. Share your knowledge by teaching.

Understand:

- What problem are you solving?
- Who are you solving it for?
- Why should they work with you?

Be the person that people know that can get the job done.

### 4\. Communicate with Purpose

Clear beats clever. Structured beats scattered. Your job is to reduce confusion, not create it, every interaction, answer, email, or client note, be clear and concise.

Speak and write in language that your client understands. Communicate to help your client solve their problems. After all, the legal profession is a people business.

## TLDR

The SQE will test your knowledge. The legal profession will test your character. If you build trust deliberately, with supervisors, peers, and yourself. You stop chasing opportunities and opportunities will come to you.
### Graduate Careers with Hannah Salton
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/graduate-careers-with-hannah-salton/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:36.000Z
Graduate Careers with Hannah Salton provides actionable tips for aspiring solicitors navigating competitive legal roles.

**Build Confidence and Presence In Interview Scenarios**

For many, the hardest part of the SQE journey isn’t the exams, it’s breaking into the legal profession. Finding QWE or securing a training contract often feels opaque and discouraging. Roles are highly competitive, feedback is rare, and candidates are left guessing whether it’s their CV, experience, or interview performance holding them back.

The right career coach can be transformative. A good coach brings clarity to a confusing process, helps you position your experience in a way firms actually value, and gives you honest, tailored guidance on what to improve and where to focus, turning uncertainty into a structured, realistic path into the profession.

This week we are joined by Hannah Salton.

![SQE Journey](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/graduate-careers-with-hannah-salton-1.png)

Hannah Salton shares what really separates standout legal applications from the pile. From avoiding generic, AI flattened CVs to clearly articulating your USP and motivation, she breaks down what recruiters actually value, including commercial awareness, resilience, and confidence in interviews. If you’re applying for training contracts or early legal roles, this is practical, no fluff advice on how to stand out for the right reasons.

## Question 1

**What are the top three things you see most candidates getting wrong on their CVs when applying a role?**

In short: typos, lack of humanness, and lack of motivation or a clear USP.

Having worked in recruitment for eight years, I’ve seen a lot of job applications! The first and most basic issue is getting the fundamentals right, spelling, grammar, and even the firm name. You’d be surprised how often candidates copy and paste applications and submit them with the wrong name!

Nowadays, with AI tools, spelling mistakes are less common. However, what we’re increasingly seeing is AI flattening personality and removing a candidate’s unique selling points. The antidote to overly generic, AI driven applications is being more human. That means:

- Knowing yourself really well
- Clearly communicating your USP, and
- Understanding and articulating your genuine motivation for wanting to work for that firm and in that role.

All of these are incredibly important!

## Question 2

**What are the key transferable skills recruiters actually value (beyond academics)?**

Alongside the usual suspects, such as strong attention to detail, recruiters place a lot of value on commercial common sense. Closely linked to this is an entrepreneurial mindset. This could show up in many ways, for example setting up a side hustle, leading a society, or taking initiative in extracurricular activities.

Another increasingly important skill is an understanding of technology. This doesn’t mean you need to code, but having a general awareness of the opportunities, risks, and challenges associated with AI, and how it may impact the legal industry, is hugely valuable.

Finally, resilience matters. Legal careers can be demanding. This doesn’t mean you need to be perfect, but you need to demonstrate that you are able to learn from mistakes, take constructive feedback on board, and demonstrate good self awareness.

## Question 3

**Do you recommend applying to many firms broadly or focusing on a smaller, targeted list (and why)?**

As with most things, it’s about balance. Applying to only one or two firms is risky, but bulk applying everywhere is not effective either.

A focused target list works best. The firms don’t all need to be identical, you can apply to different types of firms, provided you’re crystal clear on your motivation for each one. Have a strategy, plan your applications carefully, and don’t rush them. Tailored applications that clearly communicate your USP and motivation are far more impactful than high-volume, generic submissions.

## Question 4

**What differentiates a “good” application from a “standout” application in the eyes of recruiters?**

[Humanness](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/people-skills-independent-thinking-is-an-advantage/), a clear USP, and well articulated motivation.

There’s no single “right” answer on how to answer motivation questions such as “why do you want to work at our firm?”. Trying to give a perfect or textbook response often makes your answer less convincing. The goal is to understand *your* motivation, so you avoid sounding scripted, or saying what you think recruiters want to hear.

A helpful way to approach these questions is to start by identifying two or three genuine, well considered reasons for your interest. Rather than listing everything, focus on what truly matters to you. For each reason, briefly introduce it at a high level (for example, culture, international reach, or type of work), then make it specific with a concrete example, and finally explain why it matters to you personally by linking it to your experience, values, or interests. This structure helps you stay focused, authentic, and memorable.

The level of detail will vary depending on the context, shorter for application forms or video interviews, and more in depth for face to face interviews. Whatever the format, the key is to research properly, reflect honestly, and practice speaking your answers aloud, showcasing your natural energy and enthusiasm. Aim to sound thoughtful and engaged, not scripted. Authentic, motivation, clearly articulated, will always come across more strongly than a scripted, generic answer.

## Question 5

**How can I build confidence and presence in interview scenarios, especially if I’m early in my legal career?**

A lack of confidence is really common! The good news is, confidence is a skill that you can develop through working on yourself. Push yourself outside your comfort zone through networking. Networking is essential for your career, even though it doesn’t come naturally to most people. The key is practice, showing up as yourself, and focusing on genuine conversations rather than showing off.

Confidence also comes from self awareness. The better you understand your strengths, values, weaknesses, and preferences, the more naturally confident and present you’ll appear in interviews.

## Where to find Hannah and learn more

If you’re early in your career and feeling a bit unsure about applications or next steps, Hannah’s book [Graduate Careers Uncovered](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Graduate-Careers-Uncovered-recruiter-demystify/dp/B0BCCYSNBJ/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) shares honest, practical insights from her time working in recruitment, without the jargon or hype.

You can also find more information about Hannah’s coaching work at [www.hannahsalton.co.uk](http://www.hannahsalton.co.uk/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)**.**

She regularly shares thoughts on careers, applications, and confidence-building [on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-salton-coaching/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com). If you do connect, a short personalised note always goes a long way.
### Is the SQE successful?
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/is-the-sqe-successful/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:36.000Z
Is the SQE successful? Four years of SRA data suggest it is broadly meeting its aims on standards and access, [despite ongoing challenges](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-issues/).

The SRA published its SRA corporate strategy 2023 through 2026 in November of 2023 which states:

- The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) will be widely recognised as a valid, reliable and fair assessment that ensures solicitors entering the profession meet the standards of competence required of them and opens up access to the profession to aspiring solicitors from every background.
- Deliver well functioning SQE assessments, including the SQE in Welsh, and analyse and publish statistical data and feedback about the SQE and its impacts.

![Is the SQE Successful?](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/srq-corp-strategy.png)

Source: https://news.sra.org.uk/globalassets/documents/sra/sra-corporate-strategy-2023-2026.pdf

## Is the SQE Successful: four years on

The SRA has published its four year review of the SQE, covering results from the first assessments held from November 2021 to July 2025\. This includes data from eight SQE 1 and twelve SQE 2 sittings. Over 30,000 candidates were assessed in 50 countries.

### Pass Rates and participation

For SQE 1, first time pass rates have ranged between 46% and 60%, with 66**%** of all candidates who have attempted passing overall (included candidates that sat multiple times).

For SQE 2 first time sitting pass rates ranged from 69% to 84%, with an overall pass rate of 85% for all attempts (included candidates that sat multiple times).

### Diversity & Background

Around 35% of candidates identify as Asian/ Asian British, Black/ Black British. 14% are from the lowest socio economic background. 63% are female and 35% were male. With 2% who selective "prefer not to say" or "other".

### Solicitor apprenticeships

More than 800 apprentices have passed the SQE with an overall pass rate of around 71% (SQE 1) and 93% (SQE 2) which is higher than the over pass rates mentioned above.

As an engineering apprentice, more money needs to be directed to apprenticeship schemes for individuals. But that is for another day.

### Interesting Insight

- Resitting candidates, those who fail their first attempt and choose to resit generally have lower pass rates than candidates sitting for the first. Typically, around 20% of those who resit SQE1 pass.

## Is the SQE Successful: conclusion

Success is relative on how you define it.

In closing, the data suggests the SQE can reasonably be described as successful in regulatory terms. It has established a single, consistent standard for qualification across all candidates. It has also assessed large numbers of candidates over multiple sittings while widening participation and attracting a diverse cohort.

At the same time, the data show that the SQE remains a demanding assessment with uneven outcomes across groups and sittings. This highlights the need for continued monitoring and improvement.

Taken together, the SQE has delivered meaningful change while still evolving.

## Read the full report from the SRA

- SRA News Release. [The SQE: Four Years On](https://www.sra.org.uk/sqe-four-years?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) Report [here](https://www.sra.org.uk/sra/research-publications/sqe-four-years-facts-figures/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com).
- [SRA corporate strategy 2023-2026](https://news.sra.org.uk/sra/corporate-strategy/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) with [easy read PDF](https://news.sra.org.uk/globalassets/documents/sra/sra-corporate-strategy-2023-2026.pdf?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
### SQE Exam day disruptions
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-exam-day-disruptions/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:37.000Z
SQE Exam day disruptions: What to expect if your exam is delayed or cancelled, including resits, refunds, and attempt rules.

Since the SQE was first introduced, you may have experienced SQE exam day disruptions. You are not alone. We previously outlined [SQE Issues](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-issues/).

Recently the SRA released guidelines of what you can expect if your assessment is disrupted. The SRA refers to this as an Assessment Delivery Disruption (ADD).

Kaplan SQE can declare an ADD in the event you experience:

- Technical failures
- Infrastructure failures
- Weather events

Kaplan SQE has up to 90 minutes to try and resolve the issue. Therefore, be prepared to potentially add an additional 90 minutes of time to your testing window.

In the event the issue cannot be resolved in 90 minutes the assessment will likely be cancelled. You will likely be given a rescheduled date within 2-3 days of the original date. Subject to test location availability. Hence, plan your schedule accordingly.

Your available options depend on if you started your assessment and which assessment you are sitting (SQE 1; FLK 1/FLK 2 or SQE 2).

Read the official notice from the SRA titled [What happens if your assessment is disrupted](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/assessments/assessment-days/assessment-delivery-disruptions?ref=pradipkhakhar.com).

This is a step in the right direction that helps with operational clarity. This approach:

- Reduces uncertainty when things go wrong operationally
- Give candidates clear information around, refunds, resits, and discounted attempts
- Signals the SRA recognizes exam day chaos is stressful and needs a formal, predictable response.

If you've taken the SQE or are studying for the SQE, what are your thoughts?
### People Skills & Independent thinking is an advantage
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/people-skills-independent-thinking-is-an-advantage/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:38.000Z
People skills & Independent thinking is an advantage in a world where convenience is increasingly mistaken for competence. As the use of AI increases everyday, it's tempting to increase dependency on AI. Writing an email, summarize a contract, AI generation is improving rapidly.

What begins as an effort to save time can quickly turn into diminishing people skills & independent thinking. To be clear, as the world evolves you'll need to learn how to use AI. We are seeing AI embedded into our lives and (generally) creating good. We use AI at [SQE Journey](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/%5F%5Ftrashed-2/), for work and personally.

AI can generate options, but AI cannot take responsibility. AI doesn't understand context or intuition, and AI has no consequences of poor decisions. Don't diminish skills that make you valuable, people skills and independent thinking.

In our opinion, the real risk isn’t that AI will replace capable professionals. But rather, it’s that capable professionals will replace their own people skills & independent thinking with AI output. Those who use AI as a tool, and keep their people skills & independent thinking sharp will stand out. In a world full of automated responses, original thought becomes rare, and rare skills are valuable.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/nicole-herrero-rwwlpxsefp8-unsplash.jpg)

Photo by [Nicole Herrero](https://unsplash.com/@nicolesherrero?utm%5Fsource=unsplash&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/people-sitting-on-chair-eating-food-during-daytime-rWWLpxSefp8?utm%5Fsource=unsplash&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText)

## People skills & Independent Thinking

Below is a list of 18 core people skills that sit at the intersection of career success, leadership, and everyday influence.

### 1\. Self-Awareness & Foundation Skills

1. **Emotional Intelligence (EQ)**. Understanding your own emotions and managing them under pressure.
2. **Active Listening**. Listening to understand, not to respond, picking up tone, intent, and what’s *not* said.
3. **Empathy & Perspective Taking.** Seeing situations from the other person’s viewpoint without necessarily agreeing.

### 2\. Communication & Influence

1. **Clear & Persuasive Communication**. Structuring ideas so they’re easy to follow and hard to misunderstand.
2. **Asking Better Questions**. Using open, probing, and clarifying questions to guide conversations.
3. **Framing & Reframing**. Presenting information in a way that changes how it’s perceived (critical in negotiations).
4. **Storytelling for Influence.** Using stories to build credibility, alignment, and emotional buy in.

### 3\. Trust & Relationship Building

1. **Building Trust Quickly**. Establishing credibility, reliability, and warmth early in relationships.
2. **Rapport Building**. Creating natural connection without being inauthentic or “salesy.”
3. **Managing First Impressions.** How body language, tone, and presence shape early judgments.

### 4\. Negotiation & Conflict Skills

1. **Principled Negotiation**. Separating people from problems and focusing on interests, not positions.
2. **Handling Objections & Resistance.** Responding without defensiveness and keeping conversations productive.
3. **Conflict Resolution**. Deescalating tension and finding constructive outcomes.
4. **Assertiveness (Without Aggression).** Standing your ground clearly while maintaining respect.

### 5\. Influence Without Authority

1. **Stakeholder Management**. Navigating competing interests and aligning people with different priorities.
2. **Managing Difficult Conversations**. Delivering bad news, feedback, or disagreement with clarity and care.

### 6\. Advanced & Real World Skills

1. **Reading People & Social Cues**. Interpreting body language, tone shifts, and unspoken signals.
2. **Adaptability & Communication Styles.** Adjusting your approach for different personalities, cultures, and power dynamics.

What other people skills would you add?

Read: [Do not give up your brain](https://cassidoo.co/post/good-brain/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) and [Navigate Difficult Conversations](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/navigate-difficult-conversations/).
### Taking SQE 1 in January 2027?
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-1-in-january-2027/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:38.000Z
If you’re targeting to sit **SQE 1 in January 2027**, it's a good time to start thinking about your next steps.

It might feel like you have plenty of time, over a year. However, in reality, time will fly by. Personal events, work events, unexpected life events, planned life events, any many more will sneak up.

## 5 things to consider if you are taking SQE 1 in January 2027

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/kyrie-kim-jqxb3c0yng0-unsplash.jpg)

Photo by [Kyrie kim](https://unsplash.com/@kyrie3?utm%5Fsource=unsplash&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/white-calendar-on-white-textile-jqxB3C0YNG0?utm%5Fsource=unsplash&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText)

### 1\. Choosing the Right Course Provider

The [SQE training providers list](https://www.sra.org.uk/become-solicitor/sqe/sqe-training-options/training-provider-list/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com), if printed is about 65 pages. Each course provider has a unique proposition and experience it brings. Not all SQE courses are created equally. Identify what works for you and find a course that fits around your needs.

Questions to ask yourself

- Do I need structure or flexibility?
- Am I balancing work, family, or other commitments?
- Do I learn better through videos, textbooks, or question banks?

While SQE providers are not required to share their pass rate. Don't focus too much on that, but rather speak to them about whats important to you.

Also, consider the quality of mock exams, and whether the provider offers detailed feedback. A cheaper course can become expensive if it doesn’t prepare you properly.

Read: [How to pick an SQE course](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/how-to-pick-an-sqe-course/)

### 2\. Understanding the Financial Commitment

SQE1 is not just an exam fee. Other costs such as, prep course costs, potential living expenses, and travel expense, one big question looms: **how do you fund it?**

You’ll need to budget for:

- The SQE 1 assessment fee
- Course provider fees
- Resits (hopefully not, but plan realistically)
- Study materials and time off work if needed

If you’re self funding, spreading costs over 12 months can make the process far less stressful.

Options for funding include:

1. Self Pay (Savings/ While You Work)
2. Self Pay Through Loans (Private/ Government)
3. Employer Sponsorship
4. Scholarships
5. Payment Plans
6. Legal Apprenticeships

Read [SQE funding options](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-funding-options/)

### 3\. Building a Realistic Study Plan

January 2027 might be one year away, but SQE 1 covers a vast syllabus. Starting early allows you to:

- Study at a sustainable pace
- Revisit difficult topics multiple times
- Leave sufficient time for practice questions and mocks

Read [SQE Study Insights With Dr. Schatzberger](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-insights-from-dr-schatzberger/)

### 4\. Lifestyle and Mindset

SQE preparation is a marathon. Burnout is real. Think now about how study will fit into your life:

- When will you realistically study?
- What will you say no to during peak revision periods?
- How will you protect your mental and physical health?

Consistency beats intensity every time.

Read [Mental health and the SQE](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/mental-health-and-the-sqe/)

### 5\. Thinking Beyond the Exam

Finally, remember that SQE 1 is just one step. Consider how it fits into your broader qualification journey, to include, QWE, SQE 2, and ultimately, your career as a solicitor.

Starting early is about giving yourself the time and space to study. The more intentional you are now, the more confident you’ll feel walking into the exam center in January 2027.
### SQE Journey's 50th issue
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-journeys-50th-issue/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:39.000Z
Reaching SQE Journey's the 50th issue feels surreal. What began as a simple [LinkedIn post](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/pkhakhar%5Fsqejourney-activity-7258811797850222592-8KOI/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) has grown into a community, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to connect with and learn from so many incredible people along the way.

## Top articles

1. [Top Resources for Aspiring Solicitors](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/top-resources-for-aspiring-solicitors/). A curated list of valuable tools and links for aspiring solicitors, covering key areas like general legal regulation (the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Solicitors Qualifying Examination), legal-news sources, career and training providers (including SQE prep), dedicated legal communities, and practice questions/tests for SQE 1.
2. [Two chef's one lemon](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/two-chefs-one-lemon/). Explores a negotiation scenario where two chefs compete for the last lemon to complete their dishes. Instead of focusing solely on dividing the lemon or choosing one winner, the article highlights the value of understanding each chef’s true interests. Allowing both chefs to satisfy their needs through clear communication. It emphasizes the importance of interest-based negotiation and creative problem-solving for achieving win-win outcomes in situations of limited resources.

## SQE Specific Articles

1. [What is the SQE](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/what-is-the-sqe-exam/).
2. [How to pick an SQE course](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/how-to-pick-an-sqe-course/).
3. [5 tips before taking the SQE](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/5-tips-before-taking-the-sqe-exam/).
4. [What to expect SQE 1 exam day](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/what-to-expect-sqe-1-exam-day/).
5. [SQE 1 Time per question](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-1-time-per-question/).
6. [SQE is a closed book exam](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-is-a-closed-book-exam/).
7. [SQE practice questions](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-practice-questions/).
8. [How to tackle SQE 1 questions](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/how-to-tackle-sqe-1-questions/).
9. [No question left behind](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/no-question-left-behind/).
10. [SQE 1 results Next steps](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-1-results-next-steps/).
11. [Should you use the flag for review function](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/should-you-use-the-flag-for-review-function/).
12. [SQE funding options](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-funding-options/).
13. [A minimum two year commitment](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/minimum-two-year-commitment/).
14. [SQE 1 night before checklist](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-1-night-before-success-checklist/).
15. [Common SQE 1 MCQ traps](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/common-sqe-1-mcq-traps/).

## The ask

If you are studying for the SQE or know someone who is and might be interested in SQE Journey, I'd be grateful if you can share SQE Journey with them.

What topics would you like to see for 2026?

## Annual Break

As we approach the holiday season, we plan to take some time off writing SQE Journey. We will be back on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 1 pm GMT.
### 10 practical ChatGPT prompt ideas
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/10-practical-chatgpt-prompt-ideas/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:39.000Z
10 practical ChatGPT prompt ideas you can start using to transform the way you access news, develop commercial awareness, and prepare for interviews.

Leverage tools like ChatGPT to stay informed, productive, and competitive.

Use these as a starting point and modify based on your needs and interests.

## Commercial Awareness

1. “Summarize this week’s biggest business and legal news stories affecting UK law firms and their clients.”
2. “Explain how current economic trends (interest rates, inflation, M&A activity) might impact UK law firms and their clients.”
3. “Give me three recent examples of how commercial awareness questions could be asked in a law firm interview this week.”

## Target Law Firm Research

1. “Summarize the latest deals, cases, and news from \[insert target firm name\] in the last three months.”
2. “Compare \[Firm A\] and \[Firm B\] in terms of practice strengths, culture, and recent strategic priorities.”
3. “List recent press releases and major client wins for top UK firms involved in M&A, sports, or aviation law.”

## M&A and Contract Law

1. “Summarize the top 5 UK or global M&A deals announced in the past month and explain their legal significance.”
2. “Explain recent trends in contract disputes or negotiations in UK commercial law, with examples from major cases or industries.”

