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SQE training programme

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Overview

What is the SQE?

CoLP

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the new route to qualification. It has been developed to help diversify the legal profession by widening the access to legal training, making qualification more affordable, and providing alternative pathways for successful careers in legal practice. 

Why it's different

The SQE prepares candidates for their first day as a qualified solicitor, unlike the Legal Practice Course. The style and frequency of assessments have changed, and the traditional training contract has been replaced by qualifying work experience (QWE).

What it means to you

We have chosen to embrace change and the opportunities that the SQE creates by partnering with The College of Legal Practice to develop our SQE Training Programme. We offer paid study leave so our SQE Trainees can study part-time alongside developing their professional and legal skills through working in the firm. 

The process

Each September we offer Paralegal opportunities to law graduates who have a commitment to a career in Serious and Catastrophic Injury and want to achieve the best outcomes for clients.

Subject to commitment, performance and potential, the Paralegal will have the opportunity to progress onto our SQE Training Programme and become an SQE Trainee.

The recruitment process

Don't just take our word for it; read what our current SQE trainees have to say.

 

Megan-Plumridge

Megan Plumridge

Megan joined the team as a Paralegal in 2021, after previously completing work experience with us whilst in college. After 16 months, Megan was successful in progressing onto our SQE Training Programme.  

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“I have received a lot of support from CFG during the SQE process. I have been given the opportunity to take paid study days which really helps me maintain a good work life balance and to help even more, my workload has been adjusted to take any additional pressure off. My colleagues have been really supportive in the transition to starting the SQE, ensuring I am still able to progress in work by expanding my knowledge and putting what I have learnt from the SQE in to practice. 

Learning and development is highly valued at CFG Law, right from the start I was trusted and encouraged to develop my skills. I’ve had the responsibility of complex tasks such as witness statements, schedule of losses, completing court documents and joining initial client visits, which is really beneficial in creating a relationship with our clients and their families from the very start of the case. I recently attended a Joint Settlement Meeting which enabled me to see Fee Earners in action, negotiating with Defendants and it increased my understanding of how all parts of a case fit together at settlement.”

nadia-bracken-c

Nadia Bracken

Nadia also joined the team as a Paralegal in 2021, after completing her law degree at Liverpool University. Here she talks about the process of becoming a SQE Trainee and the opportunities she has had.  

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“I found the process of gaining a place on the SQE Training Programme a relaxed and beneficial experience. Securing a place was based on feedback from my colleagues which was collated by my supervisor and involved an informal discussion with a Head of Office. It is a fair process and allows you to demonstrate why you deserve a place on the SQE course through your standard of work and work ethic.   

 

I am really enjoying the SQE with CoLP as I feel the structure of learning is well planned and allows you to develop your legal knowledge at a good pace. I often visit clients at their home alongside the lead fee earner on the case and I have taken part in Conferences with Counsel and medical experts to analyse reports prepared and discuss the next steps. CFG’s cross-team working allows Paralegals and Trainees to work closely with Solicitors of all levels, therefore expanding our knowledge with the help of others with different specialisms and more experience of the legal world.”