SQE Stories
The SQE is more than just an exam, it’s a test of resilience, ambition, and self-belief.
Behind every candidate is a story that rarely gets told. A working parent studying late into the night. A career changer chasing a long-held dream. A first-generation student navigating it all without a roadmap.
In this series, we share stories from real people taking on the SQE. Their drives, their doubts, and what they've learnt along the way.
These are unfiltered, personal reflections from candidates walking the path to qualification.
Read, learn and be inspired by SQE stories from candidates just like you
Zayn Qureshi
A career changer who sat and passed SQE1 in Jan 2025 - first time around, 1st quintile
Published:
26 May 2025
Zayn Qureshi
A career changer who sat and passed SQE1 in Jan 2025 - first time around, 1st quintile
Published:
26 May 2025
Emily Hinkley
Former neuroscientist PhD making the transition to law. Passed SQE1 in Jan, first time.
Published:
2 Jun 2025
Emily Hinkley
Former neuroscientist PhD making the transition to law. Passed SQE1 in Jan, first time.
Published:
2 Jun 2025
Megan Hornsby
Future Trainee at an international law firm - passed SQE1 on her first attempt in Jan 2025
Published:
11 Jun 2025
Megan Hornsby
Future Trainee at an international law firm - passed SQE1 on her first attempt in Jan 2025
Published:
11 Jun 2025
Tosin Sunday Eye
A Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria who came to the UK and passed the SQE1 on his first attempt in Jan 2025
Published:
18 Jun 2025
Tosin Sunday Eye
A Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria who came to the UK and passed the SQE1 on his first attempt in Jan 2025
Published:
18 Jun 2025
Nathaniel Cameron
Future trainee at Reed Smith who passed SQE1 in Jan 2025
Published:
29 Jun 2025
Nathaniel Cameron
Future trainee at Reed Smith who passed SQE1 in Jan 2025
Published:
29 Jun 2025
Matthew Bartram
A Sports Litigation Paralegal who passed SQE1 on his first attempt in Jan 2025
Published:
6 Jul 2025
Matthew Bartram
A Sports Litigation Paralegal who passed SQE1 on his first attempt in Jan 2025
Published:
6 Jul 2025
Nadia Szumilo
A Final Seat Trainee at Vardags who smashed SQE1, first quintile, in 2024
Published:
13 Jul 2025
Nadia Szumilo
A Final Seat Trainee at Vardags who smashed SQE1, first quintile, in 2024
Published:
13 Jul 2025
Law Drills
by
Practice Works
Company number: 15117321
71-75 Shelton Street,
Covent Garden, London,
United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ
Do good, do well
Collaborations
Our independent research
Law Drills™, by Practice Works Ltd © 2025
Law Drills
by
Practice Works
Company number: 15117321
71-75 Shelton Street,
Covent Garden, London,
United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ
Do good, do well
Collaborations
Our independent research
Law Drills™, by Practice Works Ltd © 2025
Law Drills
by
Practice Works
Company number: 15117321
71-75 Shelton Street,
Covent Garden, London,
United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ
Do good, do well
Collaborations
Our independent research
Law Drills™, by Practice Works Ltd © 2025