Preparing for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) while working full-time can feel overwhelming. Long working hours, unpredictable schedules, and personal commitments often leave little energy for revision. Yet the majority of SQE candidates are working professionals, career changers, or international lawyers juggling demanding jobs alongside exam preparation.
The good news is that with the right strategy, tools, and mindset, it is entirely possible to balance work and SQE preparation effectively. This guide offers practical, realistic advice tailored specifically for working professionals who want to pass SQE1 and SQE2 without burning out.
Understand the Reality of Working While Studying for the SQE
One of the biggest mistakes working candidates make is assuming they can study ālike a full-time studentā. In reality, your energy, focus, and time are limited. SQE preparation for professionals must be built around your job ā not compete with it.
Instead of aiming for long study sessions every day, successful candidates focus on consistency, efficiency, and smart prioritisation. The goal is not to study more hours, but to make each hour count.
Set a Sustainable Study Schedule (Not an Idealised One)
A common reason candidates fall behind is creating unrealistic study plans that collapse after a few weeks. When balancing work and SQE preparation, sustainability matters more than intensity.
- Start with a realistic weekly target (for example, 8ā12 hours per week).
- Use shorter study blocks (30ā60 minutes) instead of marathon sessions.
- Schedule study time around your work rhythm ā early mornings, lunch breaks, or evenings.
- Leave buffer time for busy weeks at work.
Many working professionals find early-morning study particularly effective, as it avoids work interruptions and decision fatigue later in the day.
Prioritise Exam-Relevant Practice Over Passive Reading
When time is limited, passive reading of textbooks is rarely the most effective use of your energy. SQE exams are practical and application-based, so your preparation should be the same.
Focus on:
- Answering SQE practice questions regularly.
- Reviewing explanations to identify knowledge gaps.
- Learning how legal principles are applied in exam-style scenarios.
This approach allows you to revise multiple topics efficiently and build exam technique at the same time ā which is essential for working candidates.
Use Flexible, On-Demand Study Tools
Working professionals need study tools that fit around their schedule, not rigid courses with fixed timetables. This is where online platforms with on-demand access are particularly valuable.
antlaw.ai is designed specifically with flexibility in mind. It allows you to:
- Access the SQE1 and SQE2 question banks at any time.
- Study in short sessions during breaks or commutes.
- Practise exam-style questions without attending live classes.
- Use AI-powered instant Q&A to clarify difficult points immediately.
For working professionals, the AI instant support is particularly valuable ā instead of spending hours searching textbooks or forums, you can resolve questions in seconds and move on.
Integrate SQE Study Into Your Working Life
Rather than treating SQE preparation as completely separate from your job, look for ways to integrate learning into your daily work routine.
- If you work in a legal or compliance role, relate tasks to SQE topics.
- Reflect on real client or commercial scenarios using SQE frameworks.
- Practise explaining legal issues clearly ā a key skill for SQE2.
Even non-legal professionals can develop transferable skills such as structured thinking, written communication, and time management, all of which support SQE success.
Be Strategic About Weekends and Leave
Weekends are valuable but should not be turned into endless revision marathons. Overloading weekends often leads to burnout and declining motivation.
Instead:
- Use weekends for mock exams or deeper review.
- Protect at least one half-day for rest and recovery.
- Plan annual leave strategically before the exam for final revision.
Short, focused revision leave close to the exam is often more effective than spreading holiday days thinly over months.
Manage Energy, Not Just Time
Many working candidates underestimate the importance of energy management. Studying after a 10-hour workday requires a different approach than studying fresh.
Practical tips include:
- Choosing lighter tasks (e.g. question review) on tiring days.
- Saving demanding tasks (e.g. mock exams) for high-energy periods.
- Maintaining basic routines: sleep, hydration, and short exercise.
Consistent, moderate progress beats occasional bursts of unsustainable effort.
Accept Imperfection and Stay Consistent
No working professional studies perfectly. There will be missed sessions, stressful weeks, and moments of self-doubt. This is normal.
What matters most is returning to your routine quickly and maintaining long-term consistency. Even 30 minutes of focused practice on antlaw.ai is far more valuable than waiting for a āperfectā free day that never comes.
Conclusion
Balancing work and SQE preparation is challenging, but it is achievable with the right approach. By setting realistic schedules, prioritising exam-focused practice, and using flexible tools like antlaw.ai, working professionals can prepare effectively without sacrificing their career or wellbeing.
The SQE is a marathon, not a sprint. With consistency, smart planning, and the right resources, you can succeed ā even with a full-time job.