I Have Failed the SQE, Now What? A Practical Guide to Moving Forward
Failure can be a bitter pill to swallow, especially when it comes to exams that are crucial for your career, such as the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). You’ve studied hard, invested significant time and effort, and yet the result wasn’t what you expected. But failing the SQE is not the end of the road—it’s just a detour. Many successful solicitors have faced setbacks and overcome them. So, if you find yourself wondering, “What now?” after failing the SQE, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you regroup, reflect, and rise stronger than before.
First and foremost, it’s important to take some time to process your emotions. Failing an exam is disheartening, but it’s vital to manage the feelings of frustration, disappointment, or self-doubt that might arise. Give yourself a few days to step away from the situation and reset. During this period, avoid making any drastic decisions. It’s easy to fall into a spiral of negative thoughts or think about abandoning your career aspirations entirely, but emotions can cloud judgment. Instead, take a step back and view the failure as a temporary obstacle.
The next crucial step is to critically assess your performance. The SQE consists of two parts: SQE1, which focuses on legal knowledge through multiple-choice questions, and SQE2, which tests practical legal skills. Understanding which section (or both) posed challenges is key to improving for your next attempt. Request Feedback: While the SQE currently doesn’t provide detailed feedback on individual questions, you will still have an overall breakdown of your performance. Did you struggle more with certain areas of law or specific skill sets? Self-Evaluation: Reflect on your study habits, materials, and time management. Were you fully prepared for the format of the exam? Did you manage your time well during the exam, or were there areas where you felt rushed? Once you’ve analysed your performance, you’ll have a clearer picture of the areas that need improvement.
After identifying the areas where you fell short, it’s time to create a new and improved study plan. Here are some steps to consider: Target Your Weaknesses: If certain topics or skills were your downfall, allocate more time to mastering them. If you struggled with time management, focus on practicing under timed conditions. Review Your Resources: Evaluate the quality of the materials and courses you used. Were they comprehensive enough? If not, it might be worth investing in additional resources, whether that’s a new prep course, updated textbooks, or tutoring. Join Study Groups: Studying with peers who are also preparing for the SQE can help you share insights, strategies, and resources. It also makes the learning process more collaborative and less isolating. Consider Professional SQE Tutoring: If you’re struggling with certain skills or need additional support, hiring a tutor can provide personalised guidance. Many qualified tutors specialise in SQE preparation, and they can help break down complex areas where you feel stuck. Law Tutors Online and London Law Tutor have a global team of expert SQE Prep Tutors providing personal training crafted in accordance with your precise circumstances.
Fortunately, the SQE allows you to retake the exams. You are permitted three attempts at each stage (SQE1 and SQE2) within a six-year period. While this provides ample opportunity for success, it’s essential to approach your retake with careful planning. When to Retake: After failing, your first instinct might be to rebook the exam as soon as possible. But pause for a moment. Consider whether you need more time to fully prepare. It’s better to postpone a little and go into the retake feeling confident rather than rushing and risking another failure. SQE1 vs SQE2: SQE1 lays the foundation for legal knowledge, so if that’s where you struggled, it might be wise to tackle that differently then it's SQE 2 counter part which is more focused towards practical skills rather than substantive assessment of legal knowledge. Revise Your Timeline: If you had planned to qualify by a certain date, adjust your expectations. Extending your preparation by a few months may feel like a setback now, but in the grand scheme of your legal career, it’s a small delay. Remember, it’s better to succeed later than to repeat failures.
The journey to becoming a solicitor is tough, and facing failure along the way can feel isolating. But remember, you are not alone. Use your support network, whether that’s family, friends, or fellow students. Talk to Mentors: Reach out to mentors, former professors, or lawyers you know who may have faced similar challenges. Their guidance and encouragement can be invaluable. Professional Networks: Organisations like The Law Society, Junior Lawyers Division (JLD), or local legal associations can provide support, resources, and networking opportunities. Sometimes hearing from others who have faced setbacks and gone on to succeed can give you the motivation you need. Mental Health Resources: Failing an exam can take a toll on your mental health, and it’s important to prioritise your well-being. Whether through counselling, therapy, or simply talking to a trusted friend, make sure you’re taking care of your mental health as much as your academic progress.
If you’re feeling disillusioned or uncertain about continuing on the path to becoming a solicitor, consider exploring alternative legal careers. The legal field is vast, and qualifying as a solicitor is not the only option. There are plenty of rewarding careers that might align with your skills and passions, such as: Paralegal Work: Many successful solicitors started their careers as paralegals. It allows you to gain valuable legal experience and can sometimes open up alternative routes to qualification. Legal Executive (CILEx): You might want to consider becoming a Chartered Legal Executive through the CILEx route, which is a viable alternative to becoming a solicitor. In-House Counsel or Compliance: Many companies and organisations hire legal professionals in-house, and these roles may not always require a solicitor qualification. This can be a fulfilling career path, combining business acumen with legal expertise. Non-Legal Careers: Skills gained in legal education—critical thinking, problem-solving, and analysis—are valuable in many other fields. If you decide to pursue something outside of law, those abilities will still serve you well in areas like business, policy, or consulting.
One of the most important things to remember is that failure is not final. Many successful lawyers, including renowned judges and solicitors, have faced setbacks along their journey. It’s how you handle failure that truly matters. Resilience, perseverance, and adaptability are key qualities in the legal profession—and this experience is helping you build those skills.
Failing the SQE is undoubtedly disappointing, but it’s a temporary hurdle on the path to a rewarding legal career. By reflecting on your performance, creating a targeted study plan, seeking support, and staying resilient, you can turn this setback into a powerful learning experience. With each attempt, you’ll grow more knowledgeable, more skilled, and more determined. Remember, success is often defined not by the absence of failure, but by how we rise after falling. Keep your eyes on your goal, and with dedication, you will get there. You’ve come this far, and the next chapter of your legal journey is just ahead.
