The introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) has prompted significant change in how firms recruit, train and qualify future solicitors. But as with any major shift, several myths and misconceptions have emerged, often making implementation seem more complex or risky than it really is. At BARBRI, we work closely with over 250 law firms […]
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Building a stronger workforce in a holistic way
1.) In your opinion, where do you think the biggest skills gaps are in the new cohort of lawyers joining the profession and what are the main reasons for them? According to BARBRI’s recent research four areas were really prominent. 75% of firms cited both business acumen and business development as primary skills gaps , […]
Four talent priorities law firms cannot ignore this year
Navigating litigation compliance post-Mazur v CRS LLP
A recent High Court ruling has sent ripples through the legal community, fundamentally questioning the long-standing practice of how law firms manage and staff litigation caseloads. It has always been clear that litigation is a reserved legal activity for which you need authorisation to conduct it. The grey area was whether supervision of unauthorised legal […]
Creating pathways for diverse talent with the SQE
The route to solicitor qualification changed in 2021 with the discontinuation of the legal practice course (LPC). For anyone starting a law degree or equivalent after September 2021, the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the only route to qualification. The LPC remains available under transitional arrangements until 2032 — but for the next generation of […]
How future-focused firms are developing tomorrow’s legal leaders
The SQE isn’t the end goal, it’s simply the entry point. The real measure of success is what comes next: honing solicitors who think commercially, lead confidently and stay for the long-term. In a competitive legal market, where expectations are evolving and retention pressures are growing, firms that treat early careers as a long-term investment […]
Seven questions about solicitor apprenticeship programmes answered
The UK government’s proposal to remove funding for level 7 apprenticeships has sparked uncertainty across the legal sector. With this in mind, BARBRI’s business development director Jon Worrell takes you through what you need to know about the solicitor apprenticeship scheme
SQE implementation: The costs you see, and the ones you don’t
From training and exams to lost productivity and resits, knowing what to budget for is essential to building a sustainable SQE strategy. Jonathan Worrell, director of business development at BARBRI, shares practical ways firms can manage expenditure while maximising long-term value
Five ways to choose the right SQE training provider for lasting success
As the SQE becomes the route to qualification, it is crucial for firms to choose a provider that ensures success in exams and also contributes to trainees’ long-term growth, retention and career development. Jonathan Worrell, director of business development at BARBRI, outlines key considerations for law firms when selecting an SQE training provider
Five keys to an SQE programme to unlock top talent retention
From designing resources that work for diverse learning styles, to exploring the detail of funding and trainee workload management, Jonathan Worrell, director of business development at BARBRI, shares advice for optimising your SQE training programme to attract and retain talent