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

“Stay consistent and make active recall the centre of your preparation.”

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

Nigerian-qualified barrister and solicitor with 11+ years litigation experience who earned an LLM (Distinction) from University of Hull. The SQE provided structured recognition of prior expertise while enabling UK market entry and dual international qualifications.

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

Combined multiple resources but Law Drills proved most impactful. Completed approximately 5,000 practice questions across FLK1 and FLK2. The platform’s question-based format mirrored exam demands, converting passive reading into active learning and revealing weak areas requiring reinforcement.

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

Managing vast content across both tested areas while balancing personal commitments proved overwhelming, especially unfamiliar UK-specific topics (business, property). Succeeded through consistent daily routines, chunked learning, timed practice simulations, and peer support networks.

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

Would integrate SQE-style questions earlier rather than emphasizing passive reading. Would prioritize weaker subjects (business, property, dispute resolution) strategically instead of equal time distribution.

Final advice

Emphasize question-based learning early and frequently. Track progress, reflect on errors, maintain breaks against burnout. International lawyers should value experience while adapting to UK systems humbly.