Accountancy leader Deloitte has devised a three-year training contract which aligns with the requirement of the hotly-anticipated solicitors qualification examination (SQE) which is due to launch in the autumn of 2021.
The big four accountancy giant announced that it will offer ten training contracts beginning in 2020. Applications are open as of today (10 September).
Successful candidates will be able to enrol on the programme straight after graduating from university, with the end goal of qualifying as a solicitor three years later. Trainees will gain qualifying work experience across Deloitte Legal’s myriad practice areas, including tax litigation, employment and corporate and commercial before sitting the SQE1 and SQE2 exams.
Deloitte has worked closely with The University of Law to develop an innovative training programme to ensure students are prepared for the SQE.
Michael Castle, UK managing partner for Deloitte Legal, said: “The legal training environment is undergoing significant change to contend with a rapidly evolving legal landscape. Deloitte Legal is in the fortunate position of being able to immediately adopt the new Solicitors Qualifying Exam, allowing us to be at the forefront of what is undoubtedly an exciting new era in legal education and training.
“We want to broaden access to the profession and make it as inclusive as possible. This is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring solicitors to earn while they learn, while also encountering the wealth of expertise beyond legal work that Deloitte Legal can offer as a multidisciplinary firm.
“Deloitte Legal is a fast-growing and ambitious team that provides clients with new solutions to legal problems. Our trainees will be able to experience the future of law, today.”
Professor Andrea Nollent, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of ULaw, said: “It has always been hugely important for us to nurture the next generation of legal talent. With the new SQE Training Contracts allowing students to experience the real legal world earlier in their career and education, we are now able to team with leading organisations such as Deloitte to continue our aim of providing a more practical and hands-on legal education.”