Overview

• The Change.org petition led by a trainee solicitor has attracted more than 830 signatures, calling for reforms to the Solicitors Qualifying Examination over high fees, opaque processes and well-being impacts.
• The petition’s author has refuted Suella Braverman’s “snowflake” label, clarifying that the aims are to improve transparency and reduce financial and logistical burdens.
• Candidates report administrative issues including nondisclosure of provider pass rates, absence of past papers and restricted breaks that they say undermine exam fairness.
• The SRA has acknowledged “teething problems” with the SQE but insists it remains a high-stakes, fair measure of professional competence with published statistical reporting.
• Independent reviewer Ricardo Lé reaffirmed the SQE’s robustness and fairness in a recent report, noting evidence of best practice and ongoing improvements.