London—Dentons has launched an internal Solicitors Qualification Exam (SQE) programme, Quali-FLY, designed to support paralegals and other legal professionals become future lawyers at the firm.

The programme, run in conjunction with BPP, will provide an opportunity for up to 10 candidates to be financially supported through the new legal qualification including preparation courses, exams and supervision throughout the period of qualified work experience.

The programme  will sit alongside Dentons' current trainee programme, which will eventually be amalgamated into one when the Firm fully adopts the SQE from 2024. 

Quali-FLY will support the projected growth of the Firm's virtual Legal Delivery Centre (LDC), that currently houses around 60 paralegals, who will have the opportunity to apply for a positon on the programme after successfully completing a period of six months work experience.

Alongside the paralegal population, Dentons is also offering the same opportunity to other legal professionals including members of Dentons Helix, the Firm's new law offering that was set up to redefine the relationship between clients and legal service providers, combining the best of private practice and legal managed services.

Successful applicants to the programme will undertake the qualification over a two year period. Similar to the Firm's trainee programme, each candidate will gain relevant Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) that will be combined with passing the SQE to ultimately become eligible for NQ roles.

Launched by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in September 2021, the SQE will replace Dentons' current training programme, consisting of the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and/or Legal Practice Course (LPC). The migration towards the SQE is underway and scheduled to go live in 2024.

Jackie Hanlon, Head of Dentons Legal Delivery Centre, comments: "The launch of Quali-FLY and our early adoption of the SQE demonstrates Dentons innovative approach to developing future talent at the Firm."  

Ash Rees, Managing Director of Dentons Helix, commented, adds: "I am delighted that we are able to afford this opportunity to our paralegals to achieve their full potential whilst at the same time retaining that talent within our business."

About Dentons

Across over 80 countries, Dentons helps you grow, protect, operate and finance your organization by providing uniquely global and deeply local legal solutions. Polycentric, purpose-driven and committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and sustainability, we focus on what matters most to you. www.dentons.com