Our founder Clotilde Iaia Polak recently obtained her SQE. Although at Yungo Law, we are not regulated by the UK’s Solicitors Regulation Authority and do not have a UK office, Clotilde’s new qualification lets us provide expert advice on English law to our clients in the Middle East and Europe, which is another milestone in our growth.

We took some time to find out about Clotilde’s journey with the SQE to provide insight to any overseas lawyer looking to undertake a dual qualification to enhance their legal career.

The SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination) Explained

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is a new test that all lawyers in England and Wales must pass to work as solicitors. It was introduced to make sure all solicitors meet the same high standards, replacing older methods of becoming qualified, like the Legal Practice Course and training contracts.

To pass the SQE, lawyers must go through a challenging assessment process. It is made up of two parts:

  • SQE1 assesses understanding of basic legal concepts through multiple-choice questions, covering areas like contracts, property law, and criminal law.
  • SQE2 checks practical skills, like how well you can interview clients, advocate, and analyse legal cases, by putting you in realistic legal situations.

It includes a four part process made up from multiple choice, oral assessments and Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).

How does your new SQE qualification align with Yungo Law’s growth goals as an international law firm?

Although Yungo Law isn’t SRA regulated and doesn’t have a UK office, my SQE qualification allows us to provide nuanced advice on English law to clients in the Middle East and Europe. We do not serve UK-domiciled clients directly in the UK but collaborate with my partner, Jodie Hill of Thrive Law, to refer UK work and engage in international projects. This strategic collaboration enhances our firm’s global legal consultancy capabilities.

How does the SQE qualification enhance Yungo Law’s expertise, especially in handling legal matters spanning different legal systems?

The SQE qualification has broadened my understanding of English common law and legal terminology, the UK legal market and its complexities, which is crucial for our Middle Eastern clients who originate from the UK. English law is frequently applied in complex transactions across the Middle East, requiring a thorough understanding to effectively advise our clients.

What is your vision for Yungo Law with this expanded jurisdictional capability?

Our goal is to expand Yungo Law internationally, bringing our inclusive approach to more markets. However, expansion depends on finding the right partners and securing alternative funding sources that align with our values. Traditional venture capital, often male-dominated, doesn’t usually support women-led firms adequately. We are exploring alternative financing that offers fair opportunities to women-owned businesses.

How did you balance your founder responsibilities and family life with the demands of the SQE qualification process?

Balancing the different aspects of my life was challenging while I was studying for the QLTS and later the SQE, especially when the admission process changed during and after Covid. I was fortunate to have the support of my understanding husband and children, who allowed me the time to focus on my studies. I made it a point to find even a small amount of time every day to study, revise, or practice answering the multiple-choice questions. It required a lot of self-discipline and the cooperation of everyone at both the office and at home.

How did the team at Yungo Law support and contribute to your work towards a further professional qualification?

The support from my team at Yungo Law has been incredibly important to my growth as a professional. We have a strong culture of teamwork here, where everyone is encouraged to share ideas and help shape our firm’s direction. This supportive atmosphere has been vital, especially while I was preparing for the SQE.

My colleagues were fantastic during this time; they took on some of my workload when I needed to focus on my studies, offered valuable advice on complex legal issues, and shared their own experiences, which greatly enriched my learning. We often had team discussions where we could talk openly about any challenges and brainstorm solutions together. This was particularly useful for applying what I was studying to the real-world legal challenges we face.

This sense of community and teamwork at Yungo Law didn’t just help me through the SQE; it has fundamentally shaped how I approach my work and leadership within the firm.

Looking back, what moments stand out as particularly challenging or rewarding?

One of the toughest yet most rewarding experiences was taking the OSCE exams right after the first lockdown in London. The emotional toll was considerable, and though I initially failed by a narrow margin, the perseverance shaped me. Transitioning to the SQE and ultimately passing SQE1 with an exemption from SQE2 (legal work experience) was a milestone, culminating in my admission as a solicitor in July 2023.

What advice would you give to other international lawyers who may be considering taking the SQE as another legal qualification?

Pursuing the SQE as a route to qualification is challenging, but highly beneficial. The qualification provides a deep dive into English and Welsh laws and is vital for delivering superior service to clients globally. It’s a rigorous, demanding process but immensely rewarding and crucial for any lawyer aiming to practise internationally, which really enhances your legal skills.

At Yungo Law, we’re not just a law firm; we’re leaders in the legal world, always trying to raise the bar. My recent success in the SQE isn’t just good news for me—it’s a big step forward for our firm. This qualification boosts our ability to handle complex legal issues across countries, making sure we can meet our clients’ needs with five-star expertise and commitment. As we look to the future, our focus is on supporting our clients and promoting a legal environment that welcomes diversity worldwide.

If you are a foreign lawyer who is looking to take the SQE qualification, you can make a start by looking into this guide from The Law Society. 

https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/international/how-to-become-a-solicitor-a-guide-for-international-lawyers-and-overseas-students

Yungo Law is your legal partner in the UAE and EU. We can draw on over a hundred years of experience of supporting private clients and corporations in the UAE, Italy and France to support you. No matter what your legal challenge, the team at Yungo Law has the expertise to tackle it head-on. If you are a client in the Middle East or Europe looking for support, or a lawyer looking for a different way to work, get in touch with Clotilde Iaia Polak on clotilde@yungo.ae.

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