Charity Mafuba, now a dual-qualified solicitor, did her SQE2 Prep with BARBRI. Here, she reflects on her journey towards qualifying and how BARBRI has helped Charity achieve her goals.
As someone who’s always wanted to become a solicitor, can you tell us why you were particularly drawn to being dual-qualified in both the UK and New York?
They were always my preferred jurisdictions. There are so many opportunities for cross-border legal work, and being qualified in both New York and the UK would open up more doors for me, professionally and personally. I’ve always been interested in the dynamics between the two legal systems and being qualified in both would enable me to serve clients with a broader perspective.
How did you feel about the introduction of the SQE, and how do you think it benefits aspiring solicitors?
It's been a breath of fresh air for many aspiring solicitors and beneficial because it levels the playing field for those who may struggle to secure a traditional training contract. In the past, it could take years for someone to get the training contract that they needed to qualify in, sometimes as long as 5-10 years. With the SQE, individuals can gain practical work experience while preparing for the assessments, which means they can qualify more quickly once they pass the exams. Being able to get professional experience while preparing for the exams has been a game-changer for many people, including myself.
You mentioned that you decided to choose a prep course over self-study. Why is this?
I didn’t fully trust my ability to critique myself when studying. It’s easy to think you’re doing well when you’re actually not, and self-study doesn’t provide the immediate feedback that a course can offer. A prep course like BARBRI’s gives you access to extensive materials and resources, which not only helps you stay on track but also boosts your confidence. It’s really reassuring to know that you’re receiving guidance and feedback, which is something that self-study doesn’t provide.
How has BARBRI’s prep course supported you during your studies?
BARBRI's support has been incredible. One of the things I’ve appreciated the most is their personalised study plan (PSP) which is tailored to my progress. It’s structured in such a way that I can learn at my own pace, and it really accommodates my full-time job. I used to work full-time as a Senior Derivatives Paralegal, so being able to study in the evenings and on weekends has been a real advantage. Even with my busy work schedule, the PSP has allowed me to stay organised and focused.
Additionally, BARBRI provides great resources, such as video feedback and interview assessments. After completing practice interviews, they send you a video so you can watch and identify where you went wrong. It’s incredibly helpful for building confidence and making improvements before the real assessments. The workbook has also been a great resource, offering numerous tips and examples on how to approach the assessments. It truly feels like BARBRI is guiding you step-by-step and giving you a roadmap to follow, which has been invaluable.
How has BARBRI supported your previous qualification as a US attorney?
BARBRI played a key role in my journey towards becoming a US attorney, and now they are helping me prepare for my qualification as a solicitor. I’ve been able to build on the skills and knowledge I gained through BARBRI’s resources for my US qualification. With the same level of support, I feel well-prepared to sit the SQE assessments. The preparation I received has been comprehensive, providing me with the tools I need to succeed not just in the US legal field, but also in the UK. It’s been amazing to have a course provider that offers the guidance I need to qualify in both jurisdictions.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your SQE2 journey so far?
The most rewarding aspect was seeing the progress I’ve made with the help of BARBRI’s structured approach. Being able to balance my full-time job with my studies has been challenging, but the PSP and feedback from BARBRI have made it much easier. I’ve also gained a lot of confidence in my abilities because of the detailed resources and guidance provided. With each assessment I complete, I feel more prepared and more confident in my ability to pass the SQE2 and qualify as a solicitor.
What advice would you give to someone considering the SQE route?
My advice would be to definitely consider a prep course, especially if you’re balancing work and study like I am. Self-study can be difficult without the right support, and having a structured course with tailored feedback can make a huge difference in your progress. Choose a provider that offers flexibility, feedback, and plenty of resources. With a course like BARBRI’s, you’ll have the support you need to keep going, even when the journey feels tough. And don’t be afraid to ask for help or clarification—BARBRI’s tutors are there to guide you every step of the way.
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