Introduction to the SQE 1 Format
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) represents a unified route to qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales. Split into two stages, SQE 1 is the foundation. It assesses a candidate’s ability to apply legal knowledge to practical situations.
But this is not a typical memory test. The exam focuses heavily on legal functioning—how well you can think like a solicitor when the facts are messy and the answers aren’t black and white. If you’re just beginning your preparation, getting familiar with the structure and logic of the SQE 1 syllabus is one of the smartest early moves you can make.
Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK) Overview
The SQE 1 exam tests Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK), which is split into two key parts: FLK 1 and FLK 2. Each consists of 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), administered over two days. The questions assess not only your grasp of legal concepts but how well you apply them in the context of client scenarios.
Unlike traditional exams, there’s a strong emphasis on professional conduct, ethical behaviour, and situational judgement. This ensures that even at this early stage, you’re already being evaluated through the lens of what it means to practice law.
FLK 1: Subjects and Skills
FLK 1 covers foundational legal subjects often taught in the early stages of legal education. These include:
- Contract Law
- Tort Law
- Constitutional and Administrative Law (including EU Law and retained EU law)
- Criminal Law
- Legal Services
- Professional Conduct
What sets the SQE apart is the integration of ethics across all questions. You won’t face a separate ethics section—it’s baked into the scenarios. So even when answering a question on tort law, you might also be expected to spot and assess ethical issues.
Studying with a recognised provider like QLTS School can help you navigate these layers. Their content is structured to build your knowledge progressively while reinforcing ethical awareness as a natural part of legal decision-making.
FLK 2: Subjects and Practical Application
FLK 2 builds on the foundational knowledge with a shift toward applied legal practice. It includes:
- Property Law and Practice
- Wills and the Administration of Estates
- Solicitors Accounts
- Land Law
- Trust Law
- Dispute Resolution
- Criminal Litigation
- Business Law and Practice
These areas bring the “practice-ready” element of the SQE into sharper focus. For example, Wills and Estates questions won’t simply ask about the rules—they’ll put you in the position of advising a client on a specific scenario, evaluating their options and risks.
Similarly, Business Law and Solicitors Accounts demand technical accuracy. Errors in these sections can have serious real-world implications, so the exam reflects that level of precision.
How the Syllabus Reflects Real-World Legal Practice
The SQE is designed to test how well you can think and act like a solicitor—not just recite information. The questions in both FLK 1 and FLK 2 are presented through practical, real-life client scenarios. This includes:
- Identifying relevant legal principles
- Applying those principles to unique facts
- Recognising ethical concerns
- Making reasoned judgements based on legal and practical considerations
It’s more than legal knowledge—it’s legal functioning. The word “functioning” in FLK isn’t decorative; it’s core to the entire exam philosophy.
This also means you must learn to spot legal issues even when they’re buried under irrelevant facts or disguised in unfamiliar contexts. That kind of pattern recognition is what will serve you in both the exam and in future legal work.
Depth of Knowledge vs. Breadth of Topics
One of the biggest challenges candidates face is the sheer range of content. While it’s essential to know all the areas covered in FLK 1 and FLK 2, depth matters just as much as breadth.
You’re not expected to memorise every footnote of case law. But you are expected to understand the key principles and how they interact in practical situations. Think of it like a toolkit—you need to know which tool to use and when, rather than knowing the full technical manual for each.
Take time to build layers of understanding:
- Start with core concepts.
- Add legal frameworks.
- Layer on application through scenario-based practice.
This tiered approach will serve you far better than trying to memorise everything at once.
Building a Personalised Study Plan
The syllabus may be fixed, but your study plan shouldn’t be. Everyone comes to the SQE 1 with different levels of experience and different learning styles. Tailor your approach:
- If you’re a recent law graduate: Focus on bridging academic theory with practical application.
- If you’re transitioning from another jurisdiction: Prioritise areas unfamiliar in your local practice, such as UK-specific land law or solicitors’ accounting rules.
- If you’re balancing study with full-time work: Use micro-learning strategies—short, focused bursts of study throughout the week.
Whichever route you take, be sure to track your progress. Periodic self-testing can help ensure you’re not just covering material but retaining and applying it.
Where to Find Structured Learning Support
While self-study can be effective, many candidates benefit from structured programs. These often include:
- Live or recorded lectures
- Practice question banks
- Progress tracking tools
- Tutor support
- Mock exams with feedback
Using a provider that understands the nuances of the SQE can make a significant difference in your readiness. Look for content that is aligned specifically with the SQE—not repurposed LPC or LLB material.
The exam is unique, and so your preparation should be as well.
Seeing the Syllabus as a Path, Not a Checklist
It’s tempting to view the SQE 1 syllabus as a long list to tick off one topic at a time. But the most successful candidates take a different view. They see it as a journey—one that starts with understanding and ends with confident application.
This mindset not only improves retention but reduces stress. You’re not just learning law to pass an exam. You’re learning how to think, reason, and advise like a solicitor. The SQE syllabus is your map.
Take it one step at a time. Look for connections between subjects. Lean into the process, and trust that each hour of preparation is building something bigger than just exam readiness.
Because in the end, this isn’t about ticking boxes—it’s about building the future solicitor you’re becoming.
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