Lessons from solicitor apprenticeships and the SQE

As the founder of Datalaw, a legal training provider with 25 years of experience and nearly 30,000 trained solicitors under our belt, I've witnessed significant changes in the legal education landscape. Here, I'd like to share our insights on the future of legal training, particularly focusing on solicitor apprenticeships and the Solicitor Qualifying Exam (SQE).

The legal profession in the UK is currently experiencing a notable shift in training methodologies. We're seeing a growing acceptance of the solicitor apprenticeships and SQE route, with its flexibility and focus on practical skills being particularly well-received. Law firms appreciate the opportunity to tailor training more closely to their specific needs and practice areas.

Our apprenticeship coordinators, who regularly engage with law firms, have identified a clear shift in the industry's mindset. As the Legal Practice Course (LPC) phases out, firms are increasingly beginning to restructure their training programmes to align with the SQE. This transition isn't just about meeting new requirements; it's about embracing a more hands-on approach to legal education.

Firms are particularly keen on incorporating more practical exercises and mock client interactions into their training regimes. While it's too early to quantify the impact, there's widespread optimism that this approach will significantly improve trainees' performance, especially in practical assessments.

The traditional route to becoming a solicitor has long been challenging and often exclusionary. A stark statistic from the Law Society highlights this issue. According to their 2011 report, 'Only 25% of people who did a law degree could get a training contract.' This means that three-quarters of those who invested time and money into a law degree found themselves unable to progress in their chosen career path through conventional means. This was the main springboard to make changes for the Solicitors Regulation Authority on how solicitors qualify and underscores a long-standing problem in legal education that continues to evolve. This barrier not only frustrates aspiring legal professionals but also limits the diversity and potential of the legal sector. It's clear that traditional methods aren't always successful for qualifying, which is why alternative pathways like solicitor apprenticeships and the SQE are so crucial. These new routes open doors for talented individuals who might otherwise be shut out of the profession, ensuring a more diverse and representative legal workforce.

Solicitor apprenticeships are playing a crucial role in this transformation. Currently, about 2,000 apprentices are on their journey to becoming qualified solicitors through this route. Our law apprenticeship programmes, funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), offer options including the graduate solicitor apprenticeship and solicitor apprenticeship which come with substantial benefits. Organisations receive 95% government funding, there are no fees for learners and qualification is through the new SQE route.

We've found that this approach not only diversifies the profession but also levels the playing field. Our apprenticeship team has observed that many apprentices come from backgrounds where traditional routes to becoming a solicitor were financially out of reach. Through the government funded solicitor apprenticeship programmes, these individuals are now on track to qualify as solicitors while working at top-tier firms. This demonstrates the power of law apprenticeships in opening up the legal profession to a wider pool of talented individuals, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Our apprentices have shared valuable insights about their experiences. Harrison Browne, a Level 7 solicitor apprentice, said: 'The most beneficial part of my apprenticeship has been learning new areas of law. I feel confident that when qualified, I will be able to apply what I have learnt on the course in real life.'

James Dickson, a graduate solicitor apprentice, highlighted the programme's real-world focus: 'The course is designed around the SQE exam and ensures we are best prepared through the reading, learning and practice questions we complete. I think this will be very beneficial when it comes to sitting the exam.'

We've discovered that learners can effectively absorb complex legal concepts through well-structured online modules. This flexibility in learning schedules leads to a better work-life balance. In fact, 96% of our learners find the apprenticeship content informative and engaging.

In our experience with solicitor apprenticeships, we have found that a key component of successful programmes is comprehensive SQE preparation. We typically provide targeted training for both SQE 1 and 2 exams, teaching the essential knowledge and advocacy skills entirely online. Through a combination of interactive online workshops, detailed modules, and personalised one-to-one sessions, apprentices gain the expertise needed to excel in these crucial examinations. I believe this approach ensures that all apprentices, regardless of their work environment, receive thorough preparation for the SQE. It effectively levels the playing field and sets them up for success in their legal careers.

The flexibility of online learning has proven particularly valuable in accommodating the diverse needs of apprentices across various law firms and legal departments, further enhancing the accessibility and effectiveness of the programme.

As we prepare for next year's changes to the qualification system, it's crucial for the sector to adapt to new training models. By combining rigorous standards with the flexibility of modern law apprenticeships, we're equipping the next generation of legal professionals with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed to excel in an ever-changing legal landscape.

Our recent intake of 50 new candidates in August for the solicitor apprenticeship programme is a testament to the growing interest in this route. We're confident that our apprentices will achieve high pass rates in the SQE, further validating the effectiveness of this approach.

Charles Peter is the founder of Datalaw