I am writing this petition with urgency and hope, driven by my personal experiences as someone diagnosed with, and medicated for, ADHD. For those who have the privilege to work in our legal field, the road to becoming a qualified solicitor in England and Wales involves the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). This rigorous exam is designed to ensure competence across various legal areas, but its current structure poses particular challenges for candidates with neurological disorders like ADHD and Dyslexia.

Throughout my academic career, I have consistently struggled with memory and recall, especially when faced with exams. The SQE amplifies these concerns due to its reliance on lengthy, complex multiple-choice questions (MCQs), demanding quick recall, extended concentration, and high-pressure environments — a combination that is notoriously difficult for anyone with ADHD. The challenge is exacerbated by the time constraints and the necessity to sit still for long periods, making it a daunting hurdle rather than a fair assessment.

The Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA), which oversees the SQE, needs to take immediate action to make this pathway to qualification more accessible and fair for all candidates, including those with disabilities. Research has shown that neurodiversity enriches workplaces with diverse perspectives and problem-solving approaches. Thus, it is crucial to support and accommodate individuals with ADHD and Dyslexia not only to be considered equal candidates but to enable them to thrive in their professions.

The limited accommodations currently offered are not sufficient. While extra time is sometimes granted, it does not address the architectural framework of the exam itself, which is inherently challenging for neurodiverse individuals. The questions are wordy, and the potential responses are equally verbose, often leading to overwhelming situations for candidates who process information differently.

In addition to the above, the exams are exorbitant in cost. The SQE1 is currently £1,934 (£967 for FLK1 and £967 for FLK2), with the SQE2 costing £2,974. These fees alone are for the exams and do not include: course fees, academic literature or study materials (such as textbooks), resits (which are charged at the same rate - £1,934 for the SQE1 and £2,974 for the SQE2). The costs for these exams alone make it almost inaccessible to most.

Concrete changes can significantly improve accessibility:

1. Redesigning questions to be more concise, reducing cognitive load by employing clearer and more direct language.

2. Allowing alternative formats of exams, such as open-book examinations. Open-book examinations reduce the reliance on immediate working memory recall and instead emphasize higher-order skills like information processing, application, and critical thinking.

3. Implementing flexible timing options to accommodate the concentration patterns typical of neurodiverse individuals.

4. Continuous collaboration with neurodiverse candidates and experts to ensure ongoing improvements.

5. Addressing the financing of such exams, to enable those with neurodiversity's, the support where they may fail the email, in turn costing them a further £1,934 (£967 for FLK1 and £967 for FLK2)

Financial Stress:

The SQE is a hugely burdensome course to take, not just academically, but also financially. Where ADHD individuals, such as myself, have the worry of taking the exams, there is also the overwhelming concern of the fact that, in order to resit the exams, you must pay the full fee again (£1,934).

The pressure that is on students is unreasonable.

Through restructuring, the SQE can reflect the inclusive principles we seek to uphold in the legal industry. Everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their professional dreams, unhindered by structures that fail to recognize diverse needs. Let's urge the Solicitors Regulatory Authority to reform the SQE to foster an inclusive environment for the next generation of lawyers.

This petition holds the power to drive change. Please, add your voice. Join me in calling for a more inclusive SQE to ensure the legal profession is accessible to all. Sign this petition and support a fair and comprehensive re-evaluation of the SQE.