Become a qualified solicitor with our BARBRI opportunities
If you are interested in a career as a solicitor in England and Wales, regardless of your degree background, will need to take the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). In addition to passing the SQE, you will also need complete a minimum of two years’ qualifying work experience at a maximum of four organisations (paid or voluntary) before they can qualify as a solicitor.
The University of Brighton has partnered up with BARBRI, allowing you to confidently prepare for the SQE exam through their innovative SQE Prep courses. There are multiple, flexible course options available as well as various funding opportunities through scholarships and student loans.
As a global learning provider, BARBRI has experience of over 50 years with preparing students for this style of testing. BARBRI alumni include over 1.3 million lawyers and other professionals, from presidents, from senators, global CEOs, attorney generals, supreme court justices, to senior partners in the leading law firms around the world and more.
University of Brighton students and alumni can benefit from a discount for a preparation course with BARBI:
- 20% off the SQE1 Prep
- 20% off the Extended US Bar Prep course
SQE Prep with BARBRI
BARBRI’s SQE Prep courses are key to preparing for the SQE with confidence. The exam is split into two assessment stages:
- SQE1 – tests your Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK) through multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
- SQE2 – tests your application of legal skills through written and in-person oral assessments.
BARBRI offers preparation courses for students for each stage, using innovative online technology to provide learners with a structured and effective learning environment. The courses are flexible and adaptable to suit individual requirements, providing all the tools needed for success in SQE1 and SQE2.
US Bar Prep with BARBRI
If you are interested in a career as a US attorney, before you can practice law in any U.S. state or jurisdiction, you must go through that state’s admissions process and pass that state’s bar exam. Every jurisdiction administers a bar exam to test a candidate’s ability to think like a lawyer and prove that they have the “minimum competency” to practice law in that state.
For most jurisdictions, the bar exam is a 2-day exam held on the last Tuesday & Wednesday every February and July. There are still a few states that administer a 2 ½- or 3-day bar exam.
While the format and content covered can vary for each state’s exam, there is a growing trend toward adopting the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE).
Whether you’ll be taking the exam in a state that administers the UBE or a state-specific exam, some universal truths cover almost all state bar exams.
BARBRI’s Extended U.S. Bar prep course offers the support and flexibility you need to pass the California Bar Exam, the New York Bar Exam, or any U.S. state that administers the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE.)
BARBRI’s workshops through The University of Brighton
The University of Brighton has partnered with BARBRI to provide the following workshop sessions to students throughout the academic year. Depending on your scheduling needs, all sessions can be delivered in person or online.
Click on the titles below for more detailed information about each session.
Routes into Law: Navigating Your Path to Legal Success
Level 4
Duration: 60 mins
Format: Online / in person
Session overview:
Discover the various pathways into the legal profession with our insightful workshop. Whether you’re a law or non-law student, or considering a career change, this webinar will showcase the different entry routes and pathways available. Explore the diverse opportunities within the legal field and unlock your potential in this dynamic industry.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the different routes and pathways available to enter the legal profession.
- Demystifying common myths around careers within law.
- Analyse and compare the advantages and disadvantages of various entry pathways.
- Apply critical thinking around the skills required to assess which route aligns best with individual career goals.
- Evaluate the skills and qualifications required for various routes into law.
- Create a personalised plan of action for pursuing a chosen route into the legal profession.
Essential skills for future lawyers
Level 4
Duration: 60 mins
Format: Online / in person
Session overview:
Stay ahead of the curve and equip yourself with the essential skills necessary for a successful legal career. In this workshop, we will delve into the evolving demands of the legal profession and provide invaluable guidance on the key competencies future lawyers should possess. From critical thinking and problem-solving to effective communication and resilience, discover how to thrive in a rapidly changing legal landscape.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will demonstrate an understanding of the potential influence of technology and AI on the legal profession and explain how these advancements can affect future lawyers.
- Analyse how the industry has changed and the impact this has on today’s lawyers
- Define and describe the essential skills required for success in the legal profession.
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to real-life legal scenarios.
- Participants will critically evaluate the skills required in the legal profession, and conduct a comprehensive skills audit to identify areas of strength and areas that require improvement.
Your pathway to gaining QWE: A Roadmap to Qualifying Work Experience
Level 5
Duration: 60 mins
Format: Online / in person
Session overview:
Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) is a crucial requirement for aspiring legal practitioners. This workshop focusses on demystifying the QWE process and offers a comprehensive roadmap to help you navigate this essential milestone. From understanding eligibility criteria to sourcing suitable placements, we will provide practical tips and insights to set you on the right path towards obtaining your QWE.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the requirements and eligibility criteria for obtaining Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).