## Sports and Aviation Law

1. “Summarize the most recent sports law disputes or regulatory updates in the UK or EU, and why they matter to solicitors.”
2. “Summarize current legal or regulatory developments affecting the aviation sector, for example, airline mergers, emissions rules, or airport expansion.”

## Modify for your interests

You may not care about M&A, Contract, sports, and aviation law, and that is ok. Replace those with topics that you do like.

## Final thoughts

1. Do not share anything personal or nonpublic with ChatGPT. Remember ChatGPT has [no legal privilege](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/chatgpt-has-no-legal-privilege/).
2. Begin with the free version of ChatGPT, only upgrade if it makes sense for you. Learn to use multiple AI tools.
3. Trust but verify. ChatGPT is known to [hallucinate](https://openai.com/index/why-language-models-hallucinate/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com). Always click on the source links and read directly before quoting.
### Junior Solicitor Summit 2025
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/junior-solicitor-summit-2025/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:41.000Z
This week [The Law Society](https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) held their Junior Solicitor Summit 2025\. The day offered valuable learning opportunities and sparked thought provoking discussions. Below are some quick thoughts that stuck out.

## Create relationships

Akil started the morning with a captivating story about a broken down car and his interaction with the driver. His energy is contagious, Akil showed us how to build relationships not collect contacts, and how to cultivate trust, offer value, and maintain genuine interactions.

Speakers

- Chair: Rebekah Sutcliffe, Junior Solicitor Network Advisory Committee (JSN) Chair/National Junior Lawyers Division (NJLD) Chair, Solicitor, Morr & Co LLP
- Akil Hunte, Founding Chair, NRG Lawyers

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/networking.jpg)

## Create your profile

Robert and Mark shared the importance of the attention economy. However, it's not "just" putting up a profile on LinkedIn, you need to be strategic in what you post. What is your Topic of Influence?

Speakers

- Robert Hanna, Founder & CEO, KC Partners
- Mark Hamilton, Chartered Accountant and Head of New Business Generation , Matheson LLP

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/build_your_profile.jpg)

## Difficult career conversations

Mary shared techniques to approach and effectively deal with tricky topics and [navigating difficult conversations](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/navigate-difficult-conversations/), for example, workload discussions, salary and contract negotiations, and promotion opportunities with partners, senior management and HR.

Mary's interactive session allowed attendees to think through different scenarios and prep for a difficult conversation.

A few questions to consider from Mary's template include:

1. Intention and purpose  
  - What is the goal of the conversation?
  - What outcome are you aiming to achieve for you and for them?

Speakers

- Mary Bonsor, CEO and Co-Founder, Flex Legal
- Chair: Katy Boyle, JSN member and Graduate Solicitor Apprentice, Loughborough University

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/difficult_conversations.jpg)

## Financial well being

Carla shared updates on the Financial well-being survey conducted over the last year by Wealthbrite.

Speakers

- Carla Hoppe, Founder and CEO, Wealthbrite Ltd

![Junior Solicitor Summit 2025 learnings](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/financial-wellbeing.jpg)

## The future of legal

This was a very interesting conversation between the panelists. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has taken over the headlines. However, the panelist shared a view that resonates. AI will augment legal professionals but won’t replace solicitors.

Solicitors will continue to handle essential skills like client management and strategy that AI can’t replicate. Technology will reshape how solicitors work, but it will never fully automate their role.

Speakers

- William Peake, Global Managing Partner, Harney Westwood & Riegels (UK) LLP
- Catie Sheret, General Counsel, Cambridge University Press & Assessment
- Daniel George Peacock, Senior Associate and Head of Department, Samuel Phillips Law
- Mark Evans, President, The Law Society
- Philip Young, Co-founder and CEO , Garfield AI

If you attended The Law Society Junior Solicitor Summit 2025 what were your key takeaways?
### Flex Legal Training Scheme with Ellie Murray-McNeive
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/flex-legal-training-scheme-with-ellie-murray-mcneive/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:41.000Z
Thinking about a career as a solicitor? The Flex Legal Training Scheme might be the perfect fit for you. This week, we hear from Ellie Murray-McNeive, Head of Talent at Flex Legal, who offers valuable insights into the Flex Legal Training Scheme.

## Question 1

**What is the Flex Training Scheme and where can we find out more?**

Flex Trainee is a 2 year training programme for aspiring solicitors to gain their Qualifying Work Experience and Solicitors Qualifying Exams (SQE). Trainees kick of their 2 years with a 3 week in person ‘Readiness Programme’ packed full of training, networking and development. They then complete a 1 or 2 year secondment in an in house legal team at a company like Shell, Diageo, Natwest or McDonalds (to name a few!). Across the 2 years they have the support of Flex and their trainee peers.

Flex Trainee is open to those holding a qualifying law degree. We accept applications from those who already hold the LPC or SQE1 but this is not a requirement.

We launched our Co Sec trainee scheme last summer. A career in Corporate Governance is hugely interesting and rewarding. I would strongly suggest considering this route, if you're a Law, Business Management, Accounting and Finance graduates.

## Question 2

**What are the top three attributes Flex Legal looks for in candidate applications?**

- Diligence
- Commerciality
- Positivity

## Question 3

**How can I make my CV more attractive/ stand out?**

Avoiding over reliance on AI within your CV or cover letter. By all means, use AI as a tool for support but don’t rely wholly on AI or your application will lack authenticity. Those with great academics or paralegal experience will stand out; though you shouldn’t be discouraged from applying if that doesn't apply to you.

## Question 4

**What skills & practice areas are in high demand currently that employers are looking for?**

Commercial contracts experience is always in demand for our legal trainee route.

Governance or board experience is desirable but not required for Co Sec trainee.

## Question 5

**In your view, what trends are shaping the legal market?**

AI will undoubtedly change the shape of the paralegal and trainee landscape. Recent international geopolitical affairs have meant a shift in focus for some businesses away from the Diversity & Inclusion initiative. At Flex we are proud to still champion social mobility!

## More information and how to apply

To learn more and apply for the upcoming cohort, please visit [Flex.Legal](https://flex.legal/apply/flex-trainee?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)

Applications for Flex Trainee's Spring 2026 Cohort are now live until Sunday 9th November!
### July 2025 SQE 1 Statistical Report
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/july-2025-sqe-1-statistical-report/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:42.000Z
Recently the Solicitors Regulation Authority released a July 2025 SQE 1 Statistical Report. In this article we review some of the data from the report.

In July 2025, 5,851 candidates took FLK 1 & FLK 2 of SQE 1 and the overall pass rate was 41%.

## July 2025 SQE 1 Statistical Report

The pass rate first time candidates is 46%. This is the lowest first pass rate for both first time candidates and candidates retaking since the first SQE 1 exam in January 2024.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/sra_image_sqe1_julypass.png)

Pass rate data provided by the SRA (https://sqe.sra.org.uk/news-item/2025/10/01/july-2025-sqe1-statistical-report-published)

The SRA set the pass mark at 300 out of 500, but they can adjust the score depending on the difficulty of the sitting.

  
The report provides the table below, showing the breakdown of results.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/sra_statistic_sqe1_july25.png)

Table from SQE1 July 2025 Assessment Report

The report contain various data and graphs:

1. Score distribution charts
2. Score quintile chart
3. Performance by practice area
4. Pass rates  
  - By ethic group
  - Disability
  - Gender
  - Age category
  - Religion or belief
  - Education
  - Undergraduate degree classification
  - Parent education
  - Occupation of main house hold earner at age 14
  - Type of school attended between ages 11 and 16
  - Qualifying work experience
  - Qualified lawyer
  - First language

Read the full report on the SRA [Website](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/docs/default-source/pdfs/reports/sqe1%5Fjul2025%5Fstatsreport%5Ffinal.pdf?sfvrsn=9538121d%5F3&ref=pradipkhakhar.com).

## Mixed Reactions

  
Commentary has flooded the internet, as many students express disappointment and low morale spreads through the test taker community.

Dr. Shatzberger brings out an interesting point:

> As an educator on various programmes, if students consistently failed at these levels, we would have to (a) review the teaching and (b) review the exam structure, especially one that has been heavily criticized. Many SQE candidates are exceptional, high-achieving students who have never failed an exam before. Yet here they are, bruised and battered.

However, the situation not clear cut:

1. The SQE exam is relatively new exam. However, we all agree that no one should simply hand out the title of solicitor. Day one solicitors must receive proper training and be of a certain competency
2. Why don't the SRA release past papers?
3. Why haven't providers published their pass rates?
4. Kaplan has had many embarrassing [issues](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-issues/)
5. Are test takers receiving the support they need
6. The cost of [funding](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-funding-options/) a prep course combined with exam fees can quickly add up
7. Test takers fear their jobs are at risk if they do not pass
8. Does the market need more solicitors? (Has the SQE attracted more candidates, therefore, potentially saturating the market)
9. Has the bottle neck shifted from the golden contract era?
10. Interestingly, SRA recently defended the use of [single best answer multiple choice questions in SQE 1](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/news-item/2025/09/23/single-best-answer-multiple-choice-questions-in-sqe1?ref=pradipkhakhar.com).

## Links to read

1. Chrissie Wolfe's LinkedIn post titled "[The SQE pass rate has dropped to 41%](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/chrissiewolfe%5Fthe-sqe1-pass-rate-has-dropped-to-41-the-activity-7381599030415556608--VV6?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fdesktop&rcm=ACoAAAQtZxgBhv3Ir%5FcpjIS61x6y%5FdZTKkb5gO4)"
2. Dr. Elliot Schatzberger's LinkedIn post titled "[#SQE1 41% pass rate = 59% fail rate](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dr-elliot-schatzberger-29b9248a%5Fsqe1-sqe-futuresolicitors-activity-7379472227118837761-23az?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fdesktop&rcm=ACoAAAQtZxgBhv3Ir%5FcpjIS61x6y%5FdZTKkb5gO4)"
3. Catherine Snook's Linkedin post titled "[The SRA has released the results from the July SQE 1 sitting](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/catherine-snook-18b18938%5Fthe-sra-has-released-the-results-from-activity-7379405324237185024-NN1j?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fdesktop&rcm=ACoAAAQtZxgBhv3Ir%5FcpjIS61x6y%5FdZTKkb5gO4)"
4. Adam Khattak's Linkedin post titled "[The SQE was supposed to make a legal career more accessible. However, the recent July SQE 1 sitting saw a 41% pass rate. It’s hard not to take note](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/adam-khattak-9601461ba%5Flaw-sqe1-lawstudent-activity-7379905408674590722-aCBb?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fdesktop&rcm=ACoAAAQtZxgBhv3Ir%5FcpjIS61x6y%5FdZTKkb5gO4)."

## not the right comparison

I thought I'd check out the pass rates for the Bar exam in the US. If you are interested, the National Conference of Bar Examiners publishes bar exam results by jurisdiction. You can review [here](https://www.ncbex.org/statistics-research/bar-exam-results-jurisdiction?ref=pradipkhakhar.com). While this has zero relevance with the SQE 1 results in the UK, it's an interesting data point.

## The Hard Truth

It's an honor and privilege to be able to call yourself a solicitor. We should never reduce the competency required for entry. However, what can we do to ensure test takers are getting the support they need?

If you are a SQE 1 candidate or have taken SQE 1 what tips would you share?

Passing the SQE takes time and dedication. Reviewing the material to understand the nuances and practicing multiple choice questions.
### 5 leadership traits to build
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/5-leadership-traits-to-build/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:42.000Z
You don't have to wait until you become a "leader" with a title. Start with these 5 leadership traits to build now.

## 5 Leadership Traits to build

1\. **Humility.** Acknowledging mistakes and valuing others contributions.

Great leaders recognize they don’t have all the answers and are open to learning from others. Humility builds respect, encourages collaboration, and creates an environment where everyone’s ideas are valued

2\. **Win as a team, take ownership for losses.**

When things are going right give credit to your team and acknowledge them. However, when things go wrong, as the saying goes "the buck stops with me \[the leader\]"

Have your teams back!

3\. **Empathy and emotional intelligence.** Understanding and caring about others perspective.

Empathy allows leaders to understand and relate to the experiences of others. In legal practice, this means listening carefully to clients and colleagues and responding with understanding, not judgment. Empathy fosters stronger relationships and a positive workplace culture.

Emotional intelligence (EI) combines self-awareness, self-control, and social awareness. Leaders with high EI manage their emotions effectively and stay calm under pressure, essential skills when navigating challenging issues or tight deadlines.

4\. **Vision and Strategic Thinking.** Having clear direction and inspiring others towards it.

A clear vision helps leaders guide others toward a shared goal. For aspiring solicitors, vision might mean having a strong sense of purpose in your legal career, understanding why you do what you do and where you want to go.

Strategic thinkers see the bigger picture and make decisions aligned with long term goals. In law, this could involve anticipating client needs or understanding how legal changes impact your area of practice.

5\. **Decisiveness.** Making timely and confident choices

Leaders must make informed, timely decisions even when faced with uncertainty. Decisiveness builds confidence within teams and helps build momentum.

## In closing

Remember there are many other attributes that make a great leader. These 5 are traits in my opinion after working closely with some amazing leaders.

What attributes would you add?

Additional read 1: [How to Determine What My Leadership Style Is](https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/how-to-determine-what-my-leadership-style-is/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)

Additional read 2: [Navigate Difficult Conversations](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/navigate-difficult-conversations/)
### SQE Issues
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-issues/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:43.000Z
The SQE was first introduced in September 2021\. Since then candidates have experienced a number of SQE issues.

Recently, 230 or so students were notified by email stating their booked exam slots had been [cancelled](https://www.legalcheek.com/2025/09/exclusive-panic-as-over-230-sqe-students-mistakenly-told-exam-slots-are-cancelled/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com). This left students frantically trying to figure out what happened. Unfortunately, it took Kaplan till the following morning to inform candidates that the email was sent it error.

One candidate said “Has anyone just had an email saying their written exams have been cancelled? I have not cancelled them myself …”

Another candidate said “Just got the email saying it was an error etc also spoke to Kaplan … this is so stressful.”

The road is a newly qualified solicitor is an at least [two year](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/minimum-two-year-commitment/) journey that takes a toll on candidates [mental health](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/mental-health-and-the-sqe/). In a highly competitive field, candidates lives revolve around studying, finding ways to gain their qualifying work experience, such emails can cause extreme discomfort.

Kaplan did apologize the next morning, however, this is not the first time something like this has happened.

In 2023, some SQE2 sittings were delayed or cancelled mid-exam due to IT issues, causing further chaos and stress.

Also, in 2023, students received emails stating their exam slot had been cancelled—even though Kaplan later confirmed the exams would go ahead.

Then, in 2024, Kaplan incorrectly informed 175 candidates that they wrongly [failed their SQE](https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/sqe-marking-fiasco-175-candidates-wrongly-told-they-failed-exam/5119371.article?ref=pradipkhakhar.com). Kaplan did offer £250 as a goodwill payment. However, candidates feared losing their jobs, funding being taken away, and in general a very stressful time.

## SQE Issues

The SQE was introduced to make the legal profession more accessible. These types of errors are very damaging for candidates. Those entrusted with making the legal profession more accessible need to do a better job to maintain the integrity of the exam and the candidate experience.

Trust takes time to build.
### the STAR Method
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/the-star-method/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:43.000Z
The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a highly effective technique for answering behavioral interview questions.

By using this structured approach, candidates can present their experiences in a way that demonstrates analytical ability, precise communication, and real impact.

## The STAR Method

### Situation

Start by briefly setting the scene. What was the context or challenge? Keep it concise but specific enough to help the listener understand the background. For example: *“During my university law clinic, a client approached us with a complex tenancy issue.”*

### Task

Next, outline your responsibility in that scenario. What was expected of you? This shows the role you played and highlights your ability to take ownership. For example: *“I was responsible for researching the client’s rights and drafting an initial advice letter.”*

### Action

Here’s where you demonstrate your skills. Explain what steps you took to address the situation and why. Focus on your decisions, problem-solving, and communication. For example: *“I researched tenancy law, collaborated with fellow students, and reviewed my draft with a supervising solicitor before presenting it to the client.”*

### Result

Finally, show the impact. What happened because of your actions? Did you achieve a positive outcome, gain new skills, or improve efficiency? For example: *“The client received clear guidance, and my draft was praised for its clarity. This experience also deepened my confidence in applying legal principles.”*

### Why It Matters

The STAR method keeps your answers structured, clear, and impactful. In interviews and assessments, it demonstrates not only what you did, but also *how* you think and solve problems. By practicing this method, you’ll be able to showcase your skills in a way that resonates with recruiters, supervisors, and future employers.

## Additional Reading

- UK National Careers Advice [here](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/interview-advice/the-star-method?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
- MIT - Career Advising and Professional Development [here](https://capd.mit.edu/resources/the-star-method-for-behavioral-interviews/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
- Harvard Business Review [here](https://hbr.org/2025/02/use-the-star-interview-method-to-land-your-next-job?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
### 15 Conversation starters
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/15-conversation-starters/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:43.000Z
Engaging conversations often start with thoughtful questions. We share 15 conversation starters that go beyond the standard boring questions that are overly used.

Building relationships is a core skill for any trainee solicitor. Whether you’re at an event, meeting a trainee cohort, or speaking with a partner, the ability to start and sustain meaningful conversations can set you apart. Many trainee solicitors feel might nervous about what to say, but the truth is, engaging and memorable conversations often start with thoughtful questions.

## Don't ask boring questions

1. How are you?
2. What do you do?
3. How's the weather?
4. Traffic sucks, right?

## 15 conversation starters

### General/ Ice Breakers

1. Tell me about you?
2. What's a personal passion project you are working on?
3. What was the highlight of your day (or week)?
4. I'm grabbing some water, does anyone want any water? (substitute for tea/ coffee. Do not assume everyone drink alcohol if alcohol is being served)
5. Can you recommend any good Indian food spots in the area? (Substitute Indian for any specific cuisine, dessert, drink, etc.).

### Current trends & Insights

1. What skills do you believe will be in demand for the next generation of solicitors?
2. What’s one lesson from a client interaction that stayed with you? (make it clear you are not looking for client name or any specific non public information)
3. How do you think technology is changing the legal landscape?
4. How do you keep up with legal developments in your area?
5. Have you read any interesting books or listened to any podcasts recently?

### Fun Insights

1. What job did you want to as a child?
2. If money was no object what fun choices would you make?
3. Did you watch the \[sport\]? (add a sport, game, event of your choice)
4. What's something embarrassing you did as a child?
5. Who is someone that inspires you?

## Final Thoughts

- **Listen actively**: Don’t just fire off questions. Show genuine interest in the response.
- **Find common ground**: If someone mentions an interest that overlaps with yours, share your perspective.
- **Adapt to context**: Use career related prompts in professional settings and lighter ones in social situations.
- Don't network, instead [find your people](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/finding-your-people/)
- Have interesting stories of your own to share when someone asks you [questions](https://law.yale.edu/sites/default/files/area/department/cdo/document/cdo%5Fsample%5Finterview%5Fquestions.pdf?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
- When I was working on my Product Podcast, one of my favorite questions to ask guests was "what is something about you that I cannot Google?." A few guests told me afterwards that the question got them thinking and they enjoyed that question.

What conversation starters would you add that have worked for you?
### Should Aspiring Solicitors Build an Online Presence?
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/should-aspiring-solicitors-build-an-online-presence/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:43.000Z
The question of should aspiring solicitors build an online presence is often asked. In today’s legal market, where competition is fierce and firms are increasingly looking for well rounded candidates, the answer is a clear **yes**, but with purpose and professionalism.

A strong online presence goes beyond having a LinkedIn profile. It’s about creating a digital footprint that reflects your interests, values, and commitment to the profession. For aspiring solicitors, this could mean:

- Writing short posts on recent legal developments.
- Sharing insights from your [SQE](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/top-resources-for-aspiring-solicitors/) preparation.
- Sharing reflections on skills like [negotiations](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/why-learn-to-negotiate/), resilience, and problem-solving.

Employers increasingly look for candidates who can communicate effectively and demonstrate initiative. Building an online presence is a subtle but powerful way to showcase these skills.

## Build an online presence

You don’t need to be an expert to start. Instead:

- **Be authentic**: Share your journey, not just polished successes.
- **Be professional**: Treat your posts as an extension of your CV.
- **Be consistent**: Regular posting builds visibility over time.
- **Engage with people**: comment on posts, share ideas, and make friends virtually as well as in person.
- **Build trust with authenticity**: keep it professional. An online misstep can harm your reputation.

That said, caution is required. Oversharing personal opinions or displaying unprofessional behavior online can cause lasting damage. Aspiring solicitors must remember that every tweet, post, or blog entry is a reflection of their judgment, something highly scrutinized in the legal field.

