YLAL is disappointed that our concerns about exploitative Qualifying Work Experience (‘QWE’) as part of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (‘SQE’) have been realised.
There is no longer a requirement to pay those candidates who are undertaking QWE. This was purportedly to allow candidates to use time spent volunteering, for example in a legal advice clinic whilst at university, towards their QWE.
YLAL is now aware that there are organisations who not only ask for free work; in fact, they are asking workers to pay them for the pleasure.
YLAL believes that this constitutes a devastating blow to social mobility and diversity for the profession.
You can read our full statement on this issue below.
