Firms choose SQE education providers for new prep courses

updated on 24 February 2022

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The University of Law (ULaw) and leading law firm White & Case LLP have agreed an exclusive partnership, in which ULaw will deliver training and development to the firm’s future trainees to prepare them for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) and legal practice.

The contract requires ULaw to prepare the firm’s law and non-law graduates for the SQE via a programme that will focus on excellent technical skills, and enhancing commercial and personal skills and behaviours required for success in the profession.

White & Case, one of the largest US firms in the UK, is working with ULaw to identify the most appropriate time to introduce the change to ensure maximum benefit for the firm, its trainees and clients. The change is an important step in the firm’s response to the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s introduction of the SQE in September 2021.

Partner Inigo Esteve, who leads White & Case’s trainee solicitor programme in London, commented on the union: “We are pleased to have appointed ULaw to develop and deliver bespoke SQE prep courses for our future trainees. ULaw’s expertise and innovative approach to learning will ensure that our trainees develop both legal and professional skills that ensure White & Case continues to deliver outstanding service to clients in an ever-changing and more complex environment for legal services.”

Meanwhile, Cripps Pemberton Greenish has appointed BPP University to deliver its SQE preparation courses to its trainee solicitors joining the firm in 2024. The partnership continues their longstanding relationship. The university also provides training to Cripps’ solicitor apprentices who will now be required to take the SQE after their six-year apprenticeship. BPP’s Essentials for Practice course will also be provided to the firm’s trainees as part of the partnership.  

For more information on the SQE, head to LCN’s SQE hub or visit LCN’s legal apprenticeship vacancies page for details of the latest apprenticeship opportunities.