## 10 legal professionals to follow

Below are 10 legal professionals with with an online presence that share helpful content:

1. Chrissie Wolfe, [LinkedIn](https://uk.linkedin.com/in/chrissiewolfe?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
2. Tori Law Abroad, [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@tori.lawabroad?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
3. Idin Sabahipour, [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/idinsabahipour/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) and founder of [LittleLaw](https://littlelaw.co.uk/authors/25dad492-a89c-46a1-ba21-6e52e297cc04?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
4. Amit Kapoor, [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/amitkap/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
5. Madeleine Weber, [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeleine-weber-0261aba2/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
6. Holly Cope, [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-cope-digitalnomad/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
7. Jen Shipley, [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-shipley-30327660/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
8. Robert Hanna, [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberthanna/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
9. Nada Alnajafi, [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadaalnajafi/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) and founder of [Contract Nerds](https://contractnerds.com/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
10. Brittany Leonard, [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanyaleonard/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)

There are so many other legal professionals with an online presence who share exceptional content. Who else would you add?
### Common SQE 1 MCQ Traps
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/common-sqe-1-mcq-traps/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:44.000Z
As you[ tackle SQE 1 practice questions](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/how-to-tackle-sqe-1-questions/), here are a few common SQE 1 MCQ traps are designed to throw you off.

## Common SQE 1 MCQ Traps

### Misreading the question or missing a key fact

- Read the question and fact pattern carefully. Take note of missing critical details, such as dates, amounts, or legal relationships that are essential for the correct answer.
- Words such as “not,” “except,” or “best” change a question’s meaning and are easy to overlook under pressure.

### reading too much into irrelevant facts

- The fact pattern can include irrelevant details to distract you. Don't fall into this trap. Focus on topics related to the issue being tested.
- Stick to core facts. Avoid facts that do not align with the legal principle or the specifics of the question asked.

### Qualifiers and absolutes

- A legal professor once told me "for every rule, there is an exception". Therefore, options with absolutes like “always,” “never,” or “must” are rarely correct because legal scenarios often have exceptions.
- Read words such as “most appropriate,” “best,” or “next,” carefully as these signal that more than one option may be plausible, but only one is the single best answer that fits the precise context or required action.

### Incorrect answer choices that sound familiar

- Don't simply remember the buzz words. Always match the option fully to both the facts and the law.
- Questions may reference case names or terms that are familiar but present the principle inaccurately. Therefore, do not rely solely on recognition, rather read the second part.

### Spending too much time on one question

- Especially, when against the clock (especially towards the end) eliminate clearly wrong options, make an informed guess, and move on. [Do not leave any question unanswered](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/no-question-left-behind/).

## Suggestions to Avoid Common SQE 1 MCQ traps

- Predict your answer before reading the options, allowing you to spot distractors.
- Read the scenario and question carefully, identifying key facts and the precise legal principle at issue.
- In practice, review why you got the answer right or why you got the answer incorrect.
- Practice in closed book, timed conditions

## Recent SQE 2 Results

Congrats to all, if you recently passed SQE 2\. You did it. The SRA announced [April 2025 SQE2 results are published](https://www.sra.org.uk/sra/news/april-2025-sqe2-results/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com).

Notably:

1. Pass Rate (first attempt) is 84%
2. Pass Rate (all graded) is 82%
3. Read the full report published by the SRA [here](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/docs/default-source/pdfs/reports/sqe2%5Fapril%5F2025%5Fstatistical%5Freport%5Ffinal.pdf?sfvrsn=9fe12a12%5F1&ref=pradipkhakhar.com).
### Restart Your SQE Preparations
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/restart-your-sqe-preparations/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:44.000Z
If you've taken a break from studying and now feel unsure of how to restart your SQE preparations, you're not alone.

Many aspiring solicitors experience this, and the good news is, it’s possible to restart without losing momentum.

The first step is **accepting the pause without guilt**. Breaks happen due to work, life, or burnout. Dwelling on “lost time” only adds pressure. Instead, reframe this as a chance to restart with fresh energy.

Next, **reassess your plan**. Don’t jump straight into advanced topics. Begin with a light review of core areas. Skim your notes or summaries to jog your memory. This refresh builds confidence and reminds you that you know more than you think.

More importantly get back into the grove of taking practice questions. [Closed book](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-is-a-closed-book-exam/) and in a time environment.

Then, **set small, clear goals**. For example, one hour a day, or one subject per week. Small wins rebuild momentum faster than overwhelming marathons of study.

Ideally, mix the subjects together. The SQE will present questions with the topics mixed. You do not want to be thrown off.

Structure matters too. Create a timetable that fits your lifestyle now, not the one you had months ago.

Finally, **add accountability**. Join a [study group](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/introducing-sqe-journey-lab/), connect with other SQE candidates. Having others on the journey makes it easier to stay consistent.

✅ **Remember**: Restarting isn’t about making up for lost time, it’s about building forward from today. One focused hour now is better than waiting for the “perfect” time to begin.
### Why learn to negotiate
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/why-learn-to-negotiate/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:44.000Z
For trainee solicitors, the question of why learn to negotiate is simple. It strengthens client trust, accelerates career growth, and equips you to handle complex situations with confidence.

Negotiation is one of the most valuable skills a trainee solicitors can develop (in my opinion). While much of early legal training focuses on black letter law and procedural knowledge, the reality is that success in practice often hinges on how well you can influence outcomes, manage client expectations, and build consensus. For trainee solicitors, learning to negotiate effectively isn’t just an optional extra, it’s essential for career growth and [client success](https://www.pon.harvard.edu/tag/benefits-of-negotiation/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com).

### Building Client Confidence

Clients don’t just hire solicitors for legal expertise. They want someone who can secure results. Even at the start of your career, you may find yourself representing a client’s interests in settlement discussions, commercial contracts, or day to day workplace disputes. Demonstrating confidence in negotiation shows clients you can protect their interests beyond drafting documents. It builds trust, credibility, and lasting relationships.

### Career Advancement

Partners and senior solicitors value trainees who can handle difficult conversations with professionalism and tact. A trainee who can hold their own in negotiations brings immediate value to a team. Whether you are negotiating with opposing counsel, vendors, or even internally with colleagues about workload, your ability to reach fair and practical outcomes will set you apart.

### Developing Emotional Intelligence

Negotiation is not about being aggressive. It’s about listening, understanding motivations, and finding common ground. Trainee solicitors who learn to balance assertiveness with empathy develop emotional intelligence that translates into stronger advocacy and better client care. This skill is particularly useful when working with difficult opponents or managing sensitive client matters.

### Protecting Your Client’s Interests

Poor negotiation can cost clients time, money, and opportunities. By contrast, effective negotiation can unlock creative solutions that litigation may never provide. As a trainee solicitor, the earlier you start practising these skills, the more natural it becomes to think strategically and anticipate the other side’s moves.

## Why Learn to Negotiate

### A Practical Checklist: First Steps for Trainee Solicitors

If you want to start sharpening your negotiation skills right away, here are some small but effective actions you can take:

- ✅ **Shadow a senior** during a negotiation call or meeting, observe their tone, pacing, and approach.
- ✅ **Practice mini-negotiations** in your daily life (e.g., agreeing on deadlines with colleagues).
- ✅ **Prepare three things** before any negotiation: your ideal outcome, your fallback position (alternative), and what the other side likely wants.
- ✅ **Ask for feedback** from mentors after contributing to a negotiation, even in a minor role.
- ✅ **Keep a journal** of what strategies worked (and didn’t) to build self-awareness over time.

By treating every interaction as an opportunity to practice negotiation, you can steadily build a skill set that will serve them throughout your career. The earlier you begin, the stronger and more confident you’ll be when the stakes are high. Read [how to negotiate your trainee salary](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/negotiate-your-trainee-salary/).
### Studying for the SQE
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/studying-for-the-sqe/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:44.000Z
Please stand up if you have taken the SQE or are studying for the SQE.

Would you take advice from someone who has never studied/ passed the SQE on the SQE?

If you have not studied for the SQE, do you \*really\* understand what it takes to pass the SQE?

This past week SQE takers were called "Snowflakes"

## How it started

A student looking to qualify as a solicitor created a [change.org](https://www.change.org/p/reform-the-sqe?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) petition to reform the SQE. At the time of writing this, the petition has over 1000 signatures.

## Dismissing signatories as snowflakes

In the legal industry, barristers refer to each other as ‘my learned friend’ and solicitors are referred to as ‘my friend’. I was shocked to say the least to hear a barrister turned politician make such a demeaning statement.

A barrister turned politician dismissed signatories of the petition as “snowflakes” who “didn’t do well, and it must be someone else’s fault.” The politician defended the SQE as intentionally rigorous, reflecting the exam’s purpose to test competence through difficulty rather than accommodate individual learning styles

## Creator of petition clarifies

Nowhere did the creator say the exam is "too hard" and explains the SQE is disproportionately challenging.

## Media outlets pick up story

- Legal Geek reports on the [creation of the petition](https://www.legalcheek.com/2025/07/future-trainee-launches-petition-for-reform-of-the-sqe-citing-mental-and-physical-health-concerns/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
- Politician responds in [Telegraph column](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/08/05/snowflake-solicitors-are-destroying-a-once-proud-profession/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) (subscription required to read)
- [Legal Geek](https://www.legalcheek.com/2025/08/former-home-secretary-suella-braverman-slams-snowflake-aspiring-lawyers-over-sqe-petition/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) and [Law Gazette](https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/braverman-attacks-snowflake-solicitors-over-sqe-petition/5124147.article?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) reference the snowflake comments made

## SQE community voices

- The SQE Isn’t a Test of Legal Skill It’s the World’s Most Expensive Game of Trivial Pursuit by [Sarah Khan-Bashir](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sarah-khan-bashir-mbe-2314667%5Fthe-sqe-isnt-a-test-of-legal-skill-its-activity-7360006054958534656-YHw%5F?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fdesktop&rcm=ACoAAAQtZxgBhv3Ir%5FcpjIS61x6y%5FdZTKkb5gO4) on LinkedIn
- I’m giving a hard pass to the idea that aspiring lawyers are going soft by [Patrick McCann](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/patrick-mccann-066017207%5Fsqeeeeeeeek-bekind-hardpass-activity-7359463432879833088-OoZy?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fdesktop&rcm=ACoAAAQtZxgBhv3Ir%5FcpjIS61x6y%5FdZTKkb5gO4) on LinkedIn
- It’s not “snowflake solicitors” ruining the profession — it’s the system by [Harishitaa v. Thakkar](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/harshitathakkar%5Fsnowflake-solicitors-are-destroying-a-once-activity-7358613027639730176-dRJ0?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fdesktop&rcm=ACoAAAQtZxgBhv3Ir%5FcpjIS61x6y%5FdZTKkb5gO4) on LinkedIn

## My Take

As someone who writes a weekly newsletter called [SQE Journey](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/%5F%5Ftrashed-2/) I frequently talk with other students who are studying for the SQE or have taken the SQE.

The SQE opened up the profession and provided an alternative route to qualify. Which is a net positive. However, since the SQE is relatively new, the exam has faced several issues. With a major faux pas when [Kaplan apologized to 175 students](https://www.legalcheek.com/2024/04/breaking-kaplan-issues-apology-as-175-students-wrongly-informed-of-sqe1-failure/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com).

The SQE should not be compared to the LPC. The SQE is designed for becoming a day 1 solicitor.

Clearly, there are issues with the process. I have huge respect for the petitioner who is brave enough to speak up about what many SQE students are experiencing. Instead of responding in a childish like manner and name calling, it is more appropriate to have a discussion around student experiences.

## Finally

Every mock test, every concept you finally understand, every moment you push past fatigue. These are victories in themselves. One day, you’ll look back and realize the very pressure you’re feeling now forged the solicitor you were always meant to become.

This journey to becoming a solicitor has never been about proving yourself to critics, but about proving to yourself that you can rise to the challenge. Keep going, your future clients, your future self, and your future career are waiting for you.

If you are someone who is studying for the SQE or have taken the SQE I'd love to hear from you. DMs are open and confidential.
### ChatGPT Has No Legal Privilege
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/chatgpt-has-no-legal-privilege/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:45.000Z
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAi, maker of ChatGPT confirmed in a recent podcast interview that ChatGPT has no legal privilege. Therefore, anything you share with ChatGPT can be used as evidence.

## ChatGPT has no legal privilege

In podcast episode with [Theo Von](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYn8VKW6vXA&ref=pradipkhakhar.com), Sam explained that many users have begun treating ChatGPT like a therapist, life coach, or even an informal legal advisor. Users share deeply personal and sensitive information assuming it will remain private. But unlike communications with a solicitor or therapist, there is currently *no* ***legal privilege* attached to conversations with AI models**.

### Implications

This has serious implications particularly for trainee and junior solicitors who may be tempted to use ChatGPT to “talk through” stressful situations or even hypothetical legal scenarios. Sam noted that AI transcripts could be subpoenaed in legal proceedings.

Sam urged lawmakers to consider creating new forms of privilege or data protection for AI interactions. But for now, users should assume that anything they type into an AI tool can be logged, stored, and disclosed.

### Key Takeaways

- **Never assume AI tools are private**, treat all conversations with AI as if they could one day be made public.
- **Avoid using AI tools to explore sensitive legal scenarios** that could be interpreted as offering or seeking legal advice.
- **Stick to AI for research or admin help**, not emotional or strategic decision making around your practice or clients.
- **Educate others in your firm**. Especially non legal staff about these risks if they’re also experimenting with AI.

As AI evolves faster than regulation, staying cautious and informed is essential.

### Using AI in the legal profession

[Should you use AI to study for the SQE](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/should-you-use-ai-to-study-for-the-sqe/): Although AI like ChatGPT can answer some sample SQE questions correctly, it still makes mistakes. Use trusted materials and be cautious when self‑studying

[AI law firm approved, AI Lawyer fined](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/ai-law-firm-approved/): The SRA granted landmark approval to Garfield AI, an AI‑powered small‑claims law firm, while a separate “AI lawyer” app was fined for misleading claims.
### Finding your people
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/finding-your-people/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:45.000Z
As a trainee or junior solicitor, it’s easy to focus solely on passing exams, or impressing your supervisor. But there’s another critical part of your professional journey that deserves your attention: Finding Your People AKA **building your community**.

## Start Building Your Community: A Guide for Trainee and Junior Solicitors

### The Why

Building a strong personal and professional community is just as essential as your technical skills and legal knowledge. Relationships can shape your career path, open doors to new opportunities, and provide invaluable guidance.

A community of like minded individuals at the same career stage, or a few jumps ahead can help in the following ways:

1. Career development and growth: Referrals, recommendations, and job opportunities often arise through relationship's you've built over time
2. Knowledge sharing: Engaging with peers and more experienced solicitors exposes you to different perspectives and practical insights not found in textbooks
3. Building confidence: Interactions nurture communication skills and establish your reputation
4. Client opportunities: Strong communities can lead new client opportunities

### The How

Finding Your People doesn’t mean you have to attend large events or force awkward conversations with strangers. It’s about **building genuine, personal and professional relationships over time**.

This can start as simply as getting to know your cohort during training, keeping in touch with university peers, or joining local legal groups or online communities.

5 ways to Finding Your Community and nurturing the relationships:

1. Have a point of view: Too many of us are afraid of having a point of view in case the view is wrong (or others don't like your point of view). Don't be afraid, your views can change over time as you learn and grow
2. Be visible and generous offline and online: share your experience and knowledge with others. Remember we all started with 0 followers, 0 knowledge, 0 relationships. They are all built over time. Chances are your experience and knowledge might help someone who is where you were a few years ago
3. Ask, don't sell: When connecting with someone new don't approach them for a new job. They do not know you. Instead ask them for the point of view of view on a topic (you've researched they know). People are more willing to help when they feel valued for their expertise. Be polite and considerate, don't be afraid to ask
4. Get involved in the conversation: It's becoming easier to comment "that's nice", "100% agree", "couldn't agree more" etc. Don't, instead communicate your point of view, ask questions, interact and learn about other people's journeys. There are so many [resources](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/top-resources-for-aspiring-solicitors/) to be get involved in the conversation both online and offline
5. Enjoy your SQE Journey. Life is short, once the time has gone it will never be replenished. Not everything needs to be serious. I've met some amazing folks in the legal space through our joint love of cricket (if you are following the England vs. India test series, what a series so far!)

### Summary

Your community is a long-term investment. The connections you make now can become future clients, collaborators, or even sources of unexpected opportunities. So, don’t wait for a promotion or qualification to begin. **Start building your community today, your future self will thank you.**
### Discipline Over Motivation
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/discipline-over-motivation/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:46.000Z
The truth is, success doesn’t come from bursts of inspiration, it comes from choosing *discipline over motivation*.

It’s a familiar scenario, your study schedule says “torts at 7 PM,” but your brain says “just 10 more minutes of scrolling.” For aspiring solicitors preparing for the SQE, this internal tug of war is all too common.

While motivation is unpredictable and emotion driven, discipline is the steady force that keeps you moving forward, even when you’d rather do anything else.

## Discipline Over Motivation

### Why Motivation Isn’t Enough

Motivation is fleeting. It’s driven by emotions, energy levels, or even the weather. If your study plan depends on “feeling like it,” you’ll likely fall behind. Discipline, on the other hand, is the ability to show up even when you don’t want to. It’s built over time, like a muscle.

### Start with Micro Habits

You don’t need to study for four hours straight every night. Start with just 15 minutes. Open your notes. Read one section and answer a few MCQs. This tiny commitment often leads to longer sessions once you’ve overcome the initial resistance. Momentum matters more than magnitude.

### Create a Ritual

Build a consistent routine that signals your brain it’s time to study. Maybe it’s making a cup of tea, clearing your desk, and setting a 25 minute timer (the Pomdoro method). Routines reduce friction. When you eliminate the decision making process, studying becomes automatic.

### Use Environment as an Ally

Your environment can nudge your behavior. If your phone is buzzing, put it in another room. Use site blockers like Cold Turkey or Focusmate to create accountability. A clean, designated study space can have a bigger impact than you’d think.

Find a system that works for you.

### Track Progress, Not Perfection

Don’t focus on being perfect, focus on being consistent. Use a wall calendar or habit tracker. Every ticked off study session becomes a visual reminder of your effort. Even on tough days, showing up for 10 minutes still counts.

### Final Thought: Long-Term Vision

Remember why you started. Whether it’s becoming a solicitor, creating financial freedom, or making your family proud. Your goal is bigger than any one evening’s mood. Motivation starts the journey, but discipline gets you to the finish line. Remember it's ok to [slow down to speed up](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/slow-down-to-speed-up/).

**Discipline doesn’t mean perfection. It means showing up, especially on the days you don’t feel like it.** And if you keep showing up, one page at a time, one MCQ at a time. You’ll look back and realize you’ve come further than you thought.

Build your \[SQE\] reps today!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/kobe-kian-clata-g54pxyyzwuq-unsplash.jpg)

Photo by [Kobe Kian Clata](https://unsplash.com/@kobe007?utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fsource=unsplash) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/a-man-squatting-down-with-a-barbell-in-a-gym-G54PXyyzWuQ?utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fsource=unsplash)
### SQE 1 - Night before Success Checklist
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-1-night-before-success-checklist/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:47.000Z
As we approach SQE 1 next week, here is a concise, one‑page SQE 1 - Night before Success Checklist you can print or keep on your phone/tablet.

## SQE 1 - Night Before Success Checklist

### Mindset & Review

- Remind yourself to pick the single **best** answer based on facts in the questions, not assumptions
- Skim your summary notes, flashcards, or mnemonics
- Professional Conduct and Ethics appear in both FLK 1 and FLK 2
- It's ok to practice a small set of questions. Focus on reasoning

### Logistics

- Double check your exam location, arrival time
- Remember:  
  - To bring your photo ID
  - Confirmation email
  - Water & snacks for the breaks
  - Tissues/ Medication
- Check the weather forecast. Set out your clothes for test day (no clothing decisions to be made in the morning). Remember to dress in layers. The testing site might fluctuate in temperature and layers can help you adjust quickly

### Rest & Routine

- Plan out your route to testing center (know a backup in case)
- Determine your breakfast & lunch plans
- Decide how you'll spend your break (walk, stretch, light snacks)
- Charge your phone
- Set a alarm (and a back up alarm)
- Avoid studying past 9 pm
- Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep
- Try short relaxation and [breathing exercises](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/breathing-exercises-for-stress/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) before bed
- Eat balanced meals
- Light exercise or walks can help manage any anxiety

### Previous posts to read

- [5 Tips before taking the SQE](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/5-tips-before-taking-the-sqe-exam/)
- [What to expect SQE 1 exam day](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/what-to-expect-sqe-1-exam-day/)
- [No question left behind](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/no-question-left-behind/)
- [How to tackle SQE 1 questions](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/how-to-tackle-sqe-1-questions/)

### Exam Day

- Read every question carefully. Watch out for words like **not, only, always**
- Don't overthink tough questions
- Stick to your [time plan](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-1-time-per-question/)
- Stay hydrated and keep energy levels steady
- Do not talk to anyone about the exam during the break, do not engage in any discussion that puts in doubt in your mind

### Trust your preparation

- You've put in hours of hard work. Trust your preparation. You've got this.

### Download printable check list

[Checklist](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/content/files/2026/05/checklist.pdf)[Download](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/content/files/2026/05/checklist.pdf)
### A Minimum Two Year Commitment
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/minimum-two-year-commitment/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:47.000Z
The path of becoming a solicitor in England & Wales is a minimum two year commitment.

The SQE Journey to qualifying demands more than just determination. It requires planning, consistency, and, at the very least, a two-year commitment. Understanding why this timeframe matters will help you set realistic goals and make the most of your preparation.

