Decoding the SQE1: A Complete Breakdown of FLK1 and FLK2 Subjects
Embarking on the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) journey is a significant step towards a career in law. A crucial part of this journey is understanding the structure and content of the SQE1 assessment, which is divided into two parts: Functioning Legal Knowledge 1 (FLK1) and Functioning Legal Knowledge 2 (FLK2). This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the subjects covered in both FLK1 and FLK2, offering insights into their weightings, key topics, and effective study strategies.
What is Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK)?
The FLK assessments are designed to test your ability to apply fundamental legal principles in realistic scenarios. These are not just tests of memory; they assess your competence in applying legal knowledge to solve practical problems. Each FLK assessment consists of 180 multiple-choice questions, and you will have a little over five hours to complete each one.
Key Takeaway
The SQE1 is not just about knowing the law, but about applying it. Your preparation should focus on problem-solving and critical thinking, not just rote memorization. This is a significant departure from traditional law school exams.
Functioning Legal Knowledge 1 (FLK1): The Core Subjects
FLK1 covers a broad range of subjects that form the bedrock of legal practice in the UK. Understanding these subjects is essential for any aspiring solicitor. Below is a table detailing the subjects covered in FLK1 and their approximate weightings in the exam.
FLK1 Subject Breakdown and Weightings
| Subject | Approximate Question Weighting |
|---|---|
| Business Law & Practice | 14-20% |
| Dispute Resolution | 14-20% |
| Contract Law | 14-20% |
| Tort | 14-20% |
| The Legal System of England and Wales | 4-8% |
| Constitutional and Administrative Law | 4-8% |
| EU Law and Legal Services | 2-6% |
Key Topics within FLK1 Subjects
Business Law & Practice
This area focuses on the legal framework governing businesses. You will need to understand the various types of business structures, including sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies. Key topics include company formation, shareholder agreements, and the responsibilities of directors. For a deeper dive, consider our SQE1 revision tips for this specific module.
Dispute Resolution
Dispute resolution is a cornerstone of legal practice. This subject covers the entire lifecycle of a civil claim, from pre-action protocols to enforcement of judgments. You will need to be familiar with the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) and the different tracks for civil claims. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, such as mediation and arbitration, are also important.
Contract Law
Contract law is a fundamental area of law that underpins many other subjects. You will need to understand the formation of contracts, their terms, and the remedies for breach of contract. Key topics include offer and acceptance, consideration, and misrepresentation.
Tort
The law of tort deals with civil wrongs. Negligence is a major part of this subject, but you will also need to know about other torts, such as nuisance, defamation, and occupiers' liability. Understanding the principles of causation and remoteness of damage is crucial.
Ready to Test Your Knowledge?
Our Quiz Generator allows you to create custom quizzes on any SQE1 subject. See how you stack up against the syllabus.
Functioning Legal Knowledge 2 (FLK2): Practice-Oriented Subjects
FLK2 shifts the focus to subjects that are more directly related to the day-to-day work of a solicitor. These subjects are highly practical and require a good understanding of the underlying legal principles.
FLK2 Subject Breakdown and Weightings
| Subject | Approximate Question Weighting |
|---|---|
| Property Practice | 14-20% |
| Wills and the Administration of Estates | 14-20% |
| Solicitors Accounts | 14-20% |
| Land Law | 14-20% |
| Trusts | 14-20% |
| Criminal Law and Practice | 14-20% |
Key Topics within FLK2 Subjects
Property Practice
This subject builds on the principles of land law and applies them to real-world scenarios. You will need to understand the process of buying and selling property, as well as the different types of ownership and interests in land. For more on this, see our guide on how to pass SQE1.
Wills and the Administration of Estates
This area of law deals with what happens to a person's assets after they die. You will need to know how to draft a valid will, as well as the rules of intestacy (when someone dies without a will). The process of obtaining a grant of probate and administering an estate is also a key part of this subject.
Solicitors Accounts
This is a highly technical but essential subject for all solicitors. You will need to understand the SRA Accounts Rules and be able to apply them to various scenarios. This includes knowing how to deal with client money and office money, and how to prepare a client ledger.
Key Takeaway
Solicitors Accounts is a subject that many students find challenging. It is crucial to get to grips with the rules early on and to practice as many questions as possible. Check out our free SQE practice questions to get started.
Land Law
Land law is a complex but fascinating subject. It covers the different types of interests that can exist in land, such as freehold and leasehold estates, as well as third-party rights like easements and covenants. The principles of registered and unregistered land are also a key part of the syllabus.
Trusts
The law of trusts is about how property is held and managed for the benefit of others. You will need to understand the different types of trusts, how they are created, and the duties of trustees. The principles of equity are central to this subject.
Criminal Law and Practice
This subject covers the criminal justice system in England and Wales. You will need to know about the different types of criminal offences, from summary offences to indictable offences. The process of a criminal case, from arrest to trial and sentencing, is also a key part of the syllabus.
How to Prioritise Your Study
With so many subjects to cover, it is essential to have a clear study plan. A good approach is to start with the subjects that have the highest weighting in the exams. These are the subjects where you can potentially gain the most marks. Our SQE1 study plan can help you structure your revision.
It is also a good idea to identify the subjects that you find easiest to score in. These are the subjects where you can pick up "easy" marks and build your confidence. However, do not neglect the subjects that you find more challenging. It is important to have a solid understanding of all the subjects to be a competent solicitor.
Master the SQE1 Subjects with LexIQ
Our suite of tools, including flashcards and a readiness calculator, can help you master the SQE1 subjects and go into the exam with confidence.
Cross-Cutting Themes
Throughout your SQE1 preparation, you will notice that certain themes cut across all the subjects. The most important of these is ethics and professional conduct. The SRA's principles and code of conduct are not just a separate subject; they are integrated into all the FLK assessments. You will be expected to apply these principles in the context of the various legal subjects.
Another cross-cutting theme is the importance of communication skills. While the SQE1 is a multiple-choice exam, the scenarios are designed to test your ability to understand and respond to client needs. This requires you to be able to read and interpret complex information, and to identify the key legal issues.
Conclusion
The SQE1 is a challenging but rewarding exam. By understanding the subjects covered in FLK1 and FLK2, and by developing a clear study plan, you can give yourself the best possible chance of success. Remember to focus on applying your legal knowledge to practical scenarios, and to always have the SRA's principles of professional conduct in mind.