Ensuring Compliance with the SRA’s Updated QWE Guidance: What Law Firms Need to Know
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has recently updated its guidance on Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), with significant implications for law firms, trainees, and those responsible for confirming work placements. As compliance remains a priority, it’s crucial that firms understand the latest requirements to ensure they provide high-quality training while meeting their regulatory obligations.
Why the Updated QWE Guidance Matters
Since the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), the route to qualification has become more flexible. QWE is a key component of this new pathway, allowing aspiring solicitors to gain practical legal experience before qualifying. However, with this flexibility comes responsibility, and firms must ensure that the QWE they offer meets the SRA’s expected standards.
The updated guidance, published on 19 February 2025, reinforces the SRA’s expectations around what constitutes good QWE and the role of firms in providing structured, meaningful placements. Failing to comply with these standards could lead to regulatory scrutiny and reputational risks for law firms.
Key Requirements for QWE
To be valid, QWE must:
Involve experience of providing legal services and developing solicitor competencies, including professionalism and ethics.
Last for at least two years full-time (or equivalent part-time).
Be gained in up to four different organisations.
Be confirmed by a solicitor or Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) who ensures that the experience meets the necessary criteria.
Be obtained in a current or previous role, in England, Wales, or overseas.
What Does ‘Good’ QWE Look Like?
While any experience that meets these conditions qualifies as QWE, the SRA outlines what it considers a ‘good’ placement. Law firms should aim to provide:
Diverse and meaningful work – Exposure to a broad range of legal tasks, rather than repetitive administrative work, to help candidates develop SQE2-assessed competencies.
Regular feedback and reflection – Trainees should receive structured supervision, appraisals, and opportunities for professional growth.
Support and career discussions – Firms should set clear expectations from the outset and offer guidance to trainees on their career progression.
Ethical training and compliance exposure – Trainees should engage with regulatory processes such as conflict checks, anti-money laundering procedures, and data security.
Effective supervision – A clear framework should be in place detailing who supervises QWE trainees, how their work is assessed, and how feedback is provided.
Confirming QWE: Compliance and Responsibilities
Firms and confirming solicitors play a crucial role in verifying QWE. Those responsible for signing off on QWE placements must ensure:
The experience aligns with the SRA’s definition of legal work.
They are acting honestly and fairly, without taking unfair advantage of trainees.
They comply with Regulation 2 of the Authorisation of Individuals Regulations, especially when confirming past QWE.
Refusing to confirm legitimate QWE, or confirming placements that do not meet requirements, could result in disciplinary action from the SRA.
Retrospective QWE Requests: What Firms Should Consider
Solicitors and COLPs are expected to take reasonable steps to confirm retrospective QWE requests. This may involve:
Reviewing employment records and job descriptions.
Consulting with HR or past supervisors.
Verifying details within the firm’s document retention policies.
However, if records do not exist, the data retention period has passed, or no relevant supervisors remain at the firm, it may not be possible to confirm the experience.
Next Steps for Law Firms
With these updates, law firms should take proactive steps to ensure compliance:
Review Internal Policies – Align current QWE offerings with the SRA’s expectations and ensure supervisors understand their obligations.
Enhance Training and Supervision – Provide trainees with structured guidance and meaningful legal work experience.
Implement Clear Confirmation Processes – Develop a transparent system for tracking and verifying QWE.
Educate Key Stakeholders – Ensure HR, management, and compliance teams understand their responsibilities in confirming QWE.
Final Thoughts
The updated SRA guidance underscores the importance of delivering high-quality QWE placements while maintaining compliance with regulatory obligations. Law firms must not only meet the minimum requirements but also strive to offer structured, meaningful training that benefits both trainees and the firm itself.
By implementing best practices, firms can strengthen their reputation, contribute to the professional development of future solicitors, and ensure full regulatory compliance in an evolving legal landscape.
For those overseeing QWE within their organisations, now is the time to review your processes and ensure they meet the new standards. If you have any questions about compliance, feel free to reach out or consult the full guidance on the SRA website here: SRA | Recording your qualifying work experience | Solicitors Regulation Authority.