DWF adopts SQE with new graduate training programme

 DWF will be partnering with BPP University Law School and will become one of the first legal businesses to launch such a programme. Whilst the SQE is only applicable in England and Wales, aspects of the programme will be mirrored for candidates in Scotland and Ireland.

Building on the success of DWF’s existing paralegal and solicitor apprenticeship programmes, the Future Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme will incorporate the Solicitors Qualifying Examination, and will form a 32-month programme, allowing graduates to start earning as soon as they commence the programme.

Graduates will initially study full time at BPP University Law School, preparing for and taking the SQE 1 assessment and continuing to develop and practice legal skills and knowledge before starting their Qualifying Work Experience. During their 24 months Qualifying Work Experience, graduates will have the opportunity to spend time in different practice areas and complete internal and external secondments.

Clare Collins, Head of Learning and Development at DWF said, “We are excited to have partnered with BPP University Law School to offer one of the first graduate programmes that meets the SQE requirements. The programme will not only give candidates all the preparation they need to pass the exams but will equip them with the technical, commercial and interpersonal skills needed to succeed in a changing legal environment.”

Liz Ritter, Head of Business Development at BPP University said, “We are delighted to have partnered with DWF as part of this graduate training programme. It’s clear that we share the same values and ethos around training lawyers of the future. Apprentices will benefit from our innovative training strategy which is applied across our new programmes and is founded on a truly integrated approach to training, combining development of legal knowledge, skill and behaviours, all supported by best-in-class educational technology.

“This approach will enable DWF apprentices to understand and apply legal principles and engage in professional tasks in the context of relevant and realistic case studies, thoroughly preparing them for success in assessments and in practice. The advantage of flexible work experience as part of the changes introduced by the SQE will most certainly prepare DWF graduates for long and successful careers in a rapidly changing legal sector.”

At the end of the programme, the candidates will obtain a Graduate Entry Solicitor Level Apprenticeship and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (Solicitor) and be invited to apply for newly qualified positions in the business.

In August 2020, DWF announced that it would no longer be asking for specific A-level/Scottish Highers requirements for graduate recruits, it will instead ask for “good A-Levels/Scottish Highers or equivalent”. The change was made in order to attract the best talent, specifically those who may have chosen not to apply to DWF due to the previously high entry requirements.