SQE Exam Essentials and Preparations

In this episode of SQE1 Essentials, we examine the formal requirements for creating and constituting trusts in English law. This is a highly examinable area of Trusts law that blends strict formalism with equitable flexibility.🎓 Topics covered include:The difference between inter vivos trusts and testamentary trustsFormal requirements for transferring personalty vs. land (realty)The three certainties revisited: intention, subject matter, objectsWhy equity will not perfect an imperfect gift or assist a volunteerThe doctrine of incompletely constituted trusts and its consequencesKey equitable exceptions:▪️ Re Rose – correct steps taken▪️ Pennington v Waine – unconscionability▪️ Strong v Bird – donor becomes executor▪️ Proprietary estoppel – reliance and detrimentThe rule against perpetuities and the 125-year vesting period🧠 This episode is critical for distinguishing enforceable trusts from failed gifts and will equip you with both doctrinal clarity and case-based nuance.📲 Access case summaries, diagrams, and practice questions in the CELE SQE App or at celetraining.com

In this episode of SQE1 Essentials, we cover the core principles of solicitor account rules and SRA compliance — a high-risk, high-importance area for both the SQE1 exam and legal practice.💼 Topics covered include:The purpose and scope of the SRA Accounts RulesWhat counts as client money, and how it must be separated from office fundsKey duties: handling mixed receipts, operating client accounts, and transfersBookkeeping practices: double-entry accounting, record-keeping, reconciliationsVAT obligations for solicitors: when to charge, when to reclaimThe ethical principles governing solicitor finances, and examples of misconductConsequences of breaching the rules — from regulatory action to potential SRA intervention📘 If you're preparing for SQE1 or entering practice management, this episode provides the essential technical and regulatory framework you’ll be expected to follow from day one.📲 Explore our training notes, test bank, and ledger templates at celetraining.com or in the PASS-SQE App.

In this episode of SQE1 Essentials, we explore the historical foundations of English law, focusing on the role of the Monarch, the Nobility, and the Church in shaping legal authority.📜 Topics covered:The King as lawmaker, enforcer, and judge under absolute monarchyHow the Magna Carta and other historic movements gradually curtailed royal powerThe rise and transformation of the nobility’s role in governanceThe historic legal influence of the Roman Catholic Church and the later establishment of the Church of EnglandHow religion and politics intertwined to create lasting legal institutionsThe modern vestiges of religious influence within today's English Legal System🧠 This background provides essential context for understanding constitutional law, separation of powers, and the enduring principles behind parliamentary democracy.📲 Explore more with full CELE SQE learning materials at celetraining.com

In this episode of SQE1 Essentials, we explore the sources of law in the English legal system, with a special focus on the structure and operation of the legislative process.📘 Key topics include:The primacy of Acts of Parliament as the supreme source of lawHow bills become law: the roles of the House of Commons and House of LordsTypes of legislation: primary statutes vs delegated legislationHow Parliament delegates legislative power and how controls are maintainedThe constitutional significance of the Parliament Acts and how the Commons can bypass the Lords under certain conditionsCritical reflections on the democratic legitimacy of the House of Lords🧠 This episode is essential for understanding the legislative landscape that underpins all areas of English law — from constitutional law to criminal procedure.📲 Study the full CELE SQE training programme with textbooks, quizzes, and guided lectures via the PASS-SQE App or at celetraining.com

In this episode of SQE1 Essentials, we introduce the English Legal System (ELS), tracing its evolution and explaining its fundamental structures — crucial background for all areas of English law.🎯 You’ll learn:What “law” means in the context of England and WalesThe difference between the English Legal System, Scottish Law, and Northern Irish LawDistinction between statute law (legislation) and case law (common law and precedent)The separation between criminal law and civil lawPublic law vs private law explainedSubstantive law vs procedural law distinctions📘 This foundational knowledge is essential for navigating all other legal subjects, from contract to criminal law, and forms the core of the SQE1 syllabus.📲 Access the full CELE SQE curriculum and interactive learning resources at celetraining.com

