Don’t miss this #1 piece of advice for anyone taking the SQE

Show up consistently and maintain discipline regardless of motivation level.

What’s your background, and why did you decide to do the SQE?

Lilya describes herself as “a forever student,” holding degrees in Jurisprudence and two Master’s degrees in Law and International Law. She pursued the SQE after researching UK legal career progression and recognizing it as essential for her advancement.

How did you prepare, and what made the biggest difference in your success?

She prioritized consistent effort (“I showed up. Motivated or not…”), maintained clear daily task structures, and emphasized: “every effort counts.” Support from her community and a solid legal background accelerated her English Law comprehension.

What was the hardest part, and how did you push through it?

Balancing full-time work with SQE1 prep required declining social events. She managed information overload by accepting intensity as inevitable and maintaining work-life balance through occasional social engagement.

If you had to do it again, what would you do differently?

For non-native English speakers, she recommends occasionally reviewing complex concepts in your native language to build “two layers of retained knowledge,” though caution against over-reliance since the exam is in English.

Final advice

“Be creative; look for learning techniques that work specifically for you. Celebrate your wins… Be kind to yourself… Rest well and don’t forget to enjoy life.”