The [SQE](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/what-is-the-sqe-exam/) is made up of two assessments, SQE1 and SQE2\. SQE1 (FLK 1 and FLK 2) tests your functioning legal knowledge through multiple-choice questions. While SQE2 focuses on practical legal skills like interviewing, advocacy, and drafting.

Many candidates find that preparing properly for SQE1 and SQE2 takes around 12 to 18 months. Depending on prior legal knowledge, study schedule, and whether they’re balancing other commitments such as work or family. Many choose to study part-time alongside working as a paralegal or in a legal support role, which can help build experience relevant to the exams.

Alongside passing SQE1 and SQE2, you must also complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). Unlike the old requirement of a formal training contract, QWE offers flexibility. It is possible to complete your QWE with multiple different employers. To qualify and apply to the Solicitors Regulation Authority ([SRA](https://www.sra.org.uk/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)) for admission, you must complete at least two full years of QWE.

## A Minimum Two Year Commitment

In practice, this means that even highly focused candidates who complete SQE1 and SQE2 within a year will still need to ensure they have a combined total of two years of QWE. This work experience is importance to help build the practical skills and professional judgment needed to succeed as a solicitor.

Ultimately, qualifying as a solicitor is not something that can be rushed. It is, at a minimum, a two-year commitment. For many, it takes longer when factoring in study time, balancing other responsibilities, or finding suitable QWE placements. Embracing this timeframe early on can help manage expectations and reduce stress.
### SQE Funding Options
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-funding-options/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:47.000Z
In this guide we share the various SQE funding options available.

Preparing for the SQE is a major step for aspiring solicitors in England & Wales. But with exam fees, prep course costs, potential living expenses, and travel expense, one big question looms: **how do you fund it?**

Here’s a breakdown of available SQE funding options. Each with pros, cons, and considerations.

## SQE Funding Options

### 1\. Self Pay (savings/ while you work)

If you have been putting aside some money for the SQE you are very smart and saving is a wise move. Self funding from savings is a straightforward option. You avoid debt and retain full control over your study path. However, this can be a large financial outlay, paying for both SQE1 and SQE2 exams alongside prep courses. It’s important to budget carefully to avoid depleting your emergency savings. An alternative is to work while you self pay.

### 2\. Self pay through loans

Please use loans with caution as interest rates (at the time of writing interest rates are some of the highest). If you have not checked your credit score in a while. Might be worth checking where you stand before you apply.

Below are some considerations to think about before signing for a loan.

- Understand repayment terms and conditions
- Be wary of high interest loans
- Understand if penalties and fee apply

Loans can be broken down into two subcategories; Private and Government loans.

#### Private Loans

Banks and specialist lenders offer personal and professional development loans. Do your research and shop around. Be sure to understand what the funds can (and cannot) be used for. For example, course tuition, assessments, etc.

#### Government Loans

If you are in a university program you may be eligible for a government loan. Again be sure to understand what the funds can (and cannot) be used for. For example, course tuition, assessments, etc.

### 3\. Employer sponsorship

Employer sponsoring is highly competitive and sought after. After all, you will need to complete your Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). Many law firms offer to pay for your SQE preparation course and fees to take the SQE. If you are studying and working you'll be earning a salary but you will need to allocate time to study after spending the day at work (and carve out time during the weekends).

### 4\. Scholarships

Many organizations, including SQE providers offer scholarships based on merit or financial needs. Examples of scholarships include (not a comprehensive list):

- [BARBRI](https://www.barbri.com/sqe/essay-competition-sqe-scholarship?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) competition scholarship
- [The Law Society](https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/campaigns/diversity-access-scheme?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) Diversity Access Scheme
- [College of Legal Practice](https://www.collegalpractice.com/for-students/scholarships?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) Scholarships
- [City of London Law Society](https://clls.org/initiatives/swsqf.html?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) Social Welfare Solicitors Qualification Fund

### 5\. Payment Plans

Many SQE course providers provide payment plans. This might make the cost of taking an SQE prep course more manageable by splitting the cost over a period of months. While this is very helpful, please check if a one time fee or interest rate applies.

### 6\. Legal Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships hold a special place in my heart as I started my career with an engineering apprenticeship. Apprenticeships allow you to earn while you learn. Training costs are covered by the employer (and the government provides subsidies to the employer).

### 7\. Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. You know your situation best. Whether you’re self-funding or looking for external support, understanding your options can make the journey to qualification more manageable and less stressful. Take the time to explore what’s available and choose the route that aligns with your financial situation and career path. Check out our [top resources for aspiring solicitors](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/top-resources-for-aspiring-solicitors/) for other resources.

Understanding all your options will help you make an informed decision and set yourself up for success in your legal career.

## The Be an adult section

This NOT legal, financial, or investment advice. Please consult a licensed professional before taking out debt.
### Negotiate your trainee salary
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/negotiate-your-trainee-salary/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:48.000Z
Use these 9 steps to learn how to negotiate your trainee salary offer.

Negotiating your salary can feel daunting, but it’s a crucial skill that can have a big impact on your career and financial well-being. The good news? With preparation and the right mindset, you can approach the conversation with confidence and increase your chances of success.

## 9 steps to negotiate your trainee salary

### 1\. Know What You Want

Before negotiating, get clear on your goals. As a trainee it's likely you'll need someone to sign off on your Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). Other considerations may include:

- Higher salary
- Remote work flexibility
- Exposure to different practice areas
- Supportive work environment
- Reputation and quality of employer
- Support in the SQE/ QWE process

The clearer your priorities, the better you can communicate your expectations. Understanding your motivations, whether it’s financial growth, career advancement, or personal alignment allows you to focus on the right elements of the offer and avoid settling for something that doesn’t truly serve you.

![Negotiate Your Trainee Salary](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/piggybank-oqkmdripihm-unsplash.jpg)

Photo by [PiggyBank](https://unsplash.com/@piggybank?utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fsource=unsplash) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/a-wallet-with-credit-cards-sticking-out-of-it-oqkmdriPiHM?utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fsource=unsplash)

### 2\. Clarify Your Alternatives (BATNA)

BATNA stands for “Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement.” This is your plan B if the offer doesn’t work out. Whether it’s staying at your current job, accepting another offer, freelancing, or taking a break, knowing your BATNA helps you assess how much negotiating power you have. A strong BATNA gives you leverage; a weak one means you need to negotiate more carefully. Still, even with fewer options, projecting confidence is key. Never let desperation lead the conversation and never lie.

### 3\. Determine Your Walk-Away Point

Establish your minimum acceptable offer before negotiations begin. This includes not just salary, but also benefits, work-life balance, team dynamics, and growth opportunities. Knowing your “walk-away” point protects you from accepting an offer that could lead to dissatisfaction later. It also gives you clarity when evaluating counteroffers.

### 4\. Build Leverage Early

Start cultivating leverage long before the offer stage. Build your legal brand through writing, speaking, engaging with legal [communities](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/introducing-sqe-journey-lab/), and showcasing leadership skills. Highlight achievements, side projects, and success stories. Recruiters are more likely to value and advocate for you if you’ve built credibility and visibility. Establishing yourself as a serious candidate from the start makes your ask later more persuasive.

### 5\. Understand the Company

This is probably the hardest to do. Don’t go into negotiations blind. Do some research on the company (and it's client base). Factor in the company’s size and location. Reach out to other solicitors or communities to get real world insights, and gather multiple data points to strengthen your case. Dig into the company’s funding, culture, business model, compensation philosophy, and position in the market (Hint: Commercial Awareness). Ask interesting questions, show you are interested in learning more.

### 6\. Define A success plan

Before signing the offer, align with your hiring manager understand the expectations and the type of work you'll likely be doing. Create a 30/60/90-day success plan. This shows initiative and creates a framework for performance-based discussions later.

### 7\. Maintain Relationships

Whether negotiations succeed or not, professionalism is vital. Don’t burn bridges, maintain good rapport with everyone you interact with. If you decline an offer, do so respectfully. If you accept, thank those involved and express enthusiasm. The legal world is a small world, and you may cross paths again. A respectful approach preserves your reputation and leaves doors open for future roles.

### 8\. Nail the Start Date and Logistics

Once you’ve finalized your offer, confirm your start date and onboarding details. This ensures a smooth transition and demonstrates that you’re detail-oriented. If you’re transitioning from another role, plan your exit properly and allow yourself enough time to recharge or relocate, if necessary.

### 9\. Practice mock negotiations

Rehearse with a friend or mentor to build confidence.

## In closing

As a trainee solicitor you'll likely need to balance the ability to your pay bills, study for the SQE and work towards completing QWE. When preparing for an interview or negotiation break it down into three parts:

1. Before
2. During, and
3. After

Your negotiating power increases with becoming a solicitor and getting a few years Post Qualification Experience (PQE).
### Navigate Difficult Conversations
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/navigate-difficult-conversations/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:48.000Z
Difficult conversations are unavoidable in the legal profession. Today we share 5 tips on how to navigate difficult conversations. Whether it’s pushing back on unrealistic deadlines, clarifying unclear instructions, giving upward feedback, or dealing with difficult conversations with clients. How you handle these moments can shape your reputation and influence your future opportunities.

## Navigate Difficult Conversations

Here’s 5 ways to navigate difficult conversations with professionalism and confidence:

**1\. Be prepared, but flexible**

Think through what you want to say and why. Keep your message clear, concise, and focused on the issue, not the person. The goal is to create a genuine dialogue. Learn to think on your feet, however, preparation is key. Keep the end outcome in focus.

**2\. Communicate with respect, not fear**

It’s natural to feel intimidated when speaking to senior colleagues. But framing your points respectfully and constructively shows maturity. For example: “I’m also working with David on X case that is also due Thursday. Can we look at priorities together?”

**3\. Focus on facts, not emotions**

Law firms are fast-paced environments, and tensions can run high. Stick to objective observations and practical solutions. Avoid blame. Aim for clarity. Focus on the interests not positions.

**4\. Listen, then respond**

Don’t go in with an agenda to win. Listen actively to learn, sometimes the context you’re missing will help make sense of the situation. Respond thoughtfully, not reactively.

**5\. End with a next step**

Whether it’s confirming expectations, proposing a solution, or simply thanking someone for their time, close the loop. A difficult conversation that ends clearly shows you’re serious, respectful, and solution-oriented.

Being junior doesn’t mean staying silent. Speaking up with the right tone and timing shows leadership potential. The more you practice difficult conversations, the more confident and respected you’ll become.

What tips would you share to navigate difficult conversations?

## Commercial Awareness question

Last week I asked you a [commercial](http://Last week I asked you a question from Shaun Jardine's book:) question from Shaun Jardine's book:

Question: if the client asked for a 10% discount what is the profit the firm receives?

Answer choice:

A: 27 GBP

B: 20 GBP

C: Math is hard, let me go back to the black letter law

Did you calculate the answer?

The correct answer is B: 20 GBP.

Here's is how:

1. The firm provides a legal service for 100 GBP
2. Cost to the firm is 70 GBP
3. Therefore, the profit the firm receives is 30 GBP

If the client is asking for 10% discount. This is 100 - 10% = 90 GBP. The cost to the firm remains the same. Therefore, 90 - 70 = 20 GBP.

In the coming weeks [Shaun Jardine](https://www.bigyellowpenguin.co.uk/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) will be making a guest appearance on SQE Journey as Shaun shares more about implementing value based pricing from his book. What questions would you ask Shaun?
### Commercial Awareness at Crafty Fest 2025
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/commercial-awareness-at-crafty-fest-2025/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:49.000Z
Commercial awareness is essential for any aspiring solicitor, and Crafty Fest 2025 offers a unique opportunity to develop this skill in a real world setting.

[Ben](https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-white-33b79032/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) and his team at Crafty Counsel put in an enormous amount of effort to host Crafty Fest 2025.

Below are three takeaways helpful for in house aspiring solicitors

## Commercial Awareness at Crafty Fest 2025

### AI presents opportunities & Considerations

As more and more people start to use AI in the legal field, AI has also created an opportunity for new companies/ tools using AI.

This presents a need for the legal team to understand the legal concerns and considerations around the development of using AI in law and new product development.

### Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

BARBRI held a breakout session.

4 actions to take to overcome imposter syndrome

1. Recognize the symptoms and rename it. Awareness is the first step towards change
2. Reframe your thinking. List your accomplishments, qualifications, and past wins, big or small. You deserve to be where you are. You've worked hard for this
3. Talk about it and focus on your progression
4. Use affirmations and help others in a similar mindset

Fun activity: Spot the difference

![Crafty Fest 2025](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/barbri-at-crafty-fest-2025.png)

Handout from BARBRI at Crafty Fest 2025

### Rebuilding pricing around value

[Shaun Jardine](https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunjardine/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) encourages everyone to rethink the billable hour. In less than 3 minutes (half a billing increment) he asked the group to think about an alternative pricing structure.

Start by thinking about the commercial strategy a firm uses.

As an example:

1. The firm provides a legal service for 100 GBP
2. Cost to the firm is 70 GBP
3. Therefore, the profit the firm receives is 30 GBP

Question: if the client asked for a 10% discount what is the profit the firm receives?

Answer choice:

A: 27 GBP

B: 20 GBP

C: Math is hard, let me go back to the black letter law

What do you think?

If you are an aspiring solicitor studying for the SQE check out our list of top resources for [aspiring solicitors](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/top-resources-for-aspiring-solicitors/).
### January 2025 SQE 2 Statistical Report
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/january-2025-sqe-2-statistical-report/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:50.000Z
This past week SRA released their January 2025 SQE 2 Statistical Report. The UK government also announced changes to funding for level 7 apprenticeships.

## January 2025 SQE 2 Statistical Report

1,134 candidates sat they SQE 2 exam. Of these, 940 candidates sat SQE2 for the first time with a pass rate of 77%. The overall pass rate, including those who were resitting, was 75%. \[per [SRA](https://www.sra.org.uk/sra/news/january-2025-sqe2-results/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)\]

SQE 2 candidates will now see their scores [scaled](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/news-item/2025/05/21/updated-guidance-and-video-on-the-presentation-of-candidate-sqe2-results?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) out of 500, where the pass mark will always be set at 300\. Similar to what we have seen in [SQE1](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/january-2025-sqe-1-statistical-report/).

The below was take from the January 2025 SQE Statistical Report, dated 28 May 2025.

![SQE 2 Statistical Report](https://pradipcloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-01-at-11.19.08%E2%80%AFAM.png)

Table above from SQE January 2025 Statistical Report

The report contain various data and graphs:

1. Candidate Ethic group
2. Disability
3. Gender
4. Religious belief
5. If parent attended university
6. Qualified work experience
7. Candidate highest level of education
8. Undergrad classification
9. Qualified lawyer
10. Type of school attended between ages 11 and 16
11. Occupation of main house hold earner when aged 14
12. First language

Read the full report [here](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/docs/default-source/pdfs/reports/sqe2-january-2025-statistical-report-final.pdf?sfvrsn=f65b2f2a%5F2&ref=pradipkhakhar.com).

## Changes to level 7 apprenticeship funding

As someone who left school at 16 to join an \[engineering\] apprenticeship program. Apprenticeships are very important to me.

The UK government confirmed it will continue to fund Level 7 apprenticeships (includes solicitor apprenticeships) from January 2026.

Meaning students can continue to qualify through a non university route. This is good news as cost of attending university is increasing. But, also, some candidates may prefer a more hands on experience.

However, "the government is refocusing investment towards young people at the start of their working lives, rather than those already in work with higher levels of prior learning and qualifications" \[Source: [Gov.uk](https://help.apprenticeships.education.gov.uk/hc/en-gb/articles/24002145831954-Changes-to-funding-for-level-7-apprenticeships?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)\]

If you are the age of 16-21 the funding will continue to be available.

Unfortunately, those over 21 will be ineligible for funding.

Considering the average age for qualification is approximately 30\. There have been [calls](https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/hr-and-people-management/level-7-solicitor-apprenticeships-funding?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) to the UK government to increase the age cap and allow access to funding for individuals over 21.

What are your thoughts on this news?
### SQE Study insights with dr. schatzberger
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-insights-from-dr-schatzberger/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:50.000Z
This week we share a guest post. SQE Study insights with Dr. Schatzberger.

---

![5 SQE Study insights with Dr. Schatzberger](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/dr--elliot-schatzberger.png)

## SQE Study insights with Dr. Schatzberger

[Dr. Elliot Schatzberger](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-elliot-schatzberger-29b9248a/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) brings 20 years of experience in teaching and preparing for exams, teaching Law on the Undergraduate, and GDL.

  
The changing world of 2020 opened up a new opportunity; Dr. Schatberger started to work with a Qualifying Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS) company, as the Course Director, initially on the OSCE’s and rapidly moving onto the Solicitor Qualifying Examination (SQE)

---

### Question 1

**What study strategy do you recommend for someone aiming to pass SQE1?**

Firstly, have a good look at the SQE/SRA website so that you know the syllabus and format of the examinations inside out.

Then make a decision as to how you would like to study. Long course with a provider, shorter more intensive course, self-study, 1-1, small group provider or larger entity like a University or larger private provider. This all depends on finance and how you prefer to learn.

Then focus on SQE1 and attend your provider's sessions and/or use the materials available to practice the MCQs. My materials of choice which I use to teach are the books in the Revise SQE series published by Fink - they are the best out there!

### Question 2

**How do top-performing students you’ve seen manage their time in the months leading up to the exam?**

The obvious answer is by attending their prep classes and/or practicing as many MCQs as possible. The key is to learn the strategy not just the law of how to answer these 360 MCQs when you literally have 1 minute 42 seconds to answer each question!

### Question 3

**What common mistakes do students make in MCQs to avoid?**

The most common and understandable mistake is rushing the answers in the exam. Many of the questions have at least three of the five answers which simply cannot be correct, if you read the question \[and the answers\] carefully.

The common error therefore is misreading the question/answer or 'snatching' at an answer from the 5 too quickly. Take your time - the pass mark on the SQE1 is around 62-64% meaning that you only need to get around 220 / 360 correct.

Meaning, take time to answer the questions, that way you will be more likely to pick the correct answers more steadily. I had a student who took this advice, stayed calm, took his time answering the questions. Spotted the must/may; should/could type of questions and passed the exam first time telling me he actually had time to spare at the end of the SQE1 exams!

### Question 4

**If I start feeling overwhelmed close to exam time, what should I focus on first?**

You WILL feel overwhelmed, but the more practice you allow yourself and more MCQs you answer before the exam, the more confidence you will have. Competence and Confidence are inextricably linked. The more practice, the more competence and confidence and the less you will feel overwhelmed

### Question 5

**What skills are important as a NQ?**

Once qualified, use your knowledge gained whilst training for the SQE. There is a reason why writing, drafting, case analysis, research and verbal skills are all tested. These are exactly the skills you need to employ as a NQ solicitor.

One thing I would add that no text book ever teaches you. That is that your client, civil or criminal, is not always going to be honest with you.

As such don't be afraid to dig and probe and ask tricky uncomfortable questions to your client. If you don't the other side will and that is a recipe for disaster!

Also, NEVER forget your professional conduct rules and ethics. It is not always what you do, but the way you do it that really matters.

---

Thank you, Dr. Schatzberger 🙏

If you are looking for study resources check out [Top Resources For Aspiring Solicitors](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/top-resources-for-aspiring-solicitors/).
### Mental Health and the SQE
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/mental-health-and-the-sqe/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:52.000Z
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) will physically and mentally challenge you. This week we look at mental health and the SQE, as we end Mental Health week 2025.

Studying for the SQE is a huge commitment. It is a high stakes exam that requires you to put a lot of hours to prepare. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, stressed, or even burnt out. That’s why prioritising your **mental health** is not a luxury, it’s a must for long-term success.

It's 2025 and mental health should not be considered a taboo topic or have any stigma attached. Mental health is real and we all need to do better to support those who need it the most.

## Understand Your Stress Response

The pressure of SQE prep can activate your body’s **fight-or-flight response**, potentially impairing concentration and memory. Two things you’ll definitely need for the SQE. Science shows that [**c**hronic stress affects cognitive function](https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/protect-your-brain-from-stress?ref=pradipkhakhar.com), so managing stress isn’t just about feeling better—it’s about performing better.

![Mental Health and the SQE](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/matthew-ball-rytefvqugvw-unsplash.jpg)

Photo by [Matthew Ball](https://unsplash.com/@tex450?utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fsource=unsplash) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/text-rYteFvqUGVw?utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fsource=unsplash)

## Actionable Tips - mental health and the sQE

### 1\. Create a Realistic Study Schedule

Avoid cramming. Research from the American Psychological Association supports **spaced repetition**, studying in short, focused sessions over time boosts retention and reduces anxiety. Schedule breaks and include buffer days for review.

### 2\. Move Your Body

Exercise releases endorphins and enhances cognitive performance. Even a 20-minute walk can improve focus and reduce stress. Make it part of your daily routine, especially during intensive study periods.

### 3\. Prioritise Sleep

Lack of sleep impairs reasoning and recall. Key skills needed for the SQE. Aim for 7–9 hours per night. Treat sleep as part of your revision plan.

