To desperately seek training advice from lawyers?

[Starlingexpress]

Apologies in advance for being cagey with some details but I’m struggling to navigate forward with a DC with lots of historical issues and am having to be careful of boundaries but am getting to the stage where I’m so confused about options that I really need help before another difficult conversation.

They have a law degree and for various logistical and financial family reasons, rather than have the year out they wanted, have nearly finished an MA and SQE online. Had a very close fail with first SQE exam and has resat awaiting results. Assignments/portfolios all passed so far.

Again, for practical, financial reasons I need them to move forwards regardless of outcome of exams but am unsure of how they can do that.

Is a paralegal role reasonable? Or a training contract to repeat SQE in it’s entirety? Or a completely different route? ( These are all things they’ve talked about but not actioned)

Would you recommend emailing every solicitor locally to see if there are any opportunities?

Please be gentle. I’m totally unfamiliar with this area and dealing with a very headstrong DC who is a hard worker but very much a last minute action taker!

Depends what the book is surely. I did the LPC 10 years ago and everyone kept saying it’s open book. The only book we were allowed was the statute book, which is not really ridiculous to have.

Was this going back 30 years? Also as I said previously it all depends on the actual institutions that providing the LPC in years gone by. I can't speak on today's examination which may have been dumbed down since the beginning. I have also had experience of family sitting the SQE and it is not harder than the LPC that I took way back in my day from a reputable institution.

Similar.
I took it 20+ years ago without the statute book.

I also have knowledge of the SQE. It might be that in some institutions the LPC has been dumbed down since then when they allowed it to be taught it many more institutions, but not back in the day when only a few institutions taught it.

I did my LPC at BPP around 20 years ago and I thought it was quite tough and it was all closed book. Nowadays, they do open book exams where they basically allow you to have all the answers in front of you. It's pretty difficult to fail (although some still manage 🥶).

I did it at BPP 10 years ago and the only book we were allowed in the open book exams were the statute books. And they were checked in each exam to make sure there was nothing else in there.

That's all changed since Covid. All notes and materials are allowed.

Mine was about 15 years ago but we were allowed to take our course books and notes in (luckily for me, as I struggled to study - then undiagnosed ADHD - so learned quite a few things for the first time during the exams themselves 😅)

(I was College of Law, as it then was).

Options for Moving Forward
Paralegal Roles
A paralegal position is a well-established route for law graduates who are either awaiting qualification or seeking to gain more hands-on legal experience. This role allows the individual to work in legal settings, build a professional network, and potentially prepare for a successful SQE resit. While paralegals are not fully qualified solicitors, many law firms use these positions to groom future trainees or newly qualified solicitors.
Pros:

• Immediate entry into the legal field
• Hands-on experience that complements SQE preparation
• Potential to convert the role into a training contract or solicitor position upon qualification

Cons:

• Lower salary expectations than a qualified solicitor role
• May not directly lead to qualification without further action

Training Contract with SQE Repetition Though traditional training contracts were more aligned with the LPC route, they are still relevant under the new SQE framework. Some firms may offer training contracts that require re-sitting SQE exams, often in exchange for sponsoring the costs of the qualification. Securing a training contract would put the individual on a structured path towards becoming a solicitor, with built-in support for completing any necessary SQE elements. Pros:

• Structured pathway to qualification as a solicitor
• Potential financial and professional support from the firm
• Practical training under supervision

Cons:

• Highly competitive, especially for someone who has not yet passed SQE1
• Limited availability depending on the firm and location

Alternative Routes Other avenues include exploring legal consultancy, in-house legal roles, or further academic legal qualifications such as a PhD. These can offer more flexibility or specialisation but may delay or deviate from the conventional solicitor route. Pros:

• Flexibility and specialisation
• Less reliance on immediate exam results

Cons:

• Less direct path to solicitor qualification
• May require additional academic or professional investment

1. Networking and Outreach

Given the competitive nature of legal professions, a proactive approach is vital. Emailing solicitors and law firms within the local area to inquire about potential openings (paralegal roles, internships, or even opportunities to resit the SQE while gaining experience) could open doors. Local firms may have more flexible entry points for trainees, particularly if they are smaller or less rigid in recruitment processes. When reaching out, it’s crucial to highlight the hard-working nature of the individual and their commitment to passing the SQE. Key Strategies for Outreach:

• Tailored Applications: Ensure that each email or inquiry is personalised for the firm, highlighting any specific area of interest, such as family law, criminal law, or commercial law.
• Professional Networks: Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with legal professionals, alumni networks, or law society contacts who may offer insight or openings.
• Legal Recruitment Agencies: These agencies can sometimes assist in placing graduates in roles that suit their current qualifications, with a view towards progression.

I qualified via the SQE route. It is brutal and requires huge mental resilience.

SQE1 is 2 exams on black letter law, over four sessions divided over two days. 90 questions per session so 360 in total.

You have to pass both parts to pass. You cannot resit a failed ‘module’.

SQE2 is 16 assessments. 4 oral exams with either 10 minute or 45 minute prep time. Orals are at central locations in London, Manchester etc

The 12 written assessments are over 3 days.

All exams are closed book and there are no past papers to look at. You revise everything and have no idea which parts may be examined.

Most firms now offer only the SQE route as the LPC is being phased out. Our firm offer a training contract after proving yourself as a paralegal. You then have one year to pass the SQE1, working 4 days with 1 day off to study.

If SQE1 is passed you move on to SQE2, with the aim being that you have enough qualifying work experience by the end of exams to meet the 2 year requirement.

Also be aware that if you fail either SQE1 or SQE2 three times then you have to wait six years before trying again.

Most top level firms will cancel training contracts for those that don’t pass first time. It’s awful but it’s true.

I would persuade anyone who can take the LPC route whilst they still can to do it.

Ah actually that rings a bell re CoL. I vaguely remember hearing CoL was full open book whilst I was at BPP.