Subject Matter Expert for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination

We are looking to appoint Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) to work on a flexible, ad-hoc daily basis between 10 – 15 days per year. The SQE is the centralised assessment for all would-be solicitors in England and Wales.

This role is part of the quality assurance system for the SQE. The SMEs will review assessment related processes, activities, and a sample of assessment questions for their areas of legal expertise, evaluate the findings and report back to the SRA. We are looking for individuals who are solicitors, have legal and assessment experience and who are occupationally competent in two or more of the following areas of law:

• Business Law and Practice
• Dispute Resolution; Contract; Tort
• Legal System of England and Wales; Constitutional and Administrative Law and EU Law and Legal Services; Solicitors Accounts
• Property Practice; Land Law
• Wills and the Administration of Estates; Trusts
• Criminal Law and Practice.

We want to recruit people who have a strong commitment to equality and diversity and the delivery of fair assessments.

For further details on the role, see the Role Profile attached at the bottom of the advert on our website.

What is in it for you

• Play an important role in the external quality assurance of the SQE
• Use your subject matter expertise to help ensure that the assessments are fair, valid and reliable

What we are looking for

• A qualified solicitor of England and Wales
• Occupational competency in two or more of the areas of practice assessed on the SQE (see above)
• Knowledge, understanding and recent experience of professional legal assessments at a similar level to the SQE or equivalent
• Experience of evaluating assessments and writing evaluation reports
• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to communicate clearly and accurately
• Strong commitment to equality and diversity and the delivery of fair assessments

We would be particularly keen to hear from applicants who meet the above criteria and are Welsh speakers.

Useful information

The successful applicant will start from August 2025.

The commitment is likely to be between 10 – 15 days per year to review materials, sample questions and observe marker training and standardisation for both SQE1 and SQE2. The majority will be conducted remotely. however SMEs may also be asked to attend and observe SQE2 live assessments.

The work will be remunerated at a day rate of £400 gross per day, plus reasonable travelling expenses.

The successful candidates will be engaged via a contract for services.

Please note that upon appointment, SQE subject matter experts cannot conduct any teaching, deliver any training or coaching relating to the SQE or SQE courses including preparing candidates to take the SQE. They cannot be involved in the drafting of any sample SQE questions and answers, including writing supporting materials. Please see the role profile for details.

To apply, select the apply button at the bottom of the advert.

The closing date for applications is Friday 6 June 2025 at 23:55. Assessment and interviews are scheduled to take place during week commencing 23 June and week commencing 30 June 2025. Interviews will be conducted remotely using Microsoft Teams.

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