
The SQE Sessions
Legal Cheek is holding an afternoon of virtual seminars to mark the start of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam’s (SQE) launch year
Taking place on the afternoon of Thursday 28 January 2021, from 2pm to 5:30pm, the SQE Sessions feature a series of short talks and panel discussions from key figures within law firms and legal education as the profession prepares to implement the biggest change to solicitor training in a generation. Joining them will be representatives from the Solicitors Regulation Authority and other key SQE stakeholders.
Speakers

Catherine Baker
Member of The O Shaped Lawyer Group

Julie Brannan
Director of Education and Training, The Solicitors Regulation Authority

Matthew Homewood
Deputy Dean, Nottingham Law School

Chris Howard
Director of Professional Programmes, King's College London

Sarah Hutchinson
Managing Director, BARBRI Global

Morette Jackson
Director of Business Development, The University of Law

Jane Jarman
Professor of Legal Practice, Nottingham Law School

Deborah McCormack
Head of Early Talent, Pinsent Masons

Claire McGourlay
Professor of Legal Education, The University of Manchester

Will Pearce
Partner, Davis Polk & Wardwell

Ben Perry
Partner, Sullivan & Cromwell

Laura Pinkney
Director, Nottingham Law School Legal Advice Centre

Rachel Rowley
Head of Postgraduate Portfolio, Nottingham Law School

Matthew Tomlinson
Campus Dean for Leeds and Sheffield, The University of Law

Kirsty Wilkins
Senior Professional Development Manager, Shearman & Sterling
Sponsors
Headline sponsors
Additional sponsor
Tickets
Early Bird
£SOLD OUT
Second Release
£SOLD OUT
Final Release
£SOLD OUT
This event is for professionals. We have a limited number of free tickets available for students. To access these you must join our campus ambassador programme.
Schedule
14:00-14:05
Welcome and introduction
14:05-14:55
SQE Highflyers: How Law Firms and Law Schools are Approaching the SQE. Discussion hosted by BARBRI
Speakers
• Chris Howard, director of professional programmes, King's College London
• Sarah Hutchinson, managing director, BARBRI Global
• Claire McGourlay, professor of legal education, The University of Manchester
• Ben Perry, partner, Sullivan & Cromwell
• Kirsty Wilkins, senior professional development manager, Shearman & Sterling
14:55-15:10
Coffee and virtual networking
15:10-16:00
Delivering high quality legal education at a time of change with The University of Law
Speakers
• Catherine Baker, member of The O Shaped Lawyer Group
• Morette Jackson, director of business development, The University of Law
• Deborah McCormack, head of early talent, Pinsent Masons
• Flora Porkolab, solicitor apprentice, Ashurst and student, The University of Law
• Matthew Tomlinson, campus dean for Leeds and Sheffield, The University of Law
16:00-16:10
Coffee and virtual networking
16:10-17:00
Mind the [training] gap! Perspectives from Nottingham Law School and global law firm Davis Polk on training the solicitors of the future
Speakers
• Matthew Homewood, deputy dean, Nottingham Law School
• Jane Jarman, professor of legal practice, Nottingham Law School
• Will Pearce, partner, Davis Polk & Wardwell
• Laura Pinkney, director, Nottingham Law School Legal Advice Centre
• Rachel Rowley, head of postgraduate portfolio, Nottingham Law School
17:00-17:15
SQE Latest and Closing Keynote
Speakers
• Julie Brannan, director of education and training, The Solicitors Regulation Authority
17:15-17:30
Coffee and virtual networking
About the sponsors
BARBRI
BARBRI has over 50 years’ proven expertise in preparing aspiring lawyers to succeed in their professional exams. The SQE assessment requires a breadth of knowledge in one multiple-choice exam not previously experienced in the law degree, GDL or LPC. Only BARBRI has the experience to prepare graduates to succeed in this style of assessment. BARBRI supports law firms, universities and graduates by investing in a new pathway to qualification and creating a generation of innovative, adaptable and diverse lawyers.
The University of Law
The University of Law (ULaw) is one of the UK's longest-established specialist providers of legal education, with a rich heritage and reputation for innovation. ULaw boasts over 250 tutors who are qualified lawyers and bring their extensive practical experience to the classroom, as well as a track record in impressive employment and pupillage rates.
Nottingham Law School
Nottingham Law School is one of the leading providers of academic and professional legal education in the country with an established national and international reputation for excellence in legal education, and a record of delivering innovative and transformational courses. We are one of the largest law schools in the UK, offering a range of undergraduate degrees, academic and practitioner taught postgraduate courses. With our established research centres, close links with the legal sector, and a multi-award-winning teaching law firm, Nottingham Law School is at the forefront of modern legal education.
LawCare
LawCare is an independent charity offering emotional support, information and training to the legal community in the UK and Ireland. We work to promote good mental health and wellbeing in legal workplaces and drive change in education, training and practice. Our support service offers a safe place to talk without judgment. We’re here to help, with helpline calls, emails and webchats answered in confidence by trained staff and volunteers who have first-hand experience of working in the law. We also have a network of peer supporters.