### 4\. Mindfulness and Breathing

A daily 10-minute mindfulness practice can help to reduce anxiety and improve emotional regulation. Apps like Headspace or Calm offer guided meditations.

### 5\. Connect With Others

Feeling lonely, locked away at your desk study can feel lonely. Speak with fellow SQE candidates, friends, or a mentor. Just talking about your stress can significantly reduce its impact. Join [SQE communities](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/top-resources-for-aspiring-solicitors/).

## Mental Health Resources

Becoming a solicitor is a marathon, not a sprint. A strong mind is just as important as legal knowledge. By investing in your mental wellbeing, you’re not only preparing for the SQE, you’re preparing for a resilient, successful legal career.

You’ve got this. One step, one case, one question at a time.

1. [LawCare](https://www.lawcare.org.uk/get-information/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) is the *mental health* charity for the legal sector. A confidential support service for anyone in the legal profession, including students. Offers a helpline, peer support, and mental health resources tailored to legal careers. ☎️ Helpline: 0800 279 6888
2. [SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority)](https://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/resources/equality-diversity/mental-health-wellbeing/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com). While not a mental health provider, the SRA offers guidance on wellbeing in legal education and training, and links to support networks.
3. Find [NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/find-nhs-talking-therapies-for-anxiety-and-depression/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) talking therapies for anxiety and depression. Use this service to find NHS talking therapies for anxiety and depression you can refer yourself to.
4. [Student Minds](https://www.studentminds.org.uk/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) empowers students to build their own mental health toolkit to support themselves and their peers through university life and beyond. Student Minds challenge the higher education sector, health sector, and government to make student mental health a priority.
5. [Headspace](https://www.headspace.com/?irclickid=3UCxMRUATxyKUbFWP50oCTjmUkCQqbXRI28vzg0&utm%5Fsource=impact&utm%5Fmedium=PaidAdvertising&utm%5Fcampaign=Skimbit%20Ltd.&utm%5Fcontent=Online%20Tracking%20Link&irgwc=1)'s mission is to provide every person access to lifelong mental health support.
6. [Calm](https://www.calm.com/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) \- app for sleep, meditation and relaxation.
7. [Crafty Counsel](https://craftycounsel.co.uk/latest-content/mental-health-wellbeing-stress-in-the-legal-profession/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) \- Mental health, wellbeing & stress in the legal profession
8. [BARBRI](https://www2.barbri.com/blog/sqe/barbris-mental-health-support/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) provides mental health support for \[their\] students and colleagues
9. [Flex Legal](https://flex.legal/blog/mental-health-and-wellbeing-in-law?ref=pradipkhakhar.com), Mental Health and Wellbeing in Law

What other mental health resources are valuable?

Share your links in the comments [here](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:share:7329674692762439680/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com).
### AI law firm approved, AI lawyer fined
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/ai-law-firm-approved/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:52.000Z
Recently a AI law firm was approved by the SRA. A company using the term "AI lawyer" fined by the FTC.

## Can AI help reduce legal access costs?

That seems to be the claim by AI law firm [Garfield](https://www.garfield.law/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com). They recently received approval; [SRA approves '£2 letter' AI law firm Garfield](https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/sra-approves-2-letter-ai-law-firm/5123191.article?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)

In a statement over the weekend, Paul Philip, SRA chief executive, said ‘The first regulatory approval of an AI-based law firm is a landmark moment for legal services in this country. With so many people and small businesses struggling to access legal services. We cannot afford to pull up the drawbridge on innovations that could have big public benefits. Responsible use of AI by law firms could improve legal services, while making them easier to access and more affordable.'

As per the Garfield website, they can recover debts of up to £10,000 with costs starting at £2.

![AI law firm approved, AI lawyer fined](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/garfield-law-law-firm.png)

Image of https://www.garfield.law homepage. Accessed, May 10, 2025

## AI Law firm approved, AI lawyer fined

Recently (February 2025), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) [Finalizes Order with DoNotPay That Prohibits Deceptive 'AI Lawyer' Claims, Imposes Monetary Relief, and Requires Notice to Past Subscribers](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/02/ftc-finalizes-order-donotpay-prohibits-deceptive-ai-lawyer-claims-imposes-monetary-relief-requires?ref=pradipkhakhar.com).

DoNotPay (dot) com started around 2015/2016 in NYC and positioned itself as "the world’s first robot lawyer". Starting as an app for contesting parking tickets.

In 2015, it is reported NYC brought in [$565](https://www.motorbiscuit.com/new-york-city-made-565-million-parking-violations-1-record-breaking-year/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) million dollars from parking violations. In many cases, attorney fees can sometimes be as high as the fines. Therefore, may fines went uncontested.

Since then DoNotPay is now positioned as "[DoNotPay uses artificial intelligence to help you fight big corporations, protect your privacy, find hidden money, and beat bureaucracy](https://donotpay.com/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)."

## One major difference

Per the article in Law Society Gazette "Named regulated solicitors will still ultimately be accountable for standards". Though I am not entirely sure what that means and how the regulated solicitors will be accountable.

The Garfield website, in the FAQ states "Garfield is not a solicitor or a barrister. In fact, Garfield is not even human! It hasn't sat any law degrees. It is a legal assistant that is a machine learning application".

In contrast, DoNotPay \[in [2024](https://www.abajournal.com/news/article/robot-lawyer-donotpay-reaches-settlement-in-suit-alleging-it-is-neither-a-robot-nor-a-lawyer?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)\] "agreed to settle a lawsuit alleging that the website engaged in the unauthorized practice of law and provided substandard legal services".

## Other

If you've just completed your SQE 2 sitting, congrats! You've put in the hard work. Wishing you all the best for results day.

AI is making an impact in the legal industry. Suggest reading [Should You Use AI To Study For The SQE?](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/should-you-use-ai-to-study-for-the-sqe/)

For the mums in the US - Happy Mother's Day!
### SQE - Self Study or with a course Provider?
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-self-study-or-with-a-course-provider/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:53.000Z
If you are an aspiring solicitor looking to qualify through the SQE route you are faced with a common question. SQE - Self study or with a course provider?

In short, this is a question that only you can answer. However, below are 3 questions you need to think about before making your decision.

## How familiar are you with the law?

If you are a recent law graduate or someone who has worked in the legal field for a number of years and you've been exposed to various areas of law. You may not need the resources that typically come with a course provider. You may already be familiar with the law and have good retention in which case a question bank may be the path you choose.

If you are a career changer or non-law student, and not familiar with law. It might be advisable to study with a provider who has a proven structure to support you succeed. [Though not required](https://www.legalcheek.com/2023/09/i-taught-myself-the-sqe-heres-how-i-got-on/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com).

## Do you need motivation, structure, and accountability?

When studying with a course provider you will have access to a number of resources, such as:

- Course text books
- Video lessons
- Study calendar (shows you how many hours to spend on each topic and what you need to complete before taking the SQE)
- Study groups
- Live sessions and access to a tutor
- Ability to ask questions on technical aspects
- Large bank of multiple choice questions
- Subject summaries tailored to the SQE
- Progress tracking tools

If you are someone who needs motivation, structure, and accountability going with a course provider might be the better option.

Without a course provider, you can find elements of the resources available separately. However, you may find yourself overwhelmed if you are not disciplined.

Self-study works well if you’re confident in building your own study schedule, interpreting dense legal material, and holding yourself accountable.

## Pros and Cons

### Self Study Pros

- Flexible and self-paced
- More affordable
- Great if you’re disciplined and already have a legal background

### Self Study Cons

- Can be overwhelming
- No structured support or feedback
- Harder to benchmark your progress

### Course Provider Pros

- Clear direction and guidance
- Practice questions that mimic the exam
- Easier to stay on track

### Course Provider Cons

- Can be expensive
- Less flexible if you’re juggling full-time work

If you are looking for a course provider but not sure what to look for read; [How to Pick an SQE Course](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/how-to-pick-an-sqe-course/).

## Cost implications

Without a doubt, self study will be much cheaper. A SQE 1 + SQE 2 course can cost into the thousands of pounds. Remember this is in addition to the test fees, the total costs quickly add up.

Many SQE course providers offer webinars, discounts, early bird offers etc. If you are serious about taking a course, do your research. Sometimes all you need to do is just ask, explain your situation and you never know.

## What is right for you? (SQE - Self Study or with a course Provider?)

Regardless of if you self study or choose a course provider, both have their own pros and cons. In the end you must choose the best path for you that keeps you learning & practicing on a consistent basis to pass the SQE.

Remember, the goal is to pass the SQE and go on to qualify as a solicitor. Check out our [Top Resources For Aspiring Solicitors](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/top-resources-for-aspiring-solicitors/) for both paid and free resources to support your SQE Journey.

The harsh truth is no matter what route you take to study for the SQE, you remain in control of your study plan. Yes, course providers can provider motivation, structure, and accountability. However, you need to make time to sit in front of a computer, pick up that text book, and take the multiple choice practice questions and put in the work.
### Should you use aI to study for the SQE?
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/should-you-use-ai-to-study-for-the-sqe/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:53.000Z
Wouldn't it be cool if it was possible to upload SQE materials to AI and have AI create practice questions, identify weak areas and create additional questions? Today we explore - should you use AI to study for the SQE?

To be clear, before we continue I am not advocating for anyone to upload any licensed materials to AI.

It all started this week when I saw the following two headlines:

1. Kaplan’s use of AI for SQE ‘question development’ comes under scrutiny amid US Bar row by [LegalCheek](https://www.legalcheek.com/2025/04/kaplans-use-of-ai-for-sqe-question-development-comes-under-scrutiny-amid-us-bar-row/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com). In the Legal Cheek article I note:  
  - *“To be clear, we \[Kaplan\] have not used any questions generated by AI in any SQE assessments. All questions used in SQE assessments are drafted by solicitors of England and Wales*..."
2. State Bar of California admits it used AI to develop exam questions, triggering new furor by [The LA Times](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-04-23/state-bar-of-california-used-ai-for-exam-questions?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)

If AI can be used to develop questions, can we use AI to study?

## Should you use AI to study for the SQE?.

First, if you are taking a course from a [SQE course provider](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/top-resources-for-aspiring-solicitors/) chances are you may already be using AI.

However, what I was thinking about is if I took the sample SQE 1 questions from the SRA and asked ChatGPT for the answers.

Would ChatGPT give me the correct answer and explanations?

Randomly I picked one question from the sample questions and asked ChatGPT, to my surprise the answer came back correct. I confirmed with the answer key SRA provides at the end of the sample questions.

I picked a second question from the sample question and copied it into ChatGPT and again it was correct. Seeing this I started to feel some confidence.

Unfortunately, the confidence was very short lived. On the third question ChatGPT got it incorrect.

I immediately stopped.

In 2023 I remember reading an article; [Latest version of ChatGPT aces bar exam with score nearing 90th percentile](https://www.abajournal.com/web/article/latest-version-of-chatgpt-aces-the-bar-exam-with-score-in-90th-percentile?ref=pradipkhakhar.com). The 2023 article stated “While GPT-4 performs well on many questions, its output is not completely free of errors,” the researchers concluded.

Surely, models have improved, but looks like ChatGPT has some way to go for the SQE. Maybe chatGPT is capable of passing SQE 1, however, ChatGPT is not free of errors for the SQE materials.

## Think about the bigger picture

In recent times we all likely have seen social media posts saying that the legal profession is dying and ChatGPT can handle simple things my lawyer can.

In my view AI is another tool in the lawyer's tool kit.

Does AI have good uses in the legal industry? – yes!

Will it eliminate the need for lawyers completely - no!

## In Conclusion

The SQE is one of the most difficult exams to take. If you are taking a course from a SQE course provider, they may have built the course using AI elements. Check with your course provider.

If you are self studying, be cautious as the output from ChatGPT can look and feel right but may not be. Use trusted materials from trusted sources.
### Slow down to speed up
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/slow-down-to-speed-up/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:54.000Z
At first Slow down to speed up seems to be counter intuitive. It's not.

To everyone preparing for SQE 2 this month and SQE1 in July — you’re doing something incredibly challenging.

As we celebrate Easter weekend, take a moment to breathe. Studying for the SQE is a marathon, not a sprint. You’ve been working hard, balancing complex legal topics, mock exams, and revision schedules.

Remember your mental health and well-being is just as important as your preparation.

Use this weekend to recharge — spend time with loved ones, enjoy a walk, watch a film, or simply relax without guilt. Rest isn’t wasted time; it’s essential. A calm, rested mind absorbs more, thinks clearer, and performs better.

Give your brain some space to breathe.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone. There are many folks studying for the SQE, facing the same doubts and pressures. Celebrate the small wins, acknowledge your efforts, and don’t be afraid to step back for a moment to move forward. Taking care of your mental health now will serve you well during the exams and beyond in your legal career.

Remember you just need enough to pass the SQE exam. The exam does not define you, it's a step towards becoming a solicitor.

The SQE journey requires strength, knowledge, and compassion — including compassion for yourself. It’s okay to take a break. It’s okay to enjoy Easter. You’re allowed joy, even in the middle of hard work.

Wishing you peace, clarity, and moments of joy this Easter.

You’ve got this!

![Slow down to speed up](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/frank-zhang-irijvofmyim-unsplash.jpg)

Photo by [Frank Zhang](https://unsplash.com/@frankzphoto?utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fsource=unsplash) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/multicolored-egg-hunt-decor-on-white-wooden-fence-IRIjVofmyiM?utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fsource=unsplash)
### 10 Books To Read For Aspiring Solicitors
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/10-books-to-read-for-aspiring-solicitors/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:55.000Z
10 Books To Read For Aspiring Solicitors.

## 1\. Legal System of the UK by Gary Slapper & David Kelly

Why: A clear, foundational guide to how the UK legal system works. It’s essential reading for building foundational knowledge too.

## 2\. The Secret Barrister by The Secret Barrister

Why: Though focused on criminal law, it gives a raw, eye-opening look into the UK legal system from an insider’s view. Sharp, witty, and educational.

## 3\. The Rule of Law by Lord Tom Bingham

Why: A classic. Helps you grasp the philosophy behind the legal system. It’s short but powerful and referenced often.

## 4\. Mindset by Carol Dweck

Why: Not a legal book, but essential for any aspiring professional. Understanding how to build resilience and a growth mindset will carry you through your career.

## 5\. The Firm by John Grisham

Why: A young lawyer joins a prestigious law firm only to discover it’s a front for the mob, forcing him into a dangerous game of survival between the FBI and the Mafia.

## 6\. Storytelling For Lawyers by Philip Meyer

Why: Explores how narrative techniques can enhance legal advocacy by helping lawyers craft compelling, persuasive stories that resonate with judges and juries.

## 7\. Bargaining For Advantage by Richard Shell

Why: Combines negotiation theory with practical strategies, preparing thoroughly, and adapting to different situations to achieve successful outcomes.

## 8\. Influence by Robert Cialdini

Why: Reveals six key principles of persuasion—that explain how people are influenced and how to ethically apply these tactics in everyday life.

## 9\. (US) Law School Confidential by Robert Miller

Why: Guide offering insider advice on succeeding in law school, from the application process to exams, internships, and career planning.

## 10\. Drafting (US) Contracts by Tina Stark

Why: Practical guide that teaches law students and practitioners how to clearly and precisely draft contracts by focusing on the structure, language, and logic essential to effective legal writing.

## Your Choice?

What did you think of our top 10 books to read for aspiring solicitors?

What book(s) would you add?

Check out our [Top Resources for Aspiring Solicitors](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/top-resources-for-aspiring-solicitors/)

## Bonus

1. [The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0691156662?ref%5F=cm%5Fsw%5Fr%5Fapan%5Fdp%5FJKC8XZ67PRNZF39A3GGZ&language=en-US&ref=pradipkhakhar.com) by Edward Burger and Michael Starbird.  
  - Why: Presents a framework for smarter thinking and problem-solving by encouraging habits like deep understanding, strategic questioning, learning from mistakes, clear thinking, and continual improvement.
### January 2025 SQE 1 statistical Report
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/january-2025-sqe-1-statistical-report/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:56.000Z
Earlier this week the SRA released a January 2025 SQE 1 Statistical Report. In this post we review some of the data from the report.

In July 2024, 5,006 candidates took FLK 1 & FLK 2 of SQE 1 and the overall pass rate was 44% ([per SRA](https://www.sra.org.uk/sra/news/sqe1-july-2024-results/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com#:~:text=The%20results%20for%20the%20SQE1,were%20resitting%2C%20was%2044%25.)).

## Jan 25 SQE 1 Statistical Report

In January 2025, 6,782 candidates took FLK 1 & FLK 2 of SQE 1 and the overall pass rate was 56%.

This is an increase of 1,776 students and an increase of 12% in the overall pass rate, from July 2024.

The below table was taken from the report and shows the breakdown.

![SQE 1 Statistical Report](https://pradipcloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-05-at-4.17.33%E2%80%AFPM.png)

The report contain various data and graphs:

1. Score distribution charts
2. Score quintile chart
3. Performance by practice area
4. Pass rates  
  - By ethic group
  - Disability
  - Gender
  - Age category
  - Religion or belief
  - Education
  - Undergraduate degree classification
  - Parent education
  - Occupation of main house hold earner at age 14
  - Type of school attended between ages 11 and 16
  - Qualifying work experience
  - Qualified lawyer
  - First language

Read the full report on the SRA [website](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/news-item/2025/04/01/january-2025-sqe1-statistical-report-published?ref=pradipkhakhar.com).

### Other Snippets from report

All images are taken directly from the report on the SRA website.

### Ethic Group

Per the January 2025 SQE 1 statistical report we still have work to do to bring more diverse people into the legal profession.

![SQE 1 Statistical Report 2025](https://pradipcloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-05-at-4.28.32%E2%80%AFPM.png)

## Upcoming data

We are expecting SRA to release data on the different course providers and the pass rates later this year. If you are an aspiring solicitor check out [Top Resources For Aspiring Solicitors](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/top-resources-for-aspiring-solicitors/).
### 5 questions with Harvey Kaye
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/5-questions-with-harvey-kaye/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:56.000Z
This week we try something new. As [aspiring solicitors](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/top-resources-for-aspiring-solicitors/) what are the skills needed to be successful. We ask Harvey Kaye 5 questions.

---

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/harvey_kaye-jpeg.jpg)

## 5 Questions with Harvey Kaye

[Harvey is the founder or +GC](https://www.linkedin.com/in/harvey-kaye-155a503b/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com). He delivers flexible, practical, growth-focussed and cost-effective legal support to companies and in-house legal teams as and when they need it.

---

### Question 1

**What specific legal skills do you find most crucial in your day-to-day work as general counsel that would also be valuable for a newly qualified solicitor?**

Emotional intelligence. Being able to read a situation and read people to assess the right course of action. For example, your method or style of communication and when to lead the conversation versus sit back and listen.

### Question 2

**Can you describe a typical negotiation scenario you encounter and the skills required to handle it effectively?**

Typically, I find myself negotiating big points in commercial agreements. It can be easy to get lost in the win vs lose mentality but I don't really see it like that. Let's allocate risk sensibly and pragmatically rather than trying to one up each other.

### Question 3

**How do you approach building and maintaining client relationships in your role, and how important are these skills for new solicitors?**

Hugely important. I try to maintain touchpoints - little and often. For example, trying to connect them with other interesting people in my network, sending them articles I come across which I think may be of interest. It's so important to maintain these touchpoints and show that you are a trusted business adviser and not just "the lawyer".

### Question 4

**What advice would you give for developing strong drafting skills, especially for legal documents such as commercial contracts?**

If you're ever struggling to draft a clause, say aloud what it is that you're trying to draft and then write it down. It sounds silly but you'll be amazed how effective it can be.

### Question 5

**What advice would you give to an aspiring solicitor about developing business awareness?**

Be curious and don't "stay in your lane".

---

Thank you, Harvey 🙏
### Should you use the flag for review function?
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/should-you-use-the-flag-for-review-function/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:57.000Z
In SQE 1 you have access to a function called flag for review. We explore the pros and cons of using the flag for review function?

## What is the flag for review function?

The exam will give you an option to flag a question for review.

There are three points you need to know:

1. During the exam you will have an option to flag for review on each question (figure 1)
2. You'll be able to see all the questions and the ones that you flagged. In this example, I flagged questions, 1, 2, and 8 (figure 2)
3. You will have the option to review all, review incomplete or review flagged (figure 3)

![SQE Journey Flag Feature](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/sqe-flag-feature-1.png)

Images are Screenshots from Pearson VUE assessment platform/ SQE 1 exam functionality[ here](https://home.pearsonvue.com/kaplansqe/demo-exam?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)

## Should you use the flag for review function

TLDR: It depends (Yes, but use with caution)

### First, why yes

Flagging questions could be a good way to keep a track of questions that on first glance:

1. You know the answer but will need additional [time](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-1-time-per-question/)
2. The question is not one of your strong topics, you might be able to figure it out but you need additional time
3. You just don't know the answer

The flag function however, does not differentiate between the three above reasons to flag (as shown in figure 2 above).

### Why no

Remember the goal here is to get as many questions correct as possible (to get you over the pass line).

You don't want to be using time to read the question/ facts decide you want to flag and then come back to it. This costs time. You don't want to be flagging a large number of questions.

