Changing solicitors

Qualifying with us

At CFG, your career in law doesn’t just begin, it grows. Whether you’re fresh out of university, building on paralegal experience or exploring a new route into the profession, we’ll help you shape a pathway to qualification that fits you.

We know that no two journeys are the same. That’s why we offer more than one way to qualify, so you can choose the path that works best for you.

The Solicitors Qualification Examination (SQE) – Become a solicitor

What is the SQE?

The 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.

What it means to you

Tailored learning support – we’ve partnered with The College of Legal Practice to provide SQE1 and SQE2 preparation courses.
Study while you work – enjoy paid study leave alongside hands-on experience in our teams.
Mentoring that matters – learn directly from experienced solicitors who’ll guide you through every step.
On-the-job training – receive coaching, mentoring and training in our serious and catastrophic injury, Court of Protection and clinical negligence teams.

CILEX – Become a Chartered Legal Executive

What is CILEX?

The CILEX route offers a flexible and accessible way to qualify as a Chartered Legal Executive. At CFG, we see CILEX Lawyers as equal to Solicitors. The CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ) is split into 3 stages but if you already have a qualifying law degree, Trainees can complete just 2 of those stages to qualify.

What it means to you

Real experience – gain hands-on experience building legal skills and knowledge alongside your studies.
Supported by us – we provide mentoring, paid study leave and financial support for your qualification.
Opportunities to specialise – develop your expertise and choose a career path in serious and catastrophic injury or Court of Protection and private client, depending on where your interests lie.

The process

Each year we offer Paralegal opportunities to law graduates or those studying towards CILEX Foundation who have a commitment to a career in Serious and Catastrophic Injury or Court of Protection 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 or CILEX Training Programmes and become a Trainee.

We have qualifying opportunities in both our Serious and Catastrophic Injury team and Court of Protection & Private Client team.

The recruitment process

Stage 1

Submit CV and cover letter

This should explain your interest in a career in serious injury and why you feel you are suitable for the role.

Stage 2

Initial Teams interview

To discuss your interest in working for CFG and in Serious Injury, your skills and your experience in more detail.

Stage 3

1/2 day Assessment centre

A 2-way process giving you the opportunity to visit our offices, meet our current Paralegals, and complete some final stage assessments.

Stage 4

Offer

Congratulations and welcome to the team! You’ll be assigned a new joiner buddy to help you settle in.

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

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.

“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

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.

“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.”

Qualifying with us