SQE after LLB?

Hello! I'm currently an A Level student planning to study LLB in the UK. I hold an offer from 4 UK unis including a Welsh one.
However, I am confused about the path after my LLB. Do I have to take the SQE right after my LLB- can I get a job without passing the SQE?
I am taking out a student loan for my undergrad and don't think I can afford to not work after my LLB and pay for the SQE course ( I heard it takes 2 years)...
How long will my student visa be after my LLB- will it cover the SWE tenure?
Requesting that someone who has gone down this path or knows about it could help me out... Thanks in advance!
Summary ( and additions)
1. When can I attain a job after an LLB
2. What job can I get after an LLB before my SQE
3. What exactly does an SQE qualify me for ( I understand a solicitor but can I practice in court or?)
4. How long will I have a visa after my LLB
PS: I plan to be a corporate lawyer

Hi there
Congratulations on receiving your offers. I am a final year law student, hopefully I can answer your questions:
1. You can get a job after getting your LLB degree. If you look on the SQE requirements, it includes 2 years of qualifying work experience. This means you have to work for 2 years in the legal field before becoming qualified as a solicitor. (Therefore, prior completion of the SQE, you will most likely be working as a paralegal- which can be taken right after the Law LLB degree). You can find more information here: https://sqe.sra.org.uk/about-sqe/what-is-the-sqe.
2. You can work as a paralegal, or if you are unable to secure these opportunities- working as a legal assistant/ secretary before transferring to a paralegal role may be useful too. More information can be found here: https://www.sra.org.uk/become-solicitor/sqe/qualifying-work-experience-candidates/.
3. If you are interested in becoming a solicitor, you will need to take the SQE. If you are interested in becoming a barrister (i.e. going to court), then you will have to practice at the bar. (I am not too sure on what qualification this involves, sorry).
4. Unfortunately, I do not know much about visas, I think (but am not sure at all) that you have a student visa for studying at University. After you graduate, you may be able to switch to a working visa, if you can get your employer to sponsor it? (You will have to do research on this though, as the rules on visas change quite often, and I am not too sure about the current rules).
I hope this helps.
If you have any further questions, I'll be happy to answer them.
Chloe
University of Kent Student Rep

Hello,
Congrats on your offers! I am an LLB graduate and current SQE LLM student at BPP University and I can share my insight on your questions.
After you graduate from your LLB you are able to apply to various jobs in the legal field, such as paralegal/legal assistant/trainee solicitor roles. You can even start applying before the end of your degree depending on application deadlines (for example, law firms tend to recruit up to 2 years in advance for trainee solicitors)
The main requirements to become a solicitor in the UK are to pass both SQE exams and accumulate 2 years of Qualifying Work Experience. Whether to do one or the other first is up to you, for example I decided to take the SQE straight after I graduated as I felt I could benefit from having a fresh knowledge of the law.
Once you complete these requirements, you will be eligible to become a solicitor. You will have some rights of audience in lower UK courts, but if are more interested in court practice you would have to do additional exams/become a barrister which is a very different route.
I am unable to provide an insight into visa matters, but I suggest referring to any services your university may have for international students and also to the UK Government website for definitive guidance.
Hope that gives you a better insight and good luck on your exams!
Azzurra

Hello! I'm currently an A Level student planning to study LLB in the UK. I hold an offer from 4 UK unis including a Welsh one.
However, I am confused about the path after my LLB. Do I have to take the SQE right after my LLB- can I get a job without passing the SQE?
I am taking out a student loan for my undergrad and don't think I can afford to not work after my LLB and pay for the SQE course ( I heard it takes 2 years)...
How long will my student visa be after my LLB- will it cover the SWE tenure?
Requesting that someone who has gone down this path or knows about it could help me out... Thanks in advance!
Summary ( and additions)
1. When can I attain a job after an LLB
2. What job can I get after an LLB before my SQE
3. What exactly does an SQE qualify me for ( I understand a solicitor but can I practice in court or?)
4. How long will I have a visa after my LLB
PS: I plan to be a corporate lawyer