Additionally, remember the computer you will use on the day off the exam, will likely not be a powerful or a machine with the latest technology . Meaning, going back and forth between flagged questions will cost time.

You don't want to start second guessing yourself.

## Consider A combination Instead

Use of a combination of the flag function and the [erasable whiteboard notepad and marker pen](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/exam-arrangements/the-assessment-day/SQE1?ref=pradipkhakhar.com#:~:text=You%20will%20be%20provided%20with,on%20to%20your%20assigned%20workstation).

Create three columns (or rows) with the headings:

1. Need more time
2. 50/50
3. X

Every time you flag a question in your notepad write the number of the question down in the respective column.

When you reach the end, you can prioritize which question to review based on your assessment. The need more time column should be tackled first, as you know the answer but need more time. This could be because the facts and answer choices involve more reading or a calculation needs to be done.

Next tackle the 50/50 column where this could be a question that isn't your strong topic.

Finally if you have time remaining go back to the X column where you don't know the answer but if you have time you might be able to figure it out or use the time to take a best educated guess through eliminating the incorrect answer choices.

### Remember no question should be left blank

If you choose to flag questions, remember no question should be left blank. If you run out of time they will be worth 0\. Always select one answer.

## Create your own strategy

This is how I am thinking about the flag function. Please spend some time thinking about what strategy you plan to use for exam day.

## Calling SQE tutors/ someone who has passed SQE 1

If you are an SQE Tutor or someone who has passed SQE 1, I would love to hear what your thoughts are. Feel free to connect with me on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkhakhar/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) or feel free to comment your thoughts here.
### SQE 1 results - next steps
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-1-results-next-steps/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:57.000Z
If you've recently received your SQE 1 results here are some next steps to consider. In either case, please realize you are taking one of the most difficult exams in the legal space. Taking the SQE is a huge commitment of your time and energy. You should feel proud to get to this point.

Take some time for yourself, the mental drain of taking SQE 1 and waiting for the results is a difficult period. Do something fun, spend some time with friends and family, or take a few days for yourself to get your energy and mental capacity ready for the next steps.

## SQE 1 Results - next steps

### You Passed

If you passed both FLK 1 and FLK 2, huge congratulations. You are one step closer to qualifying as a solicitor. Your next stop is SQE 2\. I've briefly described [SQE 2 in this post](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/what-is-the-sqe-exam/).

![SQE 1 Results - Next Steps](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/brett-jordan-oxjvbhxxm4w-unsplash.jpg)

Photo by [Brett Jordan](https://unsplash.com/@brett%5Fjordan?utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fsource=unsplash) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/brown-wooden-blocks-on-white-table-oXjvbhXxm4w?utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fsource=unsplash)

### Didn't get the result this time

It's ok. Take some time and review your results:

1. Your results from the SRA will list:  
  - Pass mark
  - Your mark
  - Correct answers (x/180)
2. Underneath will have the SQE 1 full breakdown of marks for FLK 1 and FLK 2
3. Review the practice areas and the scores
4. The lowest scores are the practice areas you should consider studying again first. Focus on strengthening your weaker areas. Do not lose the skills you already have in the strongest practice areas
5. It is possible to pass one FLK and not the other. If this is the case great job on passing one. You only have to study for the one you did not pass

Use this to work backwards from when you want to resit. SQE 1 sittings are (at the time of writing) in January and July of each year per [SRA](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/about-sqe/what-is-the-sqe/timings?ref=pradipkhakhar.com).

## Don't study alone

(unless that is how you study best)

Studying for SQE 1 can be lonely. Some people like studying alone and that is ok. Find what works for you. Find your support system. There are so many groups, other students studying for the SQE, find a [resource](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/top-resources-for-aspiring-solicitors/) that suits your needs better.

## You Got this

Feel free to chat/ connect with me on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkhakhar/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) or join me in the [SQE Lab](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/introducing-sqe-journey-lab/).
### No Question left behind
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/no-question-left-behind/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:59:59.000Z
By the end of 90 questions per session for SQE 1\. There should be no question left behind. Answer all 90 questions.

## Do not leave any question unanswered

1. If you do not know the answer, try and eliminate the [wrong answer choices](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/content/files/2026/05/how-to-tackle-sqe-1-questions.html). If you are down to two potential "single best answer choices" pick one. Do not leave any question blank
2. If you are [running out of time](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-1-time-per-question/) and for example, you have three minutes left to answer 10 questions. You need to guess on around 8 of the questions. Do not leave any question blank
3. Under no situation leave any question blank

## Why no Question left behind

If you leave any question(s) blank, you will earn a 0 on that question. While guessing is **not** a SQE strategy, however, when time is running out select one answer. A slim (1 in 5) chance exists you get it right. 20% is better than 0% chance of getting the question right.

## July 2025 SQE 1 booking information

If you are planning to sit SQE 1 in July please read on.

1. To reserve a seat for the July 2025 sitting you must reserve a seat by completing the seat reservation form. Keep an eye on your emails on 24th March at approximately 6 pm for the seat reservation form
2. For more information please follow the steps outlined in the [key booking information](http://t.email.kaplan.co.uk/r/?id=h653f0e7,641e27c,642a0a5&ref=pradipkhakhar.com) from the SRA
3. Seat allocation is a first come, first served basis. Get your completed forms in early
### How to Tackle SQE 1 questions
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/how-to-tackle-sqe-1-questions/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T22:00:00.000Z
Between FLK 1 and FLK 2 over two days, you will answer 360 SQE 1 questions. So how to tackle SQE 1 questions?

The below is question 15 from [SQE1 Functioning Legal Knowledge FLK1 sample questions](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/docs/default-source/pdfs/sqe1-flk1-sample-questions-updated-feb-2024.pdf?sfvrsn=5117ba1b%5F1&ref=pradipkhakhar.com) released by the SRA

## Question 15

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/how-to-tackle-sqe-1-questions.png)

Question 15 from [SQE1 Functioning Legal Knowledge FLK1 sample questions](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/docs/default-source/pdfs/sqe1-flk1-sample-questions-updated-feb-2024.pdf?sfvrsn=5117ba1b%5F1&ref=pradipkhakhar.com) released by the SRA

## How to Tackle SQE 1 Questions

### Step 1: Read the question

Question 15 asks "What method of statutory interpretation has the judge used?"

In your mind start thinking:

- Topic = Legal System of England & Wales
- Sub Topic = Statutory Interpretation

### Step 2: Read the facts above the question

Question 15's facts (paraphrased) are around a trial and the judge is looking at a particular section of a statute. When using the natural ordinary meaning of the words the result is absurd. Therefore the judge interprets the words in a different way as to not reach an absurd result.

In your mind start thinking about what the answer will be.

Would you agree this sounds like the Golden Rule?

In this case, Golden Rule seems like an obvious choice. In other questions, it may not, therefore, don't rush and automatically select the obvious choice. Review the other answer choices. We do not want to be caught out because we need the single "best" answer.

### Step 3: Read the answer choices and pick the single best answer

If you are not sure start by eliminating the wrong choices.

A, B, and D are statutory interpretation rules while C, and E are aids to interpretation. Therefore, we can eliminate C, and E.

A. **Literal Rule:** Give words their ordinary meaning even if it yields an absurd result.

B. **Mischief Rule:** Looks at what problem the statute was designed to remedy and adapts the words of the statute to achieve this result.

D. **Golden Rule:** When an ordinary meaning gives an absurd result, courts may use a different meaning of the word.

We earlier (in step 2) thought about The Golden Rule.

Therefore, select answer choice D. The Golden Rule is the correct answer.

## Remember the nuances

Not every question will be simple similar to Question 15\. Expect some questions to be easier and some to be more difficult. Adjust the above three steps to your style.

In some cases reading the question will not yield any information. For example, if the question reads "Which of the following best explains what the solicitor should do next?" you cannot start thinking about the topic and subtopic just yet.

That question could appear in a number of topics. In this case move on to step 2: read the facts above and then step 3: review the answer choices and pick the single best answer.

Remember eliminating the wrong answers first may reduce the pressure. It might be easier to pick one from two possibilities than one from five possibilities.

## Practice in exam day conditions

Get into the habit of taking practice quiz/ tests in exam day conditions. In [SQE 1 – Time Per Question](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/content/files/2026/05/sqe-1-time-per-question.html) I shared aiming for 10 questions every 15 mins and during practice quiz/ tests not to review your notes.
### SQE Practice Questions
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-practice-questions/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T22:00:02.000Z
Take as many SQE practice questions as you can. Reading, taking notes, and summarizing can limit your understanding. Your SQE materials have all the information you need. Transposing it into a different form generally won't help you remember and understand it.

If you have not yet read go read [learn how to study](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/content/files/2026/05/learn-how-to-study.html). To be clear, I'm not against taking notes, they can be helpful if used correctly. I am against spending time transposing textbook notes into hand written notes.

There will be times where you need to memorize important items such as time periods (dispute resolution) and mnemonics like MERRP to describe the 5 legal interests in land (Mortgages, Easements, Rent charges, Right of entry, and Profit a' prendre)

Creating quick one pagers or mind maps for concept like the above two items can be very helpful.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/firmbee-com-gcsnospexfs-unsplash.jpg)

Photo by [Firmbee.com](https://unsplash.com/@firmbee?utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fsource=unsplash) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/person-writing-on-white-paper-gcsNOsPEXfs?utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fsource=unsplash)

## Where to find SQE Practice Questions

SRA provides free practice questions.

1. [SQE1 Functioning Legal Knowledge FLK1 sample questions](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/docs/default-source/pdfs/sqe1-flk1-sample-questions-updated-feb-2024.pdf?sfvrsn=5117ba1b%5F1&ref=pradipkhakhar.com) from the SRA
2. [SQE1 Functioning Legal Knowledge FLK2 sample questions](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/docs/default-source/pdfs/sqe1-flk2-sample-questions.pdf?sfvrsn=70379580%5F4&ref=pradipkhakhar.com) from the SRA
3. Other resources are listed in the [Top Resources For Aspiring Solicitors](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/content/files/2026/05/top-resources-for-aspiring-solicitors-3.html) post

## Review the right and Wrong answer choices

The SQE is a single best answer choice test. Meaning you may see two (or more) answer choices that are very similar and both technically could be right. However, one is the "better" right.

At the end of every practice quiz/ test spend some time reviewing both the;

- Right answer choice. It is easy to skip over this. Especially, if you've got the answer right, why spend time reading the reason. I would argue that reading the reasoning helps strengthen your understanding of the subject. This is particularly helpful when you've narrowed it down to two choices and you pick the correct answer choice.
- Wrong answer choices - Similarly understand the nuances of why you picked (or avoided) the wrong answer choice. Did you mis-read the question, or maybe you did not pick up the double negative in the question. Understanding why something is the wrong answer choice also helps strengthen your understanding of the subject.

Therefore, if you are short on time (let's be honest who isn't) allocate some time to take as many practice quiz/ tests as you can AND allocate time to read the reasoning.

## Focus on your weaker areas

Provided you are not looking at your notes to answer the questions. Your practice scores will show areas you maybe need to spend additional time on. Focus your time on areas where you can pick up additional points. I know tax and solicitor accounts can be difficult, especially if you are not a numbers person. However, getting a few extra questions right in those subjects could potentially help you cross the finish line. Plus it can take some pressure off the other subjects.

## SRA SQE 1 assessment Specifications

As you progress through the FLK 1 and FLK 2 topics keep an eye on the [SRA SQE assessment specifications](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/exam-arrangements/assessment-information/sqe1-assessment-specification?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) and match your areas of strength's and weaknesses against the subject areas.
### SQE is a closed book exam
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-is-a-closed-book-exam/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T22:00:03.000Z
Recently I saw someone online talking about creating notes in the text book margins that could be potentially used in the SQE exam. SQE is a closed book exam. You cannot use any notes in the SQE.

To clarify the person did the LPC and it was open book. It sounded like that person was not aware the SQE is a closed book exam. Hence, they were suggesting tips that helped them with the LPC.

This got me thinking.

When taking practice tests/ questions should you look at your notes?

My response is an emphatic **no** (with one limited exception)!

Firstly, why no

1. The SQE is a closed book exam
2. Start getting into the habit of replicating exam day conditions
3. Your practice test scores will artificially increase. Therefore, when revising you cannot rely on your practice scores to determine your strengths and weaknesses. Which impacts how much time you spend revising each topic.

Next why yes (only to be used in a limited exception)

When starting out your practice test scores might be low. Some may see this low score and feel they are not good enough. Remember: you are more than good enough! You got this. Do not let a low practice score deter you.

In fact, I would suggest that is it better to get low scores in practice. You can then review the area(s) where your scores could use improvement. Use the low score to find areas you can improve in.

[via GIPHY](https://giphy.com/gifs/sparkdigital-QBSnrgu8BdbeKCKaAZ?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)

If you need a boost in the beginning maybe it isn't the end of the world if you peeked at your notes.

However, my suggestion is not to make this a regular practice.

If possible, I would urge you not to peek at your notes. But understand if in the beginning you feel the need.

To learn more about how to manage your time read [SQE 1 – Time Per Question](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/content/files/2026/05/sqe-1-time-per-question-1.html).

Next week we'll talk about what to do instead.

If you are planning to take the SQE consider joining [SQE Journey Labs](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/content/files/2026/05/introducing-sqe-journey-lab.html). You'll get:

- Community of individuals who are studying the SQE exam
- Regular virtual events (study sessions, networking/ social hour)
### important steps to take in dispute resolution
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/important-steps-to-take-in-dispute-resolution/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T22:00:05.000Z
Dispute resolution is an important part of the legal system in the UK, providing mechanisms to resolve conflicts efficiently and fairly. This guide outlines the top ten most important steps to take in dispute resolution cases, aligning with the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) and other UK legal frameworks. By adhering to these steps, legal professionals can effectively manage cases, uphold transparency and fairness, and achieve the best possible outcomes for their clients.

Some of the [SQE candidates](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/content/files/2026/05/top-resources-for-aspiring-solicitors-4.html) I've spoken to expressed insights into dispute resolution. I'm excited to bring you the most important steps to take in dispute resolution - a guest post from Sallyann Mellor.

---

![The most important steps to take in dispute resolution](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/sa-jpeg.jpg)

## important steps to take in dispute resolutionWritten by Sallyann Mellor

[Mellor SQE Preparation Courses/Tutor and Coaching Services](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallyann-mellor-422353260?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)

---

## 1\. Initial Assessment

Understanding the nature of the dispute and the client’s objectives is crucial. Assess whether the claim meets the legal requirements to bring a claim.

You should consider the following:

### 1.1\. Tort Claim

To bring a tort claim, the following elements must generally be established:

1. **Duty of Care**: The claimant must show that the defendant owed them a duty of care.
2. **Breach of Duty**: The claimant must demonstrate that the defendant breached this duty.
3. **Causation**: The claimant needs to prove that the breach of duty caused their harm or loss. This involves establishing a direct link between the breach and the injury.
4. **Damage**: The claimant must show they suffered actual damage or loss as a consequence of the defendant's actions. This can be physical injury, financial loss, or emotional distress.
5. **Limitation Period**: The claim must be brought within the statutory time limit. For general tort claims, this is usually six years from the date of the breach, though personal injury claims typically have a three-year limitation period.

### 1.2\. Contract Claim

To bring a contract claim, the following elements must generally be established:

1. **Existence of a Contract**: The claimant must prove that a valid contract existed. This requires offer, acceptance, consideration, and intention to create legal relations.
2. **Breach of Contract**: The claimant must demonstrate that the defendant breached the terms of the contract.
3. **Causation**: The claimant needs to show that the breach of contract caused their loss.
4. **Loss/Damages**: The claimant must demonstrate that they suffered a loss as a result of the breach.
5. **Limitation Period**: The claim must be brought within the statutory time limit. For most contract claims, this period is six years from the date of the breach. In personal injury claims, this period is generally three years from the date of injury.
6. **Prospects of Success:** Evaluate the likelihood of winning the case. This involves analysing the strengths and weaknesses of the case.
7. **Review proportionality**: Will the cost of the claim exceed the potential damages?
8. **Funding:** Discuss funding options with the client, such as conditional fee agreements, legal expense insurance, or self-funding.

## 2\. Gathering evidence

Evidence is fundamental as the burden of proof is on the claimant to demonstrate breach or negligence occurred.

This involves:

- Collecting all relevant documents, example, witness statements, and expert reports.
- Ensuring thorough preparation of evidence to support the claim.

## 3\. Client Communication

Maintaining transparency and regular updates with clients is essential. Always seek client approval before progressing any matter.

- Regularly inform the client about case developments and options.
- Ensure clients understand the legal process and potential outcomes.
- Ensure your advice is client focused in accordance with their individual needs.

## 4\. Negotiation and Pre-action protocols

Engage with the relevant Pre-action protocols under the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR), which encourage early resolution and negotiation.

- **Pre-action Protocols:** Follow these protocols to share information and resolve issues without litigation.
- **Part 36 Offers:** Consider these offers as a tactical mechanism to reach a settlement and avoid further costs and court time.

## 5\. Pleadings and Statements of Case

Draft clear and accurate legal documents to narrow the issues in dispute.

- Avoid inaccuracies to prevent serious repercussions, such as court sanctions.
- Clearly outline the legal arguments and supporting evidence.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/christina-wocintechchat-com-q80lyxv_tbs-unsplash.jpg)

Photo by [Christina](https://unsplash.com/@wocintechchat?utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fsource=unsplash) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/people-on-conference-table-looking-at-talking-woman-Q80LYxv%5FTbs?utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fsource=unsplash)

## 6\. Case Management

The CPR stresses timely preparation and adherence to procedural timelines to ensure efficient case progression.

- Engage in the case management process or face court sanctions.
- Amendments to the timetable can be made with the court’s permission if necessary, however, it is at the discretion of the court.

## 7\. ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution)

Mediation, arbitration, and other ADR methods are strongly encouraged.

- Consider ADR during the pre-action process and as the case progresses.
- Aim to resolve disputes without resorting to trial.

## 8\. Disclosure/ Discovery

The CPR mandates thorough disclosure of pertinent documents between parties to ensure transparency and fairness.

- Review and disclose all relevant documents to the opposing party.
- Request necessary documents from the opposing party.

## 9\. Preparation for Hearings/ Trials

Comprehensive preparation is vital for presenting a persuasive case according to CPR requirements.

- Prepare witnesses and evidence for presentation in court.
- Develop a clear and persuasive case strategy.

## 10\. post-decision Actions

Implementing court decisions, advising clients on further actions, and ensuring compliance are key post-resolution steps.

- Ensure the court’s decision is executed.
- Advise on any appeals or enforcement measures needed.

## Conclusion

Navigating dispute resolution effectively requires a thorough and structured approach. Legal professionals must adhere to a series of well-defined steps, ranging from initial assessment and evidence gathering to post-decision actions.

Understanding the specifics of tort and contract claims, such as checking the limitation period, prospects of success, and funding, is critical.

Proper evidence collection, client communication, and adherence to pre-action protocols under the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) ensure transparency and efficiency.

Additionally, the importance of clear pleadings, case management, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), disclosure, and meticulous trial preparation cannot be overstated.

Embracing these practices not only upholds the integrity of the legal process but also ensures just and effective outcomes for clients, making this an essential guide for any aspiring law professional.

## Be an Adult section

This is not legal advice. Please consult a qualified professional.
### SQE 1 - Time per Question
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/sqe-1-time-per-question/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T22:00:08.000Z
The last thing you want while taking SQE 1 is to run out of time. In this issue we break down SQE 1 - time per Question.

For a breakdown of SQE 1, read [what is the SQE exam](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/content/files/2026/05/what-is-the-sqe-exam-2.html).

SQE 1 is broken down into FLK 1 and FLK 2 taken over two days. Each day breaks down as follows:

- 2 hours and 33 mins to take the first 90 questions
- 60 mins for a break
- 2 hours and 33 mins to take the next 90 questions

## SQE 1 - Time Per Question

TLDR

**For each SQE 1 question you have approximately 1.7 per question** ([Confirmed by the SRA](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/exam-arrangements/assessment-information/sqe1-sample-questions?ref=pradipkhakhar.com#:~:text=Purpose%20of%20the%20sample%20questions&text=Sitting%20the%20actual%20SQE1%20under,time%20to%20answer%20than%20others.&text=The%20cut%20off%20date%20for,the%20change%20after%20that%20assessment.))

### Calculation - Time Per Question

1. 2 hours and 33 mins is the equivalent of 60 mins + 60 mins + 33 mins = 153 mins
2. 153 minutes divided by 90 questions = **1.7 minutes per question**

## Plan for the unexpected

Taking 180 questions over 6 hours in one day is not easy. It takes immense concentration and stamina, especially when you start question 40/ 45 of 90 for each session.

