From autumn 2021, the route to solicitor qualification is changing. Every graduate no matter what they studied, will need to pass the Solicitor's Qualifying Examination. The LPC will no longer exist. The SQE is a centralised assessment consisting of stages: SQE 1 and SQE 2.
SQE 1 tests your legal knowledge and SQE 2 assesses practical legal skills. You’ll need to do two years of qualifying legal work experience (like a training contract) and pass a character and suitability test.
Don’t worry, we’re here to support you at every step and you’ll have access to dedicated teams who know the process inside out. We’ve partnered with BPP University Law School and other leading law firms to create the market-leading City Consortium Solicitor Training Programme.
What is the City Consortium?
The City Consortium is made up of six of the City’s leading law firms: Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; Herbert Smith Freehills; Hogan Lovells; Linklaters; Norton Rose Fulbright; and Slaughter and May.
All of these firms believe that it is essential to invest in rigorous and comprehensive technical and skills training. Their collaboration has led to the development of BPP’s market-leading SQE programmes which are rigorous, engaging and, most importantly, relevant to current City practice.
What are the benefits of studying as part of the City Consortium?
Students enjoy working alongside others who will be joining their firm but also value developing a wider network of peers, with like-minded career aspirations, which they can take with them into practice.
Students will study on the bespoke Plus Programme which will develop their legal knowledge, skills and behaviours to make them practice-ready.
What is the City Consortium Solicitor Training Programme?
This is the City Consortium’s suite of new programmes and is comprised of the following:
• SQE 1 Preparation Programme (for SQE 1, a centralised assessment);
• City Consortium Plus Programme; and
• SQE 2 Preparation Programme (for SQE 2, a centralised assessment).
The course lasts 11 months. There is also an option available for students to study towards a Master’s qualification.
PGDL
Although it’s no longer a regulatory requirement by the SRA, all non-law prospective trainees will still be required to study the PGDL (Postgraduate Diploma in Law) at BPP prior to starting on the CCP.
Our training programme will prepare you to pass all the examinations and there are few places that offer the experience you’ll get here that will directly aid your approach to assessment.
Your development is crucial to us so we’ve made sure the training is thorough, engaging and will help you succeed in your work as you progress through the training contract.
