Five keys to an SQE programme to unlock top talent retention
With the right support, law firms can create an environment where aspiring solicitors not only qualify but thrive through their careers. Jon Worrell, director of business development at BARBRI, shares practical insights for building an SQE training programme that not only attracts top talent but also enhances retention, productivity and long-term firm success.
With the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) reshaping the pathway to becoming a solicitor, law firms have a unique opportunity to cultivate the next generation of legal professionals. With the right support, firms can create an environment where aspiring solicitors not only qualify but thrive in their careers. However, designing a successful SQE programme requires careful planning to attract, develop and retain top talent. Here are five key steps to creating a programme that both meets the needs of your trainees and enhances long-term firm success.
Modality and study commitment
Choosing the right learning method is of utmost importance. Face-to-face training requires blocking time out of busy work schedules, as well as travel time and expense. Flexible online learning can fit around both the individual learner and the firm’s needs when there are particular peaks in workflow. Choosing an SQE programme structure that can flex around your firm’s needs and the individual’s study needs can help you to foster a positive learning environment that benefits both trainees and the firm.
A common challenge for aspiring solicitors is balancing the demands of work and study. Preparing for the SQE is intense and requires a significant time commitment, which can lead to stress if not managed effectively. Firms may wish to consider supporting trainees by offering initiatives such as flexible work arrangements, study leave or capped workloads during exam periods. This creates a healthier work-study balance, leading to better exam results and higher retention rates.
Learning styles and needs
No two students learn in the same way, and this is especially true when preparing for an exam as demanding as the open-book, ten-hour-long SQE. In a recent student survey by BARBRI, 35% of students felt they had individual learning needs that differed from others’ needs (SQE Candidate Survey, Summer 2024). Whether through visual, auditory or kinaesthetic learning, firms should choose an SQE programme that accommodates diverse learning styles, which may benefit neurodivergent students in particular. Offering a mix of study resources – such as online materials, videos, hardback workbooks, interactive exercises and workshops – will enable trainees to retain information more effectively.
Having access to personalised performance dashboards and adaptive learning tools further ensures that each trainee and their firm can track progress and ensure they receive the right help at the right time, improving overall exam success.
Funding options
To appeal to top talent from a diverse range of backgrounds, an attractive funding offering is key. Offering a structured funding option demonstrates the firm’s commitment to supporting diversity and trainees’ success, and can help differentiate your firm in a competitive talent market.
Firms that are able to fully or partially fund the SQE will be at an advantage for attracting talent. Full funding covers everything from preparation courses and exam costs (including booking fees and travel expenses) to study leave, while partial funding could involve just some of these elements.
Considerations would further include how to model the funding, for instance contracting directly with an SQE provider, paying fees as they arise, putting in place a training bond for retention, or only reimbursing costs after completion (which could be phased).
Support systems
Effective support systems are critical to trainee success and retention. Firms can offer mentoring, buddy systems and wellbeing initiatives to create a supportive work environment. Pairing trainees with senior associates or partners not only helps them to navigate their professional journey but also fosters strong, long-term relationships within the firm.
In addition to firm-based support, your SQE programme provider should offer learning and performance coaching, wellbeing services and mental health first aid. These services help trainees to manage stress and stay on track with their studies. A strong support system encourages open communication about career progression, mental health, and professional development, ensuring that trainees feel valued and supported.
Learning and development programme
A comprehensive learning and development programme helps to develop well-rounded solicitors who are confident in both legal and professional skills, setting them up for success and contributing to their long-term success within the firm. Understanding the culture of the firm and professional principles they are expected to exhibit will all help to accelerate their effectiveness and better serve clients.
Such an L&D programme could include rotations across different departments, client-facing experiences, and exposure to a variety of legal specialisms to help trainees build diverse skills, adaptability and resilience. These experiences also increase engagement, making trainees more likely to stay with the firm after qualification.
In addition to technical training, firms should focus on developing essential workplace skills such as time management, professional communication, business development and client relationship-building. Incorporating these into your SQE programme ensures that trainees are not only legally competent but also commercially aware and prepared for the realities of practice.
A successful SQE programme is key to attracting, developing and retaining top legal talent. By focusing on flexible study options, accommodating diverse learning styles, offering robust support systems, and integrating comprehensive L&D, firms can build a strong foundation for the next generation of solicitors. These efforts will not only benefit your trainees but also contribute to the growth and success of your firm.
To learn more about how BARBRI can help you build a successful SQE programme tailored to your needs, contact Jonathan Worrell today.