[All About Law](https://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/law-courses/sqe/how-long-is-the-sqe1-exam-?ref=pradipkhakhar.com#:~:text=Each%20one%20is%20divided%20into,minutes%20to%20complete%20each%20question.) states "you have under two minutes per question"

[Google AI overview](https://www.google.com/search?q=sqe+1+time+per+question&sca%5Fesv=f3f35fd0e507c77f&sxsrf=AHTn8zpQVDm2hHgc0cOpTTKOSpuxGLSVPQ%3A1738459578352&source=hp&ei=usmeZ-CIE%5F%5F%5FptQPw7PyoAQ&iflsig=ACkRmUkAAAAAZ57Xys5slFFmqAnO5n1MWpm-bE81RJCw&oq=sqe+1+time+per+&gs%5Flp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6Ig9zcWUgMSB0aW1lIHBlciAqAggAMgUQABiABDILEAAYgAQYhgMYigUyCxAAGIAEGIYDGIoFMgsQABiABBiGAxiKBTIIEAAYgAQYogQyCBAAGIAEGKIEMggQABiiBBiJBUibJ1AAWNMfcAB4AJABAJgBkgGgAd4HqgEEMTQuMbgBA8gBAPgBAZgCD6ACiQjCAgoQIxiABBgnGIoFwgILEAAYgAQYsQMYgwHCAhEQLhiABBixAxjRAxiDARjHAcICCxAuGIAEGNEDGMcBwgIOEC4YgAQYsQMY0QMYxwHCAg4QLhiABBixAxiDARiKBcICBBAjGCfCAggQABiABBixA8ICCBAuGIAEGLEDwgIKEAAYgAQYsQMYCsICChAuGIAEGLEDGArCAgYQABgWGB7CAgUQABjvBZgDAJIHBDE0LjGgB-Jo&sclient=gws-wiz) states "you have approximately 1 minute and 42 seconds per question on average"

[BARBRI](https://www.barbri.com/resources/5-tips-to-support-your-students-through-the-sqe-exam?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) states "With 1 minute 42 seconds per question"

[Legal Cheek](https://www.legalcheek.com/sqe-faqs/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com#:~:text=They%20are%20assessed%20across%20two,calculated%20changed%20from%20January%202024) states "you have an average of 1 minute 42 seconds to answer each question"

[The College of Legal Practice](https://www.collegalpractice.com/news/2025/01/25/how-to-know-youre-ready-to-take-the-sqe?ref=pradipkhakhar.com#:~:text=With%20SQE1%2C%20you%20have%201,vary%20depending%20on%20the%20exam.) states "you have 1 minute and 42 seconds on average per question"

1.7 minutes = 102 seconds = 1 minute 42 seconds

## Why not 1.7 minute per Question?

What happens if you need to step out for a sip of water, or to use the bathroom, or need to give your brain a break?

If you planned 1.7 minute per question, you do not want to run out of time.

By keeping a buffer you can use it for the unexpected.

[via GIPHY](https://giphy.com/gifs/ZdT2zDh3Bvnkk?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)

## Remember - This is a guideline

Some questions will be easier. Some questions will be more difficult. Hence the time per question is a guideline. It's ok to answer a question faster or take a little more time.

However, do not spend 7 minutes (or insert a high number of your choice) on one question. We will talk about exam technique in a future issue.

## Adding one More view

Another way to think about it is, for every 15 minutes aim to answer 10 questions.

| **Question**           | **Time**           |
| ---------------------- | ------------------ |
| 10                     | 15 mins            |
| 20                     | 15 mins            |
| 30                     | 15 mins            |
| 40                     | 15 mins            |
| 50                     | 15 mins            |
| 60                     | 15 mins            |
| 70                     | 15 mins            |
| 80                     | 15 mins            |
| 90                     | 15 mins            |
| **Total 90 questions** | **Total 135 mins** |

Why 10 questions every 15 mins?

Because both are nice numbers and are easy to track.

Here's what I mean. If you start the exam at the top of the hour, for example at 8 am, its easy to keep track of 10 question every 15 mins. At 9 am using this you'd be at 40 questions.

If you are ahead great. If you are behind you might need to start cutting into the buffer of **18 minutes** (153 minutes minus 135 minutes equals 18 minutes).

## Run your own numbers

I shared a few variations. My suggestion is to run your own numbers based on your strategy and how much buffer time you'd like. As you practice questions aim to practice the numbers you choose per question.
### Introducing SQE Journey Lab
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/introducing-sqe-journey-lab/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T22:00:10.000Z
Are you studying for the SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination)? If yes, then Introducing SQE Journey Lab for you.

The [SQE exam](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/content/files/2026/05/what-is-the-sqe-exam-3.html) is one the hardest exam's you'll take. The amount of materials you'll cover is vast. Studying can feel lonely. SQE Journey Lab is a community of individuals studying for the SQE exam. Our goal is to help each other pass the SQE exam.

Here's what you get:

- Community of individuals who are studying the SQE exam
- Regular virtual events (study sessions, networking/ social hour)
- In person events in London

## How to Join

Use the below link to join.

[Join SQE Journey Lab](https://legalrefresher.circle.so/join?invitation%5Ftoken=9fa94b9f974fd94e0baddfea23ca3bdd9bdf5d3d-4cc0262c-6ffe-4505-abc8-0f11a683e61a&ref=pradipkhakhar.com)

## Have a Question?

What is SQE Journey Lab and who is it for?

SQE Journey Lab is for Individuals studying for the SQE exam

SQE Journey Labs is FREE to join, here's what you get:  
\- Community of other individuals who are studying the SQE exam  
\- Regular virtual events (study sessions, networking/ social hour)  
\- In person events in London

Why create SQE Journey Lab

Studying for the SQE exam can be lonely and exhausting. We created SQE Journey Lab to help and support each other.

Do I need to use my real name?

As an aspiring solicitor you'll remember from the ethics and professional conduct notes, a solicitor must uphold public trust & confidence, with honesty/ integrity.

We encourage using real names because we want to get to know you as a person and not as legally1233 or something similar. First names work.

What are the community guidelines?

SQE Journey Lab is an inclusive community for individuals studying for the SQE. Please be polite and respectful of other peoples views and opinions.

Have a question not answered above? [Send me a message](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/content/files/2026/05/contact-1.html) or review [Instructions - How to Join SQE Journey Lab](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/content/files/2026/05/instructions-how-to-join-sqe-journey-lab.html).

## Virtual Events

Throughout the year we'll be holding virtual events. For the first half of 2025 we will focus on SQE 1

**Virtual networking social hour**

1. Sunday, Feb 02, 2025 at 12 noon - 1 pm UK time
2. Sunday, April 06, 2025 at 12 noon - 1 pm UK time
3. Sunday, June 01, 2025 at 12 noon - 1 pm UK time
4. Sunday, July 06, 2025 at 12 noon - 1 pm UK time
5. Sunday, July 20, 2025 at 12 noon - 1 pm UK time

**Virtual SQE 1 Study hour**

The goal here is to virtually talk through the core concepts for the subjects below and encourage one another, share knowledge, and maybe make some friends.

| **Subject**                                     | **Date & Time**                                  |
| ----------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------ |
| Legal System of England & Wales                 | Sunday, Feb 09, 2025 at 12 noon - 1 pm UK time   |
| Constitution & Administrative Law & EU Law      | Sunday, Feb 16, 2025 at 12 noon - 1 pm UK time   |
| Ethics & Professional Conduct/ Legal Services   | Sunday, March 02, 2025 at 12 noon - 1 pm UK time |
| Contracts                                       | Sunday, March 09, 2025 at 12 noon - 1 pm UK time |
| Tort                                            | Sunday, April 13, 2025 at 12 noon - 1 pm UK time |
| Dispute Resolution                              | Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 12 noon - 1 pm UK time |
| Business Law & Practice (with Tax)              | Sunday, May 04, 2025 at 12 noon - 1 pm UK time   |
| Land Law and Property Practice                  | Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 12 noon - 1 pm UK time   |
| Wills and the Administration of Estates/ Trusts | Sunday, June 08, 2025 at 12 noon UK time         |
| Criminal Law and Criminal Practice              | Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 12 noon - 1 pm UK time  |

## SQE Journey Lab

Here's what you get:  
\- Community of other individuals who are studying the SQE exam  
\- Regular virtual events (study sessions, networking/ social hour)  
\- In person events in London
### What to expect - SQE 1 exam day
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/what-to-expect-sqe-1-exam-day/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T22:00:11.000Z
What to expect - SQE 1 exam day. In today's issue I'll break the testing day in three parts; before, during, and after the SQE 1 exam day.

## Before - SQE 1 Exam Day

One of the most important things you can do as you approach exam day is to not stress out. Yes, the SQE is a difficult exam. You got this! You have been studying for months prepping. Now is the time to remain focused and put the practice to work.

Check your location and report time. Maybe consider a practice trip for awareness of conditions. I've outlined [5 tips before taking the SQE exam](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/content/files/2026/05/5-tips-before-taking-the-sqe-exam.html).

As you approach the testing center per your reporting time you should expect the following process:

1. Depending on the type of building and location you may be asked to show photo ID to enter the building.
2. Upon entering the location, the person at reception will ask you what test you are taking. You'll respond SQE 1\. The receptionist will give you a paper with rules to read and a locker key to store your belongings.
3. When it's your turn you'll be called up for ID verification and potentially a fingerprint scan.
4. You'll be reminded to store all belongings in the locker and head towards the testing room. No food or drinks permitted at your desk.
5. Before entering the room you'll be asked to empty out pockets, put your glasses on the table for inspection, a brief self pat down to verify no items hidden, if hair is covering your ears you'll be asked to show your ears. Finally, you'll need to show your ID again to be enter into the room.
6. The test administrator will give you the dry erase note sheets (I have heard some people say this was at their desk)
7. Chances are you'll have other people in the room who could be taking the SQE 1 or another test.
8. You'll be escorted to the desk and the test administrator will you set you up and prompt you to the [start screen](https://home.pearsonvue.com/kaplansqe/demo-exam?ref=pradipkhakhar.com).

## During - SQE 1 Exam Day

Once you are settled in and review the beginning screens (rules, NDA, fit to take exam, etc.) you'll be taken to question 1.

1. The time on the exam counts down. If your test prep counted up be aware of how many questions in how many minutes. (I'll cover more on this separately soon).
2. The room likely has camera's and a test administrator is visible through a glass screen.
3. If you need to use the bathroom the SQE clock will NOT stop. Please monitor your liquid intake on the day.
4. Upon completing the first 90 questions. You will be given a 60 minute break. During this time my suggestion is to not talk much to other test takers about how you found it so far. Do not second guess yourself by looking up answers / if you answered a question correctly. Use this time to decompress, maybe eat a snack for energy and relax your brain for the next 90 questions.
5. Head back to the testing room 10-15 before the start time as you'll have to go through similar ID checks to get back into the room. Allow time for walking up stairs, bathroom breaks, waiting for lift etc.

![What to expect - SQE 1 exam day](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/kari-shea-1sanrixw5oy-unsplash.jpg)

Photo by [Kari Shea](https://unsplash.com/@karishea?utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fsource=unsplash) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/macbook-pro-on-top-of-brown-table-1SAnrIxw5OY?utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fsource=unsplash)

## After - SQE 1 Exam Day

Congratulations you did it. The weight is off your shoulders and the hard work you put in over the previous month is something to be proud of.

If you sat FLK 1:

1. Take some time to relax (maybe the rest of the day) and start preparing for FLK 2.
2. During FLK 2 you are likely to experience the above steps similar to what you experienced in FLK 1.

If you sat FLK 2:

1. Congratulations that is it for SQE 1\. You should be proud of yourself you accomplished something amazing.

In either case:

1. It might be tempting to start going through the materials and second guess yourself. Did you answer that question correctly. Did you do enough. Don’t. Take some time to let your mind breathe and relax.

## The be an adult section

Your SQE 1 will likely vary slightly as each testing location will have their own process/ way of doing things within the guidelines. The above is one example. If you'e taken the SQE 1 exam - what differences have you experienced?

Read the guidelines provided by the SRA for [SQE 1 assessment days](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/exam-arrangements/the-assessment-day/SQE1?ref=pradipkhakhar.com).

As a reminder read [what is the SQE exam](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/content/files/2026/05/what-is-the-sqe-exam-4.html) for information on the SQE exam.
### 5 tips before taking the SQE
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/5-tips-before-taking-the-sqe-exam/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T22:00:12.000Z
The SQE testing window is opening. Here are 5 tips before taking the SQE.

## 1\. Know your location, Date & time

It is likely some time since you booked the SQE. Take this opportunity to remind yourself of the below information for each day you need to attend.

- Test center name
- Test center address
- Date
- Time
- Status of booking

If you are not familiar with the area your testing center is located, I suggest making a practice physical trip to the location around the same time you are expected to be there.

You'll become familiar with the route you expect to take and get some first hand experience of the traffic conditions (if you are driving) or public transportation schedules (if you plan to take public transport).

Find your report time. For SQE 1 my understanding is that you must arrive at least 30 mins before your scheduled exam start time unless you are testing in London Islington where you are required to arrive 1 hour before.

Testing centers may have different report times, please check and verify in advance.

Practicing this trip before the actual exam date will help you minimize variables. Of course, you cannot control traffic, road closures, public transport strikes, etc. But you can work around them.

Find a cafe near the testing center in case you are early. It's better to be early than late and frustrated.

If you are able to, maybe considering getting a hotel close to the testing center. Reduce as many distractions/ variables as you can for the testing days.

## 2\. Check your ID/ Entry requirements

Your assessment booking / schedule will inform you of the ID requirements. Generally, you'll need two forms of ID and preferably one of these should be the same ID you used when registering.

A current valid passport is recommended as the primary form of ID. Other forms of ID are provided in the assessment booking/ schedule.

Take a look at your ID's check they are still current (with a valid date), photo, signature, as needed. If you changed your name since the booking, do the names match.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/ethan-wilkinson-hdfg0riynbq-unsplash.jpg)

Photo by [Ethan Wilkinson](https://unsplash.com/@ethanrwilkinson?utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fsource=unsplash) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/person-holding-black-and-yellow-book-hdfG0RIYNbQ?utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fsource=unsplash)

## 3\. Day before/ day after the exam

It might be tempting to cram as much information in as possible the day before. In my opinion, it's ok to do some light study if you need. However, you want your brain to perform optimally. The SQE is likely one of the hardest exams you'll ever take.

I would **not** suggest taking a full mock exam the day before. Conserve your energy and brain power for the actual day. Maybe do an activity that helps your mind relax. Find what makes you happy and brings your mind to ease.

Similarly the day after, it might be tempting to start going through the materials and second guess yourself. Did you answer that question correctly. Did you do enough.

Don't.

Take some time to let your mind breathe and relax. If you have additional day(s) of testing left, start focusing on doing the best you can for those assessments.

## 4\. Exam layout/ screen

Review what your exam/ screen layout will look like using the Pearson VUE assessment platform. Experience the functionality and layout of how the questions will look, where the calculator is, how to flag questions, move forward etc.

SQE 1 exam functionality[ here](https://home.pearsonvue.com/kaplansqe/demo-exam?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)

SQE 2 exam functionality [here](https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/kaplansqe/demo-exam2?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)

## 5\. Maintain your study schedule/ goals

The amount of information and modules in the SQE is vast. Is there a module or topic you are not feeling confident at. Don't neglect that module or topic. Study it the best you can. Getting a few additional questions correct might make all the difference.

## Bonus: you Got This!

Remember you have been working hard for this exam. You got this!

[via GIPHY](https://giphy.com/gifs/ShalitaGrant-point-pointing-nJ6yoH4nBNCBa?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)

Time may be stretched thin during the testing period. [It's ok to say No to things that do not fit your schedule](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/how-to-say-no/).

Once the testing period is finished take some time for yourself. Take yourself for that drive, favorite restaurant, spend some quality time with your friends and family. Do what makes you happy. You did it!

These are my 5 tips before taking the SQE. What would you add?
### How to say no
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/how-to-say-no/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T22:00:13.000Z
Learning how to say no is an important skill to develop, especially as we approach the holiday season and the sitting of SQE 1 in January 2025.

Time is the most precious resource for available.

You'll face many personal and professional commitments that could potentially suck up time unnecessarily.

However, learning to say no effectively can help you protect your energy, help prevent overload, burnout, and mental health challenges.

Saying no can be hard and intimidating. You might be a people pleaser, you might want to avoid conflict, or you might feel guilty for saying no.

Below is a 5 step framework for you to confidently say no.

## 5 step process to confidently say no

[via GIPHY](https://giphy.com/gifs/BTTF-Drm4jtLn5SWwFaimGV?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)

### 1\. assess the situation

Getting invited to hang out with your friends on a Saturday night is a completely different situation to your boss asking you to come in and work on a Saturday to finish a task.

Understand where the ask is coming from.

Hanging out with your friends on a Saturday night is probably from a place of love. While studying for the SQE you will need a strong support system. Your friends (and family) will miss you while you are studying.

If your boss asks to you to come in on a Saturday, try to understand the reason behind it. For example, is this for a client deliverable that is behind schedule and the boss is asking for all hands on deck (including your boss). Or is your boss asking you to do the task to free up time for your boss (I would hope not).

If you are not clear on where the ask is coming from ask do not be afraid to ask questions. For example, if a partner 1 gives you a task to work on and is due Friday. On Thursday, partner 2 asks you to complete a task due on Friday as well. It's ok to ask the partner 2 if this task can be delivered on Monday since you are working on a deliverable for Friday for partner 1.

If the response is no, it's ok to have a conversation with both partner 1 and partner 2 to help prioritize what needs to be completed by Friday as you cannot complete both tasks by Friday without loss of quality.

### 2\. Use Empathy to prepare your no

Something someone said to me once stuck with me. You cannot control what other people do or say. You can only control your actions.

Being asked to an event by a friend and family is a honor and privilege. Never take that for granted. In this situation always thank them for the invite graciously.

In a work situation always be polite. What you say and how you say it becomes a part of your brand. Your boss might have pressure from the client, leadership, or even family. Always look for the good in people.

### 3\. Confidently say no

Choose your words carefully and keep it simple. Say it with confidence. In my experience be clear and direct as to avoid any misunderstanding.

Remember to acknowledge the point of view of the person making the ask and your boundaries. Over committing is easy, learn to prioritize your needs. It's ok to focus on your needs.

By understanding where your boundaries are, saying no confidently will feel easier. Own your decision and take ownership of your no.

### 4\. offer a alternative solution

As you become confident in saying no, the next step is to offer an alternative where it makes sense. Offering an alternative is not mandatory, however, can help build and maintain relationships. Offering an alternative is a way of showing you care and at the same time working within your boundaries and needs.

### 5\. Follow through

Once you have communicated the no, you may be pressured to change your response. Be firm, polite and consistent. Once you fall to pressure the person asking may notice this and keep pressuring you. It's ok to acknowledge how the other person is feeling and also maintain your boundaries. Which is why an alternative solution can (sometimes) help.

## Examples of how to say no

1. I would love to attend, however, I need to focus on passing my SQE exam
2. I cannot attend this weekend, however, let's get something on the calendar for when I am finished with taking the SQE exam
3. That's a great idea, I cannot commit right now as I have a lot on my plate
4. I cannot work this weekend. Is this for a client? and if so what is the timeframe, maybe we could prioritize before the weekend?
5. I'm happy to work on this task, however, we need to chat with partner 1 to help prioritize as Partner 1 has asked me to complete another task by Friday

## Upcoming Holidays

Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas (Happy Holidays for my friends in the USA), and wishing you all a prosperous new year.

As we approach Christmas [SQE Journey](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/content/files/2026/05/sqe-journey-2.html) is taking a short break. Please focus on spending time with your family. If you are studying for the January 2025 SQE 1 exam, wishing you all the best in your last few weeks of studying. You've got this!

We will be back with our weekly issues starting Sunday, January 12, 2025\. We have some exciting announcements to make and guests sharing their knowledge in 2025.
### Two chefs one lemon
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/two-chefs-one-lemon/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T22:00:14.000Z
## Scenario

Two chefs want the last lemon to complete their dishes. The problem is that only one lemon is left.

## Question

Which chef gets the lemon?

## Option Choices

![Pradip Khakhar
](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/two-chef-one-lemon-question.png)

Chef 1

Chef 2

Share the lemon 50/50

Something else?

## Lets look at the options and outcomes

**Option a: Chef 1.** If chef 1 is able to negotiate for the lemon to finish the dish, chef 2 misses out and therefore is not be able to complete the dish.

**Option b: Chef 2.** Similarly to option a, if chef 2 is able to negotiate for the lemon to finish the dish, chef 1 misses out and therefore is not be able to complete the dish.

**Option c: 50/50.** Splitting the lemon 50/50 may seem like a good idea to please both chefs and half a lemon may seem to be better than none of the lemon. Is this a fair compromise? (maybe?)

**Option d: Other/ something else.** There is only one lemon, what are the other options I hear you ask? This is where you can get creative.

## Two Chefs one lemon - who gets the lemon?

Typically the most common responses revolve around who is the senior chef? they should get the lemon. (Option a or b) or splitting the lemon 50/50\. However, this means that potentially one chef or both chefs may not get their dish finished as intended.

## So Which chef gets the lemon?

What if there was a way in which both chef 1 and chef 2 are able to finish their dishes?

Let’s say that chef 1 wanted the lemon for the juice and chef 2 wanted the lemon for the peel (AKA rind or zest). A little communication and understanding the interest behind why chef 1 and chef 2 want the last lemon helps create a solution in this situation where both chefs get what they want.

