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updated on 05 October 2022
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UK law firm TLT LLP has created a bespoke and innovative Solicitors Qualification Programme (SQE) in collaboration with BPP University Law School.
As a result of the SQE’s introduction, TLT has adopted three different pathways to qualify as a solicitor with the firm: the SQE training programme, which will replace the traditional training contract, the graduate solicitor apprenticeship and the legal solicitor apprenticeship.
The SQE training programme will frontload SQE1 and an essentials for practice course that will cover modules previously included in the Legal Practice Course that are no longer covered with the SQE.
After passing SQE1, TLT trainees will then begin their qualifying work experience (QWE) with the firm, which will mirror the traditional training contract with a four-seat rotational curriculum to make sure the trainees can experience a range of departments to help them identify the area in which they wish to qualify. The firm will then follow an apprenticeship-style earn-while-you-learn approach regarding SQE2, given the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s view that SQE2 should be sat following a candidate’s QWE.
Liz Rutter, head of business development at BPP, commented on the partnership with TLT: “We are delighted that TLT has placed its trust and confidence in BPP to support the delivery of its SQE strategy. This is a time of great change for those entering the legal profession and we are pleased to partner with TLT, who share the same ethos and values as we do to ensure the future success of the firm’s early talent under these new pathways to qualification.”
Meanwhile, the firm’s graduate solicitor apprenticeship has been introduced to enable TLT’s paralegals to qualify and grow within the firm. The apprentices work at the firm four days a week with one day of studying at BPP.
The legal solicitor apprenticeship offers an alternative route into the profession that doesn’t involve going to university. This apprenticeship will take six years to complete and includes the SQE assessments and QWE, so on completion of the degree apprenticeship, they’ll be fully qualified solicitors with TLT.
You can find a list of legal apprenticeship vacancies via LCN.