Student Societies and Activities
Routes to Qualification Networking Event
At the start of this academic year, we had the opportunity to host the Routes to Qualification Networking Event along with BPP Law School at Newcastle University. The event was designed primarily for first-year students, as well as anyone still exploring how to qualify as either a solicitor or barrister. With significant changes to legal education in recent years, particularly the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), the session aimed to give students clear, practical guidance on the different routes available and the steps they can take during their undergraduate studies to prepare for a career in law.
The event began with a presentation delivered by Nigel Jamieson, law tutor at BPP, which ran for approximately forty-five minutes. The talk provided an overview of the different qualification pathways, including the traditional Bar route through the Bar Course and pupillage, as well as the newer SQE pathway for aspiring solicitors. It also introduced alternative routes such as graduate apprenticeships, and how these options are increasingly offering flexible ways into the profession.
One of the most valuable aspects of the session was its focus on practical advice. Rather than simply outlining qualification requirements, the presentation explored the types of skills and experiences that law firms and chambers look for in future lawyers. Students were encouraged to think about how they can develop these skills during their time at university - through mooting, negotiation competitions, pro bono work, internships, and involvement with the bar and law societies. For many first-year students who are just beginning their legal education, gaining early clarity about the profession can make a significant difference in shaping their academic and extracurricular choices.
Following the presentation, the evening transitioned into a networking session where students had the opportunity to speak directly with legal professionals from a range of firms and chambers. Representatives in attendance included Sea-won Baek; Sarah Ismail and Abbie Law from Trinity Chambers; Rishi Kohli, Dan Newcombe, and H. Alper Tuzun from Norton Rose Fulbright; and Ellen Wright, Tabitha Buck, and Chris Wood from Park Square Barristers’ Chambers. Professionals from DAC Beachcroft and Weightmans were also present, offering students insights into different areas of legal practice.
This part of the event was particularly engaging, as it gave students the chance to ask questions about the profession in a relaxed and approachable setting. Conversations ranged from the realities of training contracts and pupillage to advice on building commercial awareness and making the most of opportunities during university. For many students, speaking directly with practising solicitors, trainees, barristers, and pupils provided valuable perspectives that cannot always be gained in the classroom. Many attendees arrived unsure about which route they wanted to pursue, but by the end of the evening they had gained a clearer understanding of the options available to them and the steps they can begin taking now to strengthen their future applications.
Events such as this highlight the importance of connecting students with professionals who can share their experiences and advice. Networking opportunities like these not only help students develop confidence in speaking with legal practitioners, but also allow them to begin building relationships within the profession. It was an incredibly informative and engaging evening and provided students with a valuable opportunity to learn about the legal profession, ask questions, and gain practical insights into the journey ahead. For anyone considering a career in law, events like this are an excellent starting point for understanding the many pathways into the profession and the skills needed to succeed.