**Take away:**

1. Focus on the interest (chef 1 wanted the lemon for the juice and chef 2 wanted the lemon for the peel)
2. Steer the conversation away from position (Both Chef 1 and 2 want the lemon)

## Critical thinking

Clearly both Chef's might want the same one lemon for the juice and then the above solution won't work. At this point the negotiation will look different. Learning to think on your feet on the fly and be able to analyze the situation combined with clear communication and empathy will help create a win-win situation. How exactly to resolve this situation and other negotiation tips will be shared in future issues.

## SRA / SQE Updates

1. SRA has published their [December 2024 SQE update](https://www.sra.org.uk/sra/news/sqe-update/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
2. From Jan 2025, the [SRA are introducing Scaled scoring for SQE 2](https://www.sra.org.uk/sra/news/sqe-update/sqe-update-december-2024/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
3. SRA has commissions [IFF, a social and market research agency, to conduct the first independent evaluation of the SQE.](https://www.legalcheek.com/2024/12/regulator-commissions-independent-review-of-sqe/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
### How to Pick an SQE Course
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/how-to-pick-an-sqe-course/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T22:00:16.000Z
Last week we shared "[Top Resources for Aspiring Lawyers](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/top-resources-for-aspiring-solicitors/)" where we shared the [SRA training provider's list](https://www.sra.org.uk/become-solicitor/sqe/sqe-training-options/training-provider-list/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com). If you've seen the list it can be overwhelming, so many provider's to choose from. Hence, in today's issue of [SQE Journey](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/content/files/2026/05/sqe-journey-3.html) we share how to pick an SQE course.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/5-things-to-consider-when-picking-an-sqe-course.jpg)

## 5 factors to consider before picking an sQE course

While everyone has different levels of learning needs, we all want the same end result. To pass the SQE exam. Spend some time figuring out what works best for you based on your learning styles and needs.

### 1\. Is the content provided in multiple formats?

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/content.jpg)

Learning is different for each individual. Some like to read, some prefer watching videos. Time is often a precious resource for many aspiring solicitors, between work, home, and commitments we may not have much time left to dedicate to studying. Some prefer small bite size lessons that can be easily digested and focuses on one or two learning outcomes at a time.

When reviewing course providers understand how the course is delivered. While many courses are delivered online, ask if are you required to attend any synchronous sessions or can you study asynchronous.

Does the course have any "live sessions" and is attendance mandatory? Can you commit to mandatory sessions. If no, are the sessions recorded so you can view at a later date.

If in person, can you commit to the schedule. What happens if you are unable to attend one session (or miss a few over the course). You'll need to factor in travel time and cost.

Does the provider have a specific app or do they use Zoom / Microsoft Teams? and are you able to access the technology. You may need to install the Zoom/ Microsoft Teams app.

### 2\. How does the learning strengthen your understanding

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/understanding.jpg)

Traditionally, we expect lectures or something similar. However, this style of teaching in my opinion is becoming antiquated and students are turned off very quickly.

The SQE exam is not something you can memorize. You need to study hard to get a good understanding of the core concepts.

Does the course give you an opportunity to discuss what you have learned, maybe with a learning coach/ tutor, with other students, or in a facilitated group discussion.

Or what learning techniques does the course use to help you solidify your understanding of the course materials.

### 3\. Ability to practice SQE questions

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/practice.jpg)

One of the most important factors in my opinion is to have access to practice SQE questions with a good explanation of the answers.

Side note: When you are practicing SQE questions, it is easy to move on to the next question without fully understanding why you answered that question correctly or incorrectly.

If you answered correctly do you know why that particular answer choice is correct.

Similar if you answered incorrectly do you know why?

A course provider with explanations to questions that tie back to learning outcomes is invaluable.

### 4\. How are the nuances covered?

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/nuances.jpg)

Do you have access to a learning coach or tutor who you can talk to regarding the technical aspects of the materials. As you all know, law in reality is not like suits and therefore, one person won't have knowledge off all the areas of law.

Does the course provider provide access to someone who can help with the technical aspects. It might be as simple as sending a message and receiving a response in 24-48 hours. How do you interact with that person, if access is similar to a ticket based system, do you have the opportunity to follow up or does that mean having to create a new ticket?

### 5\. Community

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/community.jpg)

Does the course have a community element. If so, what does the community promote. In my opinion learning with others is a good way to get motivated and keep on track.

Think about what you would want to get out of the community. A community can be amazing to help with your studies, however, can also be a time suck if the community is not structured properly.

## Summary - How to Pick an SQE course

Some will agree with the above 5 factors and some will disagree. That is ok. The point here is to find what works best for **you**. Look for course providers that can provide **you** with the tools **you** need to navigate and pass the SQE exam.

Provider's will have their unique perspectives to the SQE, however, at the end of the day you take responsibility to study and put in the hours to pass the SQE exam.

## The Admin stuff - How to Pick an SQE course

The above 5 factors look at How to Pick an SQE Course purely from the course aspects only. However, there are other items you should be aware of such as:

1. How reputable is the course provider?
2. What is the experience and background of the learning coaches/ tutors?
3. Do you have access to funding (how will you pay for the course)
4. What do other students have to say about their experience?
5. What is their refund policy? (Before starting the course and once started)
6. Can you defer once started? (what if any, are the associated costs)
7. How much does the course cost?
8. Is it beneficial to sit a degree program that includes SQE as part of the curriculum?
9. How do you enroll? (do you need to enroll in a certain window)
10. How do you pay/ Is a payment plan available?
11. Does the provider have any partnerships/ access to other services that might benefit you in your study?
12. Does the provider provide any practical experience, and if so, can you use that towards your Qualifying Work Experience?
13. How much time can you spend studying? (do you want to take the course in a short duration or longer duration. If you are a full time student you may prefer a shorter duration. On the other hand if you work part time a longer duration course will likely be more beneficial to incorporate in your schedule)
14. In the event you do not pass FLK 1 or FLK 2 or SQE 2 are you able to resit the course as you prepare for your second attempt? (I know nobody wants this result (or even think about it) but knowing can potentially save you some money as the provider may have conditions you need to complete).

## What's important to you?

When searching for a SQE course what factors are important to you? Let me know in this LinkedIn post.
### Top Resources for Aspiring Solicitors
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/top-resources-for-aspiring-solicitors/
Last updated: 2026-05-30T23:00:34.000Z
As an aspiring solicitor there is so much information out there. In this issue I plan to curate 100 relevant resources for aspiring solicitors. Bookmark these Top resources for Aspiring Solicitors.

## General

1. [Solicitor's Regulation Authority (SRA)](https://www.sra.org.uk/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
2. SRA's [Solicitor's Qualifying Examination (SQE)](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) website
3. [SRA SQE Updates](https://www.sra.org.uk/sra/news/sqe-update/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
4. Pearson VUE assessment platform/ SQE 1 exam functionality[ here](https://home.pearsonvue.com/kaplansqe/demo-exam?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
5. Pearson VUE assessment platform/ SQE 2 exam functionality [here](https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/kaplansqe/demo-exam2?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
6. SRA [SQE1 assessment days](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/exam-arrangements/the-assessment-day/SQE1?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) \- what happens on the day
7. SRA [SQE 1 assessment specification](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/exam-arrangements/assessment-information/sqe1-assessment-specification?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)
8. SRA [SQE 2 assessment specification](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/exam-arrangements/assessment-information/sqe2-assessment-specification?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)

## News

1. [Legal Cheek](https://www.legalcheek.com/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com), legal news, commentary and market insights. Organizes virtual law fairs and student events
2. [LittleLaw](https://littlelaw.co.uk/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com), according to the website LittleLaw is a free, 3-minute newsletter keeping 16,000 aspiring lawyers in the loop
3. [The Student Lawyer](https://thestudentlawyer.com/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com), a one stop shop for law students
4. [All About Law](https://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com), jobs. Courses. Events. Advice. The law career experts
5. [The Lawyer Portal](https://www.thelawyerportal.com/?%5Fgl=1%2A1bnicb%2A%5Fup%2AMQ..%2A%5Fga%2AMTM0ODk4MDI1NC4xNzMyNDA2MTM2%2A%5Fga%5FXFZTGLKX00%2AMTczMjQwNjEzNS4xLjAuMTczMjQwNjEzNS4wLjAuMA..&ref=pradipkhakhar.com), get into law, resources, powered by industry partnerships

## Careers

1. [Flex Legal](https://flex.legal/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com), among other things as an amazing Flex Legal Trainee Scheme
2. [Crafty Counsel](https://info.craftycounsel.co.uk/guide-to-sqe-apprenticeships/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com), guide to SQE and apprenticeships for in house legal teams

## SQE Training Providers

1. [SRA Training Provider's list](https://www.sra.org.uk/become-solicitor/sqe/sqe-training-options/training-provider-list/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com), per SRA, this is a list of organizations that have told the SRA that they provide SQE education, tutoring or training services or produce SQE-related study materials and resources. It is intended to help potential SQE candidates identify what training is available.
2. [BARBRI](https://www.barbri.com/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com), a leader in legal education
3. [Revise 4 Law](https://revise4law.co.uk/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com), SQE books
4. [College of Legal Practice](https://www.collegalpractice.com/sqe?ref=pradipkhakhar.com), online education provider at a cost effective price
5. [QLTS](https://www.qlts.co.uk/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com), SQE made simple prep courses
6. [BPP](https://www.bpp.com/courses/law/postgraduate/sqe-courses?ref=pradipkhakhar.com), education provider
7. [SQE with Dr. Schatz](https://www.sqewithdrschatz.com/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) by [Dr Elliot Schatzberger](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-elliot-schatzberger-29b9248a/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com)

## Legal Communities

1. SQE Journey Lab, read more about it [here](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/introducing-sqe-journey-lab/) or join free [here](https://legalrefresher.circle.so/join?invitation%5Ftoken=9fa94b9f974fd94e0baddfea23ca3bdd9bdf5d3d-4cc0262c-6ffe-4505-abc8-0f11a683e61a&ref=pradipkhakhar.com)

## SQE 1 Practice Questions/ Tests

1. [SQE1 Functioning Legal Knowledge FLK1 sample questions](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/docs/default-source/pdfs/sqe1-flk1-sample-questions-updated-feb-2024.pdf?sfvrsn=5117ba1b%5F1&ref=pradipkhakhar.com) from the SRA
2. [SQE1 Functioning Legal Knowledge FLK2 sample questions](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/docs/default-source/pdfs/sqe1-flk2-sample-questions.pdf?sfvrsn=70379580%5F4&ref=pradipkhakhar.com) from the SRA
3. [SQE1 Mock Test: FLK1](https://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/sqe1-mock-test-flk1?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) from All About Law
4. [SQE Sample materials](https://www.qlts.co.uk/resources/sqe-sample-material/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) from QLTS
5. [500+ Free SQE 1 Sample Questions](https://fqps.co.uk/blog/post/500-free-sqe-1-sample-questions-mcq-2024-updated-list?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) MCQ from SQE Explained

## Top Resources for Aspiring Solicitors

Do you have a resource that is helpful to you as an aspiring solicitor and would like to see it listed above feel free to [contact me](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/contact/), or reply to this post on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/pkhakhar%5Fsqejourney-activity-7266435396807319553-JPFa?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fdesktop). 'll be updating this list till about we get 100 top resources.

## The Be an Adult Section

The above resources are provided as a resource. Please use your own judgement and research before using.
### What is the SQE?
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/what-is-the-sqe-exam/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T22:00:18.000Z
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination, also known as SQE is a rigorous single best answer multiple-choice assessment aspiring solicitors need to pass for qualification.

Also, the SQE is administered by Kaplan SQE Ltd.

## Qualifying as a Solicitor in England & Wales

- **Degree or Degree equivalent**. Hold a degree in any subject or a qualification that is equivalent to a degree, for example, solicitor apprenticeship.
- **Pass the SQE**. Pass both parts of the Solicitor's Qualifying Exam (SQE 1 and SQE 2)
- **Two Years QWE or Equivalent**. Complete two years' full time or equivalent Qualifying Work Experience.
- **Character & Suitability**. Meet the SRA's (Solicitors Regulation Authority) character and suitability requirements.

## The SQE Explained

The SQE is broken into two parts SQE 1 & SQE 2.

## SQE 1

SQE 1 is broken down into FLK 1 and FLK 2.

### Topics tested on SQE 1

Remember: Tax and Ethics/ Professional conduct can be tested in both FLK 1 and FLK 2.

- **FLK 1**
- Legal System of England & Wales
- Constitution & Administrative Law & EU Law
- Legal Services
- Contract Law
- TORT
- Dispute Resolution
- Business Law & Practice
- **FLK 2**
- Land Law
- Property Practice
- Solicitor's Accounts
- Wills and the Administration of Estates
- Trusts
- Criminal Law
- Criminal Practice

### SQE 1 structure

SQE 1 is administered over two days. Day 1 is FLK 1 and day 2 is FLK 2.

Each day you will take 180 multiple choice questions (FLK 1 is 180 questions and FLK 2 is 180 questions). Therefore, combined you will be asked 360 questions for SQE 1.

In general, first, each day candidate's are given 2 hours and 33 minutes for 90 multiple choice questions.

Secondly, candidate's take a 60 minute break.

Finally, upon returning from the break candidate's are given 2 hours and 33 minutes for the next 90 multiple choice questions.

### In Summary

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/tempimagemqjq6c.jpg)

## SQE 2

SQE 2 is broken down into Oral and Written parts.

### Topics tested on SQE 2

The following skills and practice areas are tested on SQE 2.

- **Candidate's will be assessed in the following skills:**
- Client interview & attendance note/ legal analysis
- Advocacy
- Case & matter analysis
- Legal research
- Legal writing
- Legal drafting
- **Across the following five practice areas:**
- Criminal Litigation
- Dispute Resolution
- Property Practice
- Wills & Intestacy, Probate Administration, and Practice
- Business Organizations Rules and Procedures

### SQE 2 structure

### SQE 2 Oral

Candidate's will undertake a total of four oral legal skills assessments over two half-days. While, each assessment is 60 minutes.

SQE 2 Oral

### Day 1

- **Advocacy (Dispute Resolution):** 45 minute prep time and 15 min submission
- **Interview and attendance note/ legal analysis (Property Practice):** 10 mins prep time, 25 minutes to interview, and 25 minutes to handwrite the attendance note

SQE 2 Oral

### Day 2

- **Advocacy (Criminal Litigation):** 45 minute prep time and 15 min submission
- **Interview and attendance note/ legal analysis (Wills and Intestacy, Probate Administration and Practice):** 10 mins prep time, 25 minutes to interview, and 25 minutes to handwrite the attendance note

### SQE 2 Written

Specifically, candidate's will undertake a total of 12 written legal skills assessments over three half-days.

SQE Written

- **Case and matter analysis:** *60 mins* to review electronic files and produce a written report for a partner based on your legal analysis of a matter.
- **Legal drafting:** *45 mins* to draft part or full legal document (for example, amending a document, or drafting from precedent)
- **Legal research:** *60 mins* to conduct legal research based on client issue from a partner email. Candidate's to write a note covering the issues and any advice partner can provide to the client. Candidate's response should include; 1) legal reasoning and 2) key sources.
- **Legal writing:** *30 mins* to write a recipient facing letter or email

### In Summary

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/tempimagerctyib.jpg)

## In Closing

It's a long and rigorous process. However, once you pass the SQE you are one step closer to earning the right to become a solicitor in England and Wales.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/law_society.jpg)

## The be an adult section

The information provided in this issue of [SQE journey](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/content/files/2026/05/sqe-journey-4.html) is my understanding at the time of writing. Check the [SRA SQE website](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) for updates.
### Learn How To Study
URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/learn-how-to-study/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T22:01:09.000Z
If you struggle to find time to study for the SQE exam, you're not alone.

Many aspiring solicitors struggle to find time to study at some point. The volume of material tested on the SQE is extensive. I sometimes struggle to find the time and energy to study.

The fact is, finding time to study is hard. We all lead busy lives: working a full-time job, caring for family members, traveling to and from the city center, being a parent, and so many other things that need our attention on a daily basis.

Even when we find time to study, we may not be in the right mental state.

In hopes of learning how to use my (limited) time effectively, I recently picked up a book called Learn How To Study, A Realistic Approach by Derek Rowntree. I first read this book when I started my undergraduate degree.

In this first issue of the SQE journey, I introduce my five favorite parts of the book Learn How to Study: A Realistic Approach.

## 1\. What do you mean by learning?

As aspiring solicitors, we may aim for perfection. However, we need to remember that the end goal is to pass the SQE and then go on to become solicitors.

Derek talks about going from a simple view of learning to more and more complex ones. Learning:

1. As memorizing
2. As understanding
3. For application
4. For personal development

### Understanding is paramount

Some facts can be memorized for the SQE exam. For example, directions in the small claims track normally include documents to be exchanged 14 days before the hearing.

However, I believe the SQE is more about concepts, principles, approaches, and theories that must be understood.

## 2\. Understand your situation

We all have multiple commitments and constraints. Every individual is different.

"Being able to stand back and look at one's situation, as if with the eyes of an outsider, is an ability well worth acquiring."

No, this is not a signal to overanalyze. Consider the following three aspects:

1. Social climate: the relationship between you and your peers, tutors, and co-workers, all of whom support you in your SQE journey.
2. Learning climate: The social climate is the background to the learning climate, which includes your workload and ability to learn independently.
3. Assessment climate: Understand how the SQE exam is assessed and what's tested (more on this topic in the future).

## 3\. Reading alone isn't enough.

Studying for the SQE means reading large volumes, which can quickly become overwhelming. Derek introduces a flexible strategy for reading called SQ3R:

1. Survey: get a general idea of the material by carrying out a quick preview or survey
2. Question: while doing the survey, ask yourself questions that you might expect to find answers to if you read the text more carefully
3. Read the text carefully
4. Recall: when you have finished reading the text, try to recall the main points
5. Review: check how well you've recalled by going back to review the text

## 4\. Making notes

As students, we often default to taking notes. However, let's dig deeper: Why do we take notes?

What are the first three things that come to mind?

Derek's says we take notes to:

1. Help understanding
2. Serve as a quick reference/ key ideas
3. Focus on a particular area

I suggest not writing notes for the sake of writing notes. Do not transfer notes from a textbook into your handwriting. You are effectively copying without understanding.

If you do make notes, below are three ways:

1. Straight prose summary
2. Skeleton outline
3. Mind maps

## 5\. Practice, practice questions

SQE 1 is a best-answer format, which requires concentration. One word could throw you off the best answer and, therefore, prevent you from getting the answer correct.

Practice timing the questions. Time will fly by on exam day, and you need to pace yourself so that you can spend your time efficiently.

Read the question carefully to understand what the question is asking.

After taking the practice question, spend some time reading the explanation. Understand why you got the question right or wrong. Learn to identify the nuances between the answer choices.

# In Closing

When I first read Derek's book Learn How to Study, A Practical Approach, I found it extremely useful. This past week, I reviewed some of the book's key topics.

If you found this issue helpful, I suggest you read the book, as this issue is not intended to be a comprehensive review. Derek shares so much more information in his book.

## Revise with others

A recurring theme in the book is collaborating with other students in some form of "self-help" study group.

I've taken this to heart as both a professor & student.

I often encourage my paralegal students to form small groups to study and work together. When the small groups work towards the same goal, I've seen excellent results.

On a slight downside, things may go sideways if one person doesn't contribute. Therefore, finding the right study group is essential.

As a student, I remember one example: we formed a small study group during our securities law class. The subject was very dry, and the professor (with all due respect) was about to retire.

I remember the day of the exam, four of us were sitting outside the exam room—a revision lunch, if you will. We were four friends, sitting across from each other. One pair asked questions, and the other pair answered. There was no overthinking, no fancy strategies.

When the results were released, the four of us received some of the highest percentages in the entire class.

## Invitation

If you are studying for the SQE 1 exam and planning to sit it in July 2025 and are serious about forming a small study group, feel free to [contact me](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/contact/) or [DM me on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkhakhar/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com). I'd love to start something early next year. We can meet (digitally) on a regular basis to support each other.

If you are interested in reading Learn How To Study, A Realistic Approach by Derek Rowntree, you can check it out [here](https://www.amazon.com/LEARN-HOW-STUDY-Developing-approaches-ebook/dp/B00UUD3JGY?ref%5F=ast%5Fauthor%5Fdp&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.UVO%5FQTR07r8VylY-ZBwopXDUUagz1mR8zcqMuPnR8OiMz9NOokypMClS20-j8z1h2RRjCJ6dZlY5Di8gWLKCeRKaEX3oCFNcwzJT42fM8THtIsDDP5gX3bVxoZdPxVH7M-%5FJ-9xiqBg2OJzpbqCoEnqAv240Q4upY9dN9fm69nnstwTZZm483IhSeblb0nlCLK-7WW8w8oU86ewIQKc3MIMqajiZT7M8Lz0XGjdgcNU.pHZ7Fjw1Gf%5F4nMyWnMlJfh2DSXcX7VjWT1cadcZiFFQ&dib%5Ftag=AUTHOR&ref=pradipkhakhar.com).