- Analyse the different types of QWE’s available (Training Contract’s vs Paralegalling)
- Apply research and organizational skills to identify potential firms and organisations for QWE.
- Evaluate the benefits and challenges of different QWE to choose the right experience.
- Develop a personalised roadmap and action plan to secure and make the most of QWE opportunities.
Researching the right firm for you
Level 5
Duration: 60 mins
Format: Online / in person
Session overview:
Choosing the right law firm is a critical decision that can shape your entire legal career. This workshop will guide you through the process of researching and evaluating law firms to find the perfect fit for your aspirations. Learn how to assess firm culture, practice areas, training programmes, and more, to ensure a harmonious match between your professional goals and the firm’s ethos
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the importance of thorough research when selecting a law firm and its impact on career and professional satisfaction.
- Apply effective research strategies to identify and evaluate key factors in choosing a law firm, such as specialisation, reputation, culture, size, location, and work-life balance.
- Evaluate the significance of commercial awareness in selecting a law firm by staying informed about industry trends, market conditions, and the firm’s client base.
- Develop networking strategies in the legal profession to enhance the process of researching and selecting a law firm, and create a plan to expand professional connections for valuable insights.
- Integrate research, commercial awareness, and networking knowledge to create a personalized action plan for selecting the right law firm aligned with career aspirations, values, and professional development goals.
Commercial Awareness in Law
Level 6
Duration: 60 mins
Format: Online / in person
Session overview:
Developing commercial awareness is essential for success in today’s competitive legal market. This workshop will provide you with a deeper understanding of how legal expertise intersects with business acumen. Discover strategies for staying informed about industry trends, analysing commercial implications, and delivering commercially astute advice to clients. Enhance your legal toolkit with the power of commercial awareness.
Learning Objectives:
- Define and explain the concept of commercial awareness in the legal context.
- Analyse and interpret industry trends and their potential impact on legal practice.
- Apply critical thinking skills to identify commercial implications in legal scenarios.
- Evaluate the importance of commercial awareness in providing effective advice to clients.
- Develop strategies to enhance personal commercial awareness, such as staying informed about relevant business news and trends.
Networking and Personal Branding for Legal Professionals
Level 6
Duration: 60 mins
Format: Online / in person
Session overview:
In the legal industry, networking and personal branding can significantly impact career progression. In this workshop you will learn effective networking techniques and discover how to craft a compelling personal brand. Gain insights from experienced legal professionals on building meaningful connections, leveraging social media platforms, and creating a professional identity that sets you apart in a competitive legal landscape.
Learning Objectives:
- Define and describe the importance of networking and personal branding in the legal profession.
- Analyse different networking techniques and evaluate their effectiveness in building professional connections.
- Apply communication and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain meaningful professional relationships.
- Create a personal branding strategy that aligns with career goals and showcases unique strengths and expertise.
- Develop an action plan for leveraging social media platforms to enhance networking and personal branding efforts.
Solicitor Qualifying Exam Informative Session: Your Guide to Success
All year groups
Duration: 60 mins
Format: Online / in person
Session overview:
Preparing for the Solicitor Qualifying Exam (SQE) can be a daunting task. In this informative workshop, we will demystify the exam structure, content, and preparation strategies to help you approach it with confidence. Whether you’re a law student or a qualified professional transitioning to solicitor qualification, join us to gain valuable insights and practical tips to excel in the SQE and embark on your legal career.
Learning Objectives:
- Build an understanding of the structure and format of the Solicitor Qualifying Exam (SQE).
- Evaluate if the SQE route is the right pathway for you.
- Develop an understanding of funding options available.
- Build deeper knowledge of the support network around you to help and enhance your study.
What is Legal Technology and how will it affect my career
All year groups
Duration: 45 mins
Format: Online / in person
Session overview:
The term ‘Legal Technology’ has become a buzzword in the legal industry in recent years, but what exactly does it mean and what do you need to know about it? In this talk, we will explore the full spectrum of legal technology to help you understand what you need to know about it for interviews, and how you can begin developing legal technology skills. We’ll also look at the new career pathways which are opening up for students and the exciting opportunities LegalTech offers you
Learning Objectives:
- Understand what is (and what isn’t) defined as ‘Legal Technology’.
- How law firms and other companies are using it.
- Learn what Legal Tech skills employers are seeking.
- Find out about new career paths in the Legal Tech industry.
- Discover the opportunities that Legal Tech offers in terms of entrepreneurship and personal development.
- Explore the future of LegalTech and how it will shape the legal industry.
Find out more
If you would like further information about the BARBRI opportunities with the University of Brighton, please contact BARBRI directly.
You can find lots of useful resources on the BARBRI website.
Christina Camm • September 30, 2024