Qualified lawyers with the Legal Practice Course
September 2025
Please note, you cannot mix elements of the SQE and LPC routes to qualify. This means qualified lawyers with the LPC do not have an agreed exemption from SQE1.
SQE route
The SQE covers similar subject areas to the LPC but is assessed at a higher standard.
It is assessed at a level of a newly qualified solicitor. Therefore, when someone has passed SQE2, they can apply for admission (subject to meeting our other admissions requirements). Whereas the LPC assesses a candidate's legal knowledge and legal skills at the point of starting a period of recognised training (training contract) – typically two years before admission as a solicitor.
You could use your LPC as evidence if applying for an SQE1 exemptions, together with other qualifications and work experience. If you wish to use your LPC this way, please contact us before applying so we can advise on what else you need to do.
Find out what you need to do to qualify.
LPC route
You can also choose to qualify as a solicitor through the LPC route up until 31 December 2032.
If you took this option, you would normally need to do a period of recognised training (training contract). However we can recognise two years' qualifying work experience (this needs to be confirmed by a solicitor of England and Wales) and passing the SQE2 assessment as equivalent to a period of recognised training.