LOD launches bespoke in-house focused SQE programme

Lawyers on Demand (LOD) has launched a unique Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) training programme designed to develop the skills required for in-house legal work and broaden access to the profession.

The programme is open to LOD’s in-house paralegals, who will prepare for the SQE in an alternative legal services environment while gaining up to two years of experience with LOD clients – some of the world’s leading companies, including Adidas and Airbnb.

During the work experience, the in-house trainees will have access to appraisals and mentoring, which will focus on the development of key skills that the LOD has identified as essential to becoming a successful in-house lawyer. As well as looking at broader topics such as legal engineering, the in-house trainees will develop their drafting and advocacy skills, among others.

As a registered Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) training provider, the LOD’s new SQE training programme involves several innovative aspects, including a digital ‘mySQE’ feature to record qualifying work experience that aligns with the SRA’s competencies.

LOD is partnering with legal education provider BARBRI to offer discounted SQE preparation courses to its paralegals before they commit fully to the new system of exams. Future funding support is also being developed.

Simon Harper, LOD’s co-founder, said: “We’ve listened to what our early-stage legal professionals are looking for as well as what in-house teams value most from them. Being a leading alternative legal service provider means we can offer something quite different to the traditional route. Instead of the usual private practice expectations, we’re helping lawyers to develop future-looking in-house skills, including on-the-ground legal experience at some of the world’s leading companies. By designing-in practical commerciality, as well as technical skills, we’re equipping them to be the stars of tomorrow. We’re making it fun too.”

Crispin Passmore, consultant and former executive director at the SRA who was involved in the planning of the SQE commented on the new programme: “One of the overriding principles of the SQE is to meet the needs of today’s increasingly plural legal market. LOD’s training programme will not only help to nurture future in-house talent, it also provides a new way for people who might otherwise be overlooked to access the profession. This is good news for both the industry and budding in-house lawyers of tomorrow.”

More questions? Head to LawCareers.Net’s SQE hub for more information on the new system.