SQE fees rise

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has announced Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) fees will increase by 3.4 per cent from October. SQE1 will rise from £1,558 to £1,622 and SQE2 from £2,422 to £2,493. Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce said she was “concerned” about what this could mean for aspiring solicitors from lower socio-economic backgrounds, with the cost of living set to “skyrocket”. She said: “It was hoped that the SQE would increase social mobility. However, with rising costs and a lack of loans for those who need them, this aim looks less achievable”.