Birketts celebrates qualification of first cohort of Graduate Solicitor Apprentices
6 June 2024
Birketts has announced that its first cohort of Graduate Solicitor Apprentices have successfully passed their exams to become eligible to apply to be qualified solicitors.
Passing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) after over two years of study and work-based experience, are Matthew Bayley, Lucy Etheridge, Rachel Fisher, Anastasia Kell and Bethany Kent.
Birketts’ Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship programme is a 27-month minimum course which consists of one day a week dedicated to academic study, and four days gaining work-based experience, and includes undertaking both SQE1 and SQE2. The programme is open to anyone holding a UK Batchelor’s degree at 2:2 or above, or equivalent qualifications.
Offering his congratulations, Chris Schwer, Senior Partner at Birketts, said: “Well done to all our apprentices for setting such a high standard and leading the way for future aspiring solicitors. This achievement not only marks a significant milestone in their personal careers but also stands as a testament to the firm’s commitment to fostering social mobility and diversifying the pathways into the legal profession.
“The success of our first cohort success demonstrates the value of alternative routes in law, highlighting that excellence and expertise can be attained through non-traditional avenues. Birketts is proud to play a role in setting a precedent that will undoubtedly encourage a more inclusive and dynamic future for the wider legal sector.”
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Chris Schwer
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Matthew Bayley
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Rachel Fisher
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Anastasia Kell
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Bethany Kent
