The innovative new model will launch in 2022 and incorporate the SQE in a Masters-level programme that can be completed in the same time frame as the existing LPC.
Notably following the completion of SQE 1, it will provide trainees with the opportunity to work part-time for the firm and its clients, while studying the equivalent of LPC electives knowledge, combined with business skills and SQE 2 exam preparation. Unlike the LPC, the additional knowledge and skills will be assessed through a business-focused portfolio, and a series of oral assessments (akin to real-world appraisals), capped off with a Masters-level applied professional project.
During the advanced knowledge and skills course, students will be able to work two days per week in two separate “seats”, with placements in the firm’s business services, innovation, pro bono and knowledge teams, or with one of the firm’s clients. Students will study the remaining three days of the week, and be able to apply their knowledge and skills to the real-world business of a law firm.
The firm is partnering with both Barbri and the College of Legal Practice to provide its new training path.
Reed Smith’s new Professional SQE will consist of six steps across a single academic year. During the first two steps students can complete their studies remotely, with the remaining steps studied from Reed Smith’s (or a client’s) office. Students without a legal degree will continue to engage with an assessed conversion course before embarking on the new route.
The six steps are:
- Foundations in Law - personalised and flexible adaptive online study preparation covering the seven core areas of a qualifying law degree and law conversion course.
- SQE1 preparation - personalised and flexible adaptive online study preparation for SQE 1 assessments.
- Advanced knowledge & skills - supervised study three days a week in advanced legal knowledge and skills and working two days a week to apply and contextualise learning in the business of a law firm, working in knowledge, innovation, business services or pro bono.
- SQE2 preparation - personalised and flexible adaptive online study preparation for SQE 2 skills assessments.
- Applied project - work two days a week in a new business services area or on client placement while completing a Masters-level applied professional project based on the work undertaken.
- Two-year Qualifying Work Experience - two years’ qualify ed legal work experience in four seats across the firm including a contentious seat.
Brigid North, Reed Smith’s training principal, commented: “The introduction of the new Professional SQE training path is a significant step forward for our future trainees and the firm. We are very pleased to be able to offer an innovative new route that will enable our trainees to earn as they learn, which ensures we can attract a wider pool of talent to the firm.
“With the new path, our future trainees will begin their two years' Qualifying Work Experience with a strong understanding of the firm, our culture and our values, and they will have acquired some experience of working in professional services. We are strong supporters of the O Shaped Lawyer initiative; and its focus on preparing solicitors to be an effective business partner has been key in our choice of model. Our clients are regularly asking for lawyers with commercial skills and this ensures that our trainees will start their careers one step ahead.”
Reed Smith’s Professional SQE training path
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward. Our belief is that by delivering smarter and more creative legal services, we will not only enrich our clients’ experiences with us, but also support them in achieving their business goals.
Our long-standing relationships, international outlook and collaborative structure, make us the go-to partner for the speedy resolution of complex disputes, transactions and regulatory matters.
For further information, please visit reedsmith.com.
