BARBRI launches QWE competition alongside The SQuarE Route

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Legal education provider and overall sponsor of the LawCareers.Net Student Law Society Awards BARBRI, has announced a partnership with The SQuarE Route to launch a qualifying work experience  (QWE) initiative for aspiring solicitors. 

QWE Kickstart, as it’s known, is designed to aid those looking to complete the two-year QWE requirement as part of their completion of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). The initiative will provide candidates with a minimum of six-months QWE at a range of firms and corporations with employers having the option to extend this period. 

In previous years SQuarE has placed students at institutions including LinkLaters LLP, Macfarlanes LLP, Addleshaw Goddard, AstraZeneca and KPMG, to name a few.  

Robert Dudley, head of employability and engagement for BARBRI, highlighted BARBRI’s involvement in the initiative as part of the provider’s efforts to “help ease” the transition to the SQE and its requirements for both candidates and employers. Dudley added: “There is still some confusion and apprehension surrounding it from both candidates and employers, in terms of how it is gained, what is being signed off, and what truly counts as qualifying experience.” 

Alongside their work experience placement, successful candidates will receive access to: 

• masterclasses in CV, cover letter and application writing; 

• commercial awareness training; and 

• skills training to help with competency interviews, case study tasks and presentations. 

Applications for QWE Kickstart are open to all BARBRI SQE1 Prep course candidates who are preparing for the July 2024 SQE1 assessment.  

Further information on how to apply can be found on BARBRI’s website.