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The University of Sussex, which includes one of the UK’s top ranked law schools, has partnered with BARBRI, the global legal education provider, to offer Sussex students and alumni a comprehensive preparation programme for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE).  

The SQE is the new centralised way for law students to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales.  It will be phased in from September 2021 and will replace the current Legal Practice Course (LPC) for would-be solicitors.  

The partnership, announced today, creates a pathway to qualification as a solicitor for the University’s students that will benefit from BARBRI’s industry-leading legal education to prepare graduates and alumni to pass the SQE. 

The BARBRI SQE Prep courses will start from summer 2021. The two-staged course will prepare candidates for the inaugural SQE in November 2021 and will be offered at least twice a year leading into the scheduled examinations going forward. 

Professor Donald McGillivray, Head of Law in the School of Law, Politics and Sociology at the University of Sussex, said:  

"At the University of Sussex, we already offer a range of leading law courses, all with a distinctive Sussex twist: an emphasis on developing a critical appreciation of the law and the role of law in solving problems and improving people's lives.

“This, in conjunction with BARBRI’s well-established reputation for expertly blending technology with innovative teaching strategies, ensures that those studying for the SQE will be placed on a promising pathway to success.” 

Current students and alumni of The University of Sussex will receive a discount on their SQE1 prep fees as part of the collaboration, and BARBRI will be delivering SQE workshops remotely in December alongside workshops on the University’s campus from next Spring. 

Sarah Hutchinson, UK managing director, BARBRI, said:  

“The introduction of the SQE ensures that all qualified solicitors will meet the same high standards consistently; integral to SQE success for students and prospective students will be robust and rounded preparation. BARBRI brings together years of proven experience with world-class learning technology to deliver the best opportunity for SQE success to participating students.  

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with the University of Sussex, to help nurture the next generation of solicitors.” 

The new BARBRI SQE Prep course harnesses the company’s experience and prowess in mixed subject multiple-choice testing, garnered over more than 50 years of the helping trainees pass the US Bar.  

Students will benefit from access to one-to-one support with expert guidance on the SQE, learning from leading professors and practitioners. Lectures, practice questions, workshops and simulations will complement study tips and an online Personal Study Plan (PSP) to guide every assignment and activity throughout the courses.  

SQE prep courses will be available to both law graduates and those with a non-legal background and will be offered on a full-time as well as a part-time basis to support those working alongside their studies.  

For more information, please visit: https://barbri-prep.com/sqe/ 

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