Solicitors Qualifying Exam
The SQE, introduced in September 2021, is now the assessment for all aspiring solicitors in England and Wales. As of August 2024, we had our first cohort of trainees going through this pathway.
As an inclusive employer committed to bringing in the best possible talent, we accept applications from all graduates and undergraduates. This includes those who need to complete the SQE, those who may be partway through it, and those who have already completed and passed their LPC.
The duration and structure of your training contract with us will vary based on the qualifications you hold at the time you receive a training contract offer.
Our main offering for those who have not yet completed the SQE is to complete your training contract via our Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship (GSA) scheme. This incorporates both SQE 1 and 2 into your training contract. We believe this approach provides the best possible grounding for success in the SQE, as it allows you to gain practical experience while undertaking the exams.
Non-law graduates
If you are a non-law graduate, we'll fund your Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL). If you choose to study full-time, we will provide you with a maintenance grant of £1,000 per month of study if you haven't started the course when you're offered a training contract. At the end of your PGDL, you'll begin your journey as a trainee solicitor straight away at the firm.
PGDL Graduates, Law Graduates
You won’t need to complete any more studies before you start your Training Contract as you will complete your SQE 1 & 2 on the Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship route as part of your Training Contract.
For most of the course, you will spend four days working for your relevant team and one day on your off-the-job training and preparing for the SQE examinations.
You'll experience a rotational training contract with three six-month seats across the business. You'll return to one area for your fourth seat, which is where you'll hopefully qualify. During your third seat, you'll undertake SQE 1. Your fourth seat will be slightly longer, giving you time to complete SQE 2.
Throughout the programme, you will receive the trainee salary while completing your SQE studies.
Completing or Completed LPC
If you've already completed, or are in the process of completing your LPC, there is a 10-year grace period during which we'll continue to accept applications.
When you join, you'll complete a two-year training contract (24 months) and experience three six-month seats across the business. You'll return to one area for your fourth seat, which is where you'll hopefully qualify.
From the academic year 2025/26, all candidates will undertake the SQE, and we’ll no longer fund the LPC if not already started.
Started and/or completed SQE1/SQE2
Our preferred route is for you to study via our Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship option; however, there is criteria that will need to be satisfied to come onto this route. If you have already started some aspect of the SQE, this may exempt you from studying in this way. If you fall into this category, we have a number of other routes that we can discuss with you at the point of making an offer.
