QWE Bridge to Practice

We have an exciting opportunity for you this summer. In partnership with Sequentus, we're launching 5 fully funded spaces on the new QWE Bridge to Practice programme, including six-weeks of skills training, followed by part-time work experience over 6 months.

The training will focus on casework skills, being able to read, digest and analyse complex cases, and then assist with the preparation of cases for hearings. These will be delivered online through a combination of live workshops and supervision sessions. 🗃️ If you successfully complete the training, you will then start working remotely on active cases for 15 hours per week over six months, equalling 3 months of official QWE. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to increase your employability within the legal sector!  The programme kicks off end of July and we're currently open for applications.  Register using the form below.

Future Lawyers Convention is a GO

This month, we kicked off our popular Future Lawyers Convention (FLC) series, full of engaging workshops and inspiring sessions, with the first two in London and Manchester. It's the perfect space for you to learn all about the SQE, QWE, acing your interview and commercial awareness, and network with other like-minded aspiring lawyers. 📑

We're coming to Birmingham and Bristol next! We have made extra tickets available and they're going fast. Ensure you get your tickets for Bristol and Birmingham. Tickets are FREE and we're giving away fun prizes so get your name on the list – we'll see you there!

Finding the Right Job Fit

In this article, BARBRI's Careers & Employability Manager Steph Day shares tips on finding the right job fit by aligning your own goals and skills with the employer's needs, and how to clarify what you want in your career. ✨

Quick QWE Top Tips 

Steph Day, Careers & Employability Manager at BARBRI, offers the following tips to finding Qualifying Work Experience: 

1. Be Open-Minded About Where QWE Can Come From 💼

QWE can include work within:

• Law Firms (training contracts)
• In-house legal teams
• Local authorities
• Law clinics and advice centres
• Charities and NGOs
• Legal tech companies or alternative legal services providers

If the work is substantive legal work, it can count. 

2. Tailor Your Applications Properly 📋

Don’t send generic CVs and cover letters. Read the job description, research the organisation, and explain why you are interested in their work. Be clear about how your experience fits their needs, even if it's not legal work experience. Your non-work experience all counts – think of the transferable skills.

3. Start Building Experience Early 📝

Volunteering, shadowing a solicitor, or working as a legal admin assistant can all lead to QWE opportunities. These smaller steps help you gain legal skills and often lead to more formal roles later.

4. Network: Even If It Feels Awkward! 🌐

Reach out to contacts on LinkedIn, attend legal networking events, or ask to meet people for an informal chat about their work. These conversations can open doors to unadvertised opportunities.

5. Don’t Ignore Unpaid or Part-Time Roles 🙅

While not ideal in the long term, short-term unpaid roles (especially in law centres or charities) can help build experience and may lead to paid opportunities. These roles can help you log your hours towards QWE.

6. Be Clear on What Counts as QWE 💡

Visit the SRA’s website for details: SRA | Qualifying work experience

7. Use Legal Jobs Boards and Speak to Legal Recruiters 💻

Here are a few to check out:

• CareerHub Job Search Engine
• Legal Recruiters
• Law Gazette Jobs
• Legal Cheek Careers

8. Be Persistent 🔥

Not every application will be successful. Keep going and be open to alternative opportunities. Above all, stay resilient – turning rejection into re-direction is a valuable skill to master.

For more tips, check out our Legal Employer Insights series where Rob Dudley, Head of Employability & Engagement at BARBRI, talks to Jakob Sexton, Early Careers Specialist at Brabners, about interview techniques, applications and assessment centres.

EVENTS

Upcoming Webinars

JUN

19

1:00PM (BST), ONLINE

Legal Career Pathways: Top Tips for Securing QWE From Specialist Legal Recruiters🔎

Our next virtual Industry Insights event will feature specialist legal recruiters in the UK, who will focus on how aspiring solicitors can secure QWE across multiple roles and sectors as part of the SQE route. Experts will provide practical guidance on finding, applying for, and maximising QWE opportunities to enhance your employability in the legal sector.

Register now >>

SUPPORT

Make CareerHub Work For You

If you're a BARBRI SQE Prep student and you haven't yet logged into CareerHub, it really is worth doing – and using regularly! It’s designed specifically for you, offering access to job listings, events, employer insights and career tools all in one place.

You can explore different legal career paths, get tips on applications, your CV, cover letter and interview preparation. You'll also see job boards to help you secure summer vacation jobs and QWE. It’s a practical way to stay informed and make the most of your career planning while you’re still studying! Why not login today? 🌐

Highlights:

• The CV360 tool scores your CV against more than 50 checks that commonly trip up applicant tracking software, annoy a hiring manager or get your CV deprioritised. You get instant, detailed feedback so you can optimise your CV and significantly boost your chances of getting that interview. 
• Do you have a networking event coming up and need to think about your elevator pitch? The Elevator Pitch Builder can help you build your "60-second commercial" and stand out.
• Got an interview coming up? Interview360 will help you to practise your interview technique and gain instant feedback. You can also browse the questions that employers commonly use at interviews.

Stay Connected with the Employability + Engagement Team!

Stay connected and let us know how we can support you on your career journey. We value your feedback as it helps us enhance our services and provide even better support for you. 🤝

Exciting updates are on the horizon, so keep an eye out for what’s coming next!

If you are on LinkedIn, why not join: SQE Future Lawyers to connect with other students and keep informed.

Head of Employability & Engagement, Robert Dudley

Careers & Employability Manager, Steph Day

Please reach out to us if you have any questions about our Careers & Employability service! We look forward to supporting you.