Careers

Careers

Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) is something that we provide for those who are interested in working in the field of employment law. Experience in the provision of legal services that provides you with the chance to acquire some or all the competences required to practise as a solicitor is qualified work experience (QWE).

How to complete QWE

You are free to choose where, when, and how you get Quantitative Work Experience (QWE). It is possible to choose from a variety of alternatives, including the conventional methods, such as signing a training contract. However, alternative forms of work experience, such as a placement for a law degree, volunteering at a legal assistance service, or working as a paralegal, will also be considered for the qualification of work experience. You may also make use of experience gained from a prior position or career.

You have the option of acquiring QWE in a single block, such as a training contract that lasts for two years, or in phases, in a maximum of four different companies. For instance, you may spend six months working as a volunteer at a legal assistance centre and then spend the next 18 months working as a paralegal in a law firm's legal department. When taken into consideration, the amount of time spent working in these two distinct environments would be equivalent to the requisite two years of QWE.

When to undertake QWE

Regarding the timing of the QWE implementation, there are no constraints. It may be done before, during, or after the SQE assessments that you are expected to take. The SRA requires that you register your QWE with them. Before you may apply to be admitted to the register of solicitors, you are required to have finished your QWE.

QWE must be signed-off in accordance with the SRA’s requirements. This would usually be the responsibility of the Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) or a qualified solicitor within your place of work. But a nominated solicitor from outside the organisation with direct knowledge of your work could also fulfil this role. The solicitor does not need to hold a practising certificate.

QWE must be approved in line with the standards set out by the SRA. In most cases, this duty would fall within the purview of the Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) or a licenced solicitor working at your place of employment. On the other hand, this function might also be performed by a solicitor who is not affiliated with the organisation and who has firsthand understanding of the job that you do. It is not necessary for the solicitor to have possession of a practicing certificate.

Apply

If you are interested please email a covering letter and copy of your CV to us. Successful applicants will be invited to attend an interview at our offices based in the heart of the legal district in the City.