Law Conversion/SQE Student - Ask Me Anything!

Hello everyone!

My name is Layla, and I am currently studying for the SQE at the University of Law ahead of the start of my training contract at Taylor Wessing in September 2026.

I completed an undergraduate History degree at the University of Oxford, moved to London after that and spent a year on a graduate scheme in tax before securing my training contract offer. Last year I did the Postgraduate Diploma in Law conversion course (also at the University of Law).

I would be happy to answer any questions about vacation scheme and training contract applications, converting to law or the SQE!

Layla
SQE LLM student

Reply 1

mariayazjii

Hi a couple of questions:

What would you advise to prepare for group assessments during the application process for TCs and vacation schemes, what are the qualities they are looking for?

I am doing Law Conversion with SQE1 at UOL, what are the essay assessments like? Open book or in-person exams? And when were the assessments, what months?

Thank you!

Reply 2

UniofLawstudent3

Official Rep

Original post

by mariayazjii

Hi a couple of questions:

What would you advise to prepare for group assessments during the application process for TCs and vacation schemes, what are the qualities they are looking for?

I am doing Law Conversion with SQE1 at UOL, what are the essay assessments like? Open book or in-person exams? And when were the assessments, what months?

Thank you!

Hello!

Group assessments are how law firms assess your collaboration and oral communication skills. I would recommend approaching them with a friendly attitude. Don't see it as a competition between you and your teammates, even though you are being assessed against them. Focus on listening to what everyone is suggesting and responding thoughtfully to any issues they bring up. It is good to show confidence by bringing your own ideas to the table, but don't try to dominate - a friendly attitude can go a long way. Stay focused on what you have been asked to do, as there is often a large commercial awareness element to the brief, and try to demonstrate your understanding of this.

The MA Law (SQE1) course is generally assessed open-book. The exact months of the assessments will vary based on your start date. You initially have 9 weeks learning 4 conversion course modules. Halfway through, there are mock exams. After this, you have 4 weeks to revise for exams on these modules. This then repeats for another 4 modules. Each module has 2 exams - one SBAQ paper (mirroring the SQE1 assessments) and a second element which will either be an oral exam, 2,500-word coursework or a 2-hour written exam. The written exams will include 2 long questions (typically a problem question and an essay critically evaluating the law).

You then get a long break before the SQE1 element of the course. This is taught over 11 weeks, with a mock week again in the middle. There are then internal assessments at the end of the teaching period. You are recommended to sit these exams closed-book to best recreate SQE1 exam conditions.

Here is a rough timeline, assuming a September 2026 start!

•

September 2026 - December 2026: 4 conversion modules taught.

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October 2026: mock exams.

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January 2027: final exams.

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January 2027 - April 2027: 4 conversion modules taught

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April 2027: mock exams.

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May 2027: final exams.

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September 2027 - December 2027: SQE1 taught.

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October 2027: mock exams.

•

December 2027: final internal exams.

I hope this helps!

Reply 3

Zxbear04

Original post

by UniofLawstudent3

Hello everyone!
My name is Layla, and I am currently studying for the SQE at the University of Law ahead of the start of my training contract at Taylor Wessing in September 2026.
I completed an undergraduate History degree at the University of Oxford, moved to London after that and spent a year on a graduate scheme in tax before securing my training contract offer. Last year I did the Postgraduate Diploma in Law conversion course (also at the University of Law).
I would be happy to answer any questions about vacation scheme and training contract applications, converting to law or the SQE!
Layla
SQE LLM student

Hi Layla
I am Zubair and I want to ask many questions regarding Law and the whole variety so please if you’re willing to share your information with me I would be more than glad for us to discuss further