DAC Beachcroft’s Post

Navigating the qualifying work experience (QWE) aspect of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam can be challenging. This FAQ guide aims to answer your most pressing questions about the process. We’ll cover everything you need to know about QWE from whether it can be completed overseas to practical tips on how to record and apply for QWE. https://ow.ly/YbK250STIu4 #SQE #QWE #trainingcontract

I realised that today (technically yesterday but it was a Sunday) marks my "10 year qualification anniversary" (I've just made this up, I don't think it is a thing!). It really is quite frightening to think that a decade as a qualified solicitor has passed by. Foot Anstey and the world of Succession and Tax seemed a long way away from Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones, Amlwch. I can still remember my first day as a trainee at T.R. Evans, Hughes & Co, Holyhead (a TC that looked completely different to those the current cohort undertake!). To those who have played a part in (apologies for the cheesy bit), "my journey", Thank You. There are far too many to name and those who have played a part will know who they are. It really is appreciated. For prospective law students, trainees and NQs, I suppose my main takeaway would be "to know what you don't know". Don't be afraid to admit when you don't know where to go and you can't see the wood from the trees (and there will be plenty!). We have all been there. Anyone who says they haven't, is lying. Most of all, (try to) enjoy it. A legal career comes with many challenges but can be extremely rewarding and present some fantastic opportunities. Try to remember that in those difficult moments. #10yearsqualified #TREvansHughes #FootAnstey #LookingBack #myjourney

Macfarlanes Raises NQ Pay to £140k Macfarlanes has increased the pay for its newly qualified (NQ) lawyers by 20%, from £115,000 to £140,000. This makes Macfarlanes the highest-paying UK firm outside the Magic Circle, surpassing Hogan Lovells, which recently raised its NQ pay to £135,000. Trainee salaries have also gone up, with first-year trainees now earning £56,000 and second-year trainees £61,000. This move puts pressure on Slaughters, whose NQs are still earning £125,000. #LegalCareers #PayRaise #LawFirms #UKLaw #LegalNews

Are you taking the #SQE? Hear what previous candidates have to say about their experiences. In this example we spoke to a Trainee Solicitor Apprentice on how they prepared, how challenging they found the exam and their advice and top tips. https://bit.ly/4jhDMXb

Up and out for meetings, love to see the DIFC looking powerful today. When people ask what’s your favourite part of the job…. It’s without doubt meeting people (in person, not on a screen) Everyone’s career stories, motivations & personal circumstances are different. It puts everyone on a level playing field, whether you’re the GC of a giant global company or a junior lawyer just starting out your career, it makes you realise we are all just people trying our best to be successful (whatever success looks like for you….again everyone’s version of this is different) It’s the penultimate Friday before Christmas, have a good one. #beaconlegal #legalrecruitment #uae

The SQE was introduced over 2 years' ago as a new route to qualifying as a Solicitor. 🎓This means that trainee solicitors now have two routes they can take to qualify. We've compared both routes to help you and others make an informed choice about the best way to become a qualified Solicitor. 📚Find out more at the link below. 👇 #sqe #lpc #traineesolicitor #solicitors #lawcareers

We talk in our Employer Engagement CPD about spotlighting or showcasing our students to help employers understand the calibre, potential and benefits of working with students. Examples like this one (which is awesome!) really bring it to life and whilst this is a glossy production a less polished version would also have great impact. Maybe you have media students who could help….? #TLevels #BridgeToStudents #GoKhia!

Day 57/365 of articling. 🤯 When I started the NCA process last August, articles, and qualification, seemed to be so far away. Seeing the recent surge of 'newly qualified' posts on LinkedIn reminds me of how I felt at the start of my training contract. I was incredibly proud to be called a 'trainee solicitor,' even though I knew qualification was still a long way off. Now, as a qualified solicitor in England & Wales and with only 10 months left until qualification in Canada, I draw on the lessons I've learned along the way. I want to hold onto the enthusiasm I had during my training and use it as a reminder to savor each moment of my articles, especially since the first 57 days have passed so quickly. As a junior lawyer, it's easy to get swept up in the excitement, stress, and pressures of the profession and become narrow-focused. It’s a skill to step back, gain perspective, and recognize how far you've come. Given how few people qualify, the profession can feel more intense and scrutinized. Remembering that you persevered, when entry to the profession is extremly difficult, is crucial. Congratulations to all the newly qualified professionals! Remember not to rush your career and try to enjoy every moment of it.💪🤝 #law #lawyer #solicitor

Thinking about a career in law? 🏛️⚖️ Discover the unique qualification route of NQ+ at Shoosmiths, in my latest article. From training contracts to NQ status, find out what it means to be an NQ+ trainee and how it can shape your career. Check it out here! #Shoosmiths #LegalCareer #TraineeSolicitor #LawFirm https://lnkd.in/ek549a6A

What’s something I’ve really noticed a difference in from being a trainee solicitor to becoming an NQ? Taking my work just that one step further 🏃♀️➡️ There’s one thing asking your client “would you like a rent review in this lease?” and reporting on the entries for a property title. There’s another thing taking it one step further and advising on the benefits and implications of a rent review, and explaining what the practicalities are for the title entries. For the trainees out there, it’s easy to forget that some clients don’t speak ‘lawyer language’, when we are surrounded by other lawyers! By shadowing Darrell Aldridge on calls and by having that supervision, I’ve gained experience in considering 1) what does this actually mean for the client and 2) what options are available for the client to make the best informed decision? Clients are paying for our advice - take the dive by considering your clients circumstances and take your work one step further! It’ll make you a better lawyer. #NQSolicitor #TraineeTips #TakeTheDive 🤿