SQE Qualifying Work Experience
We embrace the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) as a route to qualifying as a lawyer.
We see it as an excellent way of achieving diversity in the legal sector. In order to qualify via the SQE route, you will need to have:
- a degree or qualifying equivalent level 6 equivalent;
- passed both stages of the SQE assessment;
- 2 years’ full time (or part time equivalent) qualifying work experience; and
- passed the SRA character and suitability requirements.
You will find loads more information on the SQE route on the SRA website.
If you have decided that SQE is the route for you, or you are still making the decision, then we have various opportunities for work experience that may help you make up your mind, and may count towards your qualifying work experience:
Vacation Scheme
We offer a 2 week vacation scheme which takes place in the summer.
Training contract/Qualifying work experience
Every year we offer several training contracts for those who are looking to qualify following LPC. Equally, if you have decided on the SQE route, we are happy for you to apply for a training contract to gain your qualifying work experience.
Our training contracts typically include experience of four seats in our legal teams of six months each. The training contract is however, flexible to accommodate those who have time to count, wish to experience more or less specialist areas.
Trainees will be working in one of our offices Bournemouth, Canford Cliffs, Ringwood, Wimborne and Swanage. There is an opportunity to move between offices, to include London.
During your training contract, you will be supported by a training contract partner, and be part of out mentoring group. You will have access to a partner and mentor to support your development within the law and the firm, and introduce you to new contacts.
In each training seat, you will be supported by a partner in the team, and will get lots of on the job training. You will also have access to external training, for example MBL.
You will have access to core skills training through the mentor programme and our regular lunch and learn sessions.
You will receive regular informal feedback through each seat, and a formal end of seat review. You will be asked to carry out regular motivational maps, and we will support you in ways to enhance your motivation using MOJO.
We welcome applications from law and non law graduates.
27th November 2023
Applications open for 2025/2026 Training Contracts
31st May 2024
Applications close for 2025/2026 Training Contracts
June/July 2024
Interviews for 2025/2026 Training Contracts
August 2024
Successful 2025/2026 Training Contract applicants notified.
Paralegal roles
Head over to our vacancies page, to see what exciting vacancies we currently have. If you are looking for qualifying work experience, we suggest applying for administration assistant, legal assistant, legal secretary, or paralegal roles.
Speculative CVs
If we do not have a suitable vacancy, no matter what stage you are at in your legal career, we are always happy to receive speculative applications for ad hoc work, flexible work, and permanent candidates.
Legal Placement – 30 week + legal placement during law degree
We offer several opportunities for legal placements each year. Ideally, the successful candidate would be looking to maximise this chance of paid work experience and start with us in July and work for at least one year.
We are proud of our values and culture. If you think that you would fit into our culture, please give us at least one example of how in a covering letter attaching your CV. Please send your CV/Covering letter to mia.baron@ellisjones.co.uk.
To view our full list of key dates for legal placements, vacation schemes and training contracts please click here.
Our offices