In this episode of SQE1 Essentials, we explore the core doctrines and structures of English Trust Law, with a focus on the principles tested in the SQE1 assessment.🎓 Topics covered:The three certainties required for the creation of a valid express trustTypes of trusts: fixed trusts, discretionary trusts, resulting and constructive trustsThe beneficiaries' rights and the rule in Saunders v VautierThe distinction between charitable and non-charitable purpose trustsTrusts of the family home and resulting/constructive trust claimsLiability of third parties and the doctrine of knowing receipt / dishonest assistanceTrustees' powers, duties, breaches, and the remedies available to beneficiariesThe principle of tracing and equitable proprietary claims🧠 This is a high-yield topic and commonly assessed in both doctrinal MCQs and applied scenario-style questions.📲 Explore full textbooks, flashcards, and SQE1 quizzes via the PASS SQE App or visit celetraining.com

In this episode of SQE1 Essentials, we walk you through the full lifecycle of a criminal case in England and Wales — from the moment of arrest to the final sentence.🔎 You’ll learn:Categories of criminal offences and how they are definedPolice powers: arrest, detention, search, questioning, and identificationAdmissibility of evidence and grounds for exclusionTrial procedure in the Magistrates’ Court and Crown CourtAllocation of either-way offencesCommon defences: self-defence, loss of control, duress, insanity, automatismLiability of accomplices and secondary partiesSentencing principles and types of punishmentSpecific procedures for youth offenders vs. adult defendantsAppeals process📘 This episode is essential for SQE1 candidates preparing for criminal law and criminal litigation, blending doctrinal principles with practical applications.📲 Study the full CELE SQE curriculum via the PASS SQE App or visit celetraining.com

In this episode of SQE1 Essentials, we examine the modern framework of legal services regulation in England and Wales — a critical part of the SQE1 syllabus and solicitor professional competence.🎓 What you'll learn:What constitutes a "legal service" and how the sector is structuredThe role of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), including its principles and risk-based approach to regulationProfessional obligations for solicitors and law firms regarding authorisation and conductThe impact of the Equality Act 2010 on legal service provision and employment practicesHow legal services intersect with financial regulation – the roles of the FCA and PRAFunding legal services: private fees, CFAs, DBAs, fixed fees, legal aid, third-party funding, and legal expenses insurance📘 Whether you're preparing for the SQE1 or entering legal practice, this episode gives you a practical insight into the expectations and obligations of the modern solicitor.📲 Access full training resources and MCQs via the PASS SQE App or at celetraining.com

In this foundational episode of SQE1 Essentials, we explore the structure and sources of the English Legal System, including how laws are created, interpreted, and applied.🎓 You’ll learn:​The historical development of English law: from the Norman Conquest to the Magna Carta​The different sources of law: Acts of Parliament, delegated legislation, and case law​The structure of the courts and how precedent works: ratio decidendi and obiter dicta​Key interpretive approaches: the literal rule, golden rule, mischief rule, and purposive approachThe UK’s uncodified constitution and key constitutional principlesLegal professionals in the UK: judges, barristers, solicitors, juriesOverview of criminal and civil procedureNew content: The role of Welsh law and devolved legislation in modern UK law📘 This episode provides essential context for many other areas of English law and is especially helpful for international SQE1 candidates.📲 Study smarter with the full textbook, MCQs, and lecture notes via the PASS SQE App or at celetraining.com

In this in-depth episode of SQE1 Essentials, we examine the core building blocks of negligence in tort law: Duty of Care and Breach of Duty.🎓 What you’ll learn:How duty of care is established using the Neighbour Test (Donoghue v Stevenson) and the *Caparo Three-Stage TestKey cases: Caparo v Dickman, Robinson v Chief Constable of West YorkshireGeneral rule and exceptions for omissions to act (including Smith v Littlewoods)How breach of duty is assessed through the “reasonable person” test (Blyth), with special standards for children, professionals (Bolam), and trainees (Nettleship v Weston)The role of policy, foreseeability, and reasonableness in shaping liability🧠 We also break down how to answer SQE1 questions step-by-step when analysing whether a duty exists and has been breached.📲 Access full case summaries and MCQs via the PASS SQE App or at celetraining.com