How to fund your SQE

With BARBRI, Linklaters, the SRA and The Law Society

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Hosted by BARBRI
Reference SS21-1
Date Thu 3 Jun 2021
Time 4pm to 6pm
In partnership with Legal Cheek
Location Virtual event
Theme Careers, Commercial Awareness
Level Students, Graduates

The inside line on the scholarships, loans and other financial routes to qualifying as a solicitor under the new training regime.

As exams finish it’s time for students to think about the next step on their journey to becoming a lawyer.

With the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) having been introduced this year, as the Legal Practice Course (LPC) begins to be phased out, students have more options than ever as to how they qualify.

But the choice can be confusing. Under the new SQE regime, prep course fees and exam fees are charged separately. And it’s not always clear who will fund what. For example, will law firm sponsorship deals and law school scholarships cover both course fees (which make up about 60% of the total cost) and the exam fees (roughly 40% of the total cost)? And if not how should students cover their costs?

Meanwhile, the arrival of ‘qualifying work experience’, which allows future lawyers to use paralegal and other legal work towards their training requirements, creates new possibilities for those keen to earn while they learn.

On the afternoon of Thursday 3 June, Legal Cheek is partnering with BARBRI for a virtual event to help answer students’ big SQE questions. It begins with a panel session featuring Rob Dudley, BARBRI's International Deputy Managing Director, who will Patrick McCann, Global Head of Learning & Development at Linklaters and Chair of the City of London Law Society Education & Training Committee, and Julie Brannan, Head of Education and Training at the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

The speakers

  • Rob Dudley, BARBRI's International Deputy Managing Director. Rob will discuss details about BARBRI's innovative scholarship schemes including the Public Sector SQE Scholarship for those working in the charity or not-for-profit sectors, and the 1st Class Honours scholarship schemes.
  • Patrick McCann, Global Head of Learning & Development at Linklaters and Chair of the City of London Law Society Education & Training Committee. Patrick will provide an insight into the Breaking Barriers sponsorship scheme launched jointly between Linklaters & BARBRI to provide access to refugees aspiring to qualify as a solicitor. He will also speak more widely about what’s happening in the City vis-à-vis SQE funding and law firms.
  • Julie Brannan, Head of Education and Training at the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Julie will share the latest from the SRA about SQE funding opportunities.
  • Leila Lesan, Policy Advisor for Social Mobility at The Law Society 

Then there will be opportunities for follow-up questions and chats during virtual networking with the speakers and other representatives from their organisations.

Secure your place. You’ll be asked to submit two questions that you have about the SQE.