SQE2 Passed — What Next? Your Guide to the Next Stage of Your Legal Career

First of all: congratulations. Passing SQE2 is a huge achievement. After months (or years) of revision, mocks, stress, and second-guessing yourself, you’ve cleared one of the biggest hurdles on the road to qualification. It’s normal to feel relief — and then almost immediately think: SQE2 passed… what next? This is where your legal career really begins. And while there’s no single “right” path, there are important decisions to make now that you’re stepping into qualified solicitor territory. Let’s walk through the key things to consider.   1. Decide What Direction You Actually Want to Go In Passing SQE2 doesn’t lock you into one career path — it opens several. Now is the moment to reflect honestly on: Do you want to work in private practice or in-house? Are you aiming for a specialist role (e.g. disputes, commercial, property), or a more generalist position? Do you thrive in fast-paced environments, or do you prefer autonomy and flexibility? Many newly qualified solicitors drift into the next role simply because it’s available. Try not to do this blindly. Ask yourself: What kind of work energises me? What skills do I want to build next? Where do I see myself in 3–5 years? Your first post-SQE2 role doesn’t define your entire career — but it does shape your early trajectory.   2. Think Strategically About Your First Qualified Role Your first role after SQE2 is less about prestige and more about development. Look for: exposure to real matters supportive supervision opportunities to draft, advise, and negotiate room to grow responsibility Titles matter less than experience at this stage. A role where you’re actively practising law will accelerate your career far faster than one where you’re mostly observing.   3. Salary Negotiation: Yes, You Should Do It Many SQE2 qualifiers feel uncomfortable negotiating salary — especially if they’re grateful just to have passed. But remember: You are now a qualified solicitor. You bring commercial value. Employers expect negotiation. Before accepting an offer: research market rates for your location and practice area understand the full package (bonus, equity, benefits, flexibility) be clear on progression pathways You don’t need to be aggressive — just informed. A simple: “Based on market data and my experience, is there flexibility on salary?” can make a meaningful difference over time.   4. Define Your “Next Level” Passing SQE2 isn’t the finish line — it’s the starting point. Ask yourself: What does success look like in my next 12–24 months? Do I want to move from junior to mid-level? Build expertise in a niche? Transition in-house? Take on leadership responsibilities? High performers don’t just get qualified — they set intentional goals. Your “next level” might be: managing your own matters becoming a subject-matter expert moving into tech or commercial roles building negotiation or stakeholder skills Clarity here helps you choose roles and projects strategically.   5. Don’t Stop Learning Just Because the Exams Are Over One of the biggest post-SQE2 traps is switching off development because the exams are done. Real legal growth now happens through: practical experience feedback reflection continued learning The strongest solicitors treat qualification as the beginning of professional training — not the end of it. Invest in: improving your drafting subject matter courses understanding commercial risk building confidence in client conversations These are the skills that drive long-term career success.   Final Thoughts: SQE2 Passed — Now Build the Career You Want Passing SQE2 is an incredible milestone — but what you do next matters just as much. Take time to: choose your direction intentionally negotiate your worth think about your next level and continue developing as a practitioner You’ve proven you can pass a tough professional exam. Now it’s time to turn that achievement into a career that actually works for you.