The Solicitors Regulation Authority has announced that the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), a new route to qualification, will come into effect from Autumn 2021. 

Fieldfisher training contracts with a start date of 2023 will not be affected and we will continue to offer training contracts through the traditional training contract route. As things currently stand, training contracts with a start date commencing from 2024 may be affected by these changes.

However, as we learn more from the SRA about the new SQE requirements, we’ll provide updates on how the changes will impact on our process. 

If you are self-funding your qualification, it is entirely up to you as to which qualification you choose. However, we would prefer those who are interested in securing a training contract with us to join our bespoke SQE programme

Aside from consistently good academic record, we’re looking for people who are ambitious, innovative, naturally inquisitive and commercially minded. Also, tell us what attracted you particularly to Fieldfisher and what personal qualities you can bring to the firm. Ensure the application is clear, spellchecked, concise yet informative.

It has been a difficult time for students and we stand by the fact that there other ways to determine whether someone is a good fit and if they can excel. Don't forget to highlight your personal achievements, hobbies and work experience – these are some of the things that will help your application form stand out. We would encourage you to discuss your academic background and any mitigating circumstances with the graduate recruitment team before applying. 

Only in exceptional circumstances.

We arrange regular seminars and social events for our future trainees and keep them informed of developments in the firm. We also operate an online secure community, exclusively for future trainees, so we can keep in touch easily wherever you are in the world.

There are opportunities for trainees to be seconded to clients, such as Viacom, BBC, as well as to our Silicon Valley office.

We do not ask our trainees to do any compulsory seats, but in line with SRA requirements, we encourage them to complete one contentious and one non contentious seat.

Unfortunately if we have not received your completed application by midnight on the closing date, it cannot be considered. The deadline for completing the online assessment will be provided to you should you make it through to that stage of the application process.

Applications remain open until the deadline, but we may start reviewing applications, and inviting applicants to undertake our online strengths assessment before the deadline, if volumes are high. 

The Capp test is an online testing platform aimed at measuring behaviour and attitudes in relation to work-related scenarios. Some of the skills that we measure are drive, collaboration, judgement, social awareness, networking and relationships and cognitive abilities. 
 
The assessment is designed to make candidates think about what they would do in a particular situation as if they were a current Trainee at the Fieldfisher.
 
We believe that these are the skills required to be the successful Lawyers and Business Advisors of tomorrow.