A TRAINING programme offering a flexible route to qualifying as a solicitor has been launched by a leading legal firm.

Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, which operates across Cumbria and Northumberland, says the scheme will provide more opportunities, enabling recruits to work while studying.

Law graduates can work part-time as a paralegal while studying for their Law Practice Course (LPC), gaining on-the-job experience.

Peter Stafford, managing director of Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, said: “As demand for our services continues to grow, we are relaunching our training programme to offer exciting opportunities to join us and work alongside some of the best solicitors in the sector.

“Our training programme is designed to attract the highest calibre of legal graduates who are looking to establish a career within our specialist agriculture, business services and dispute resolution teams, with a commitment to remaining in Cumbria and the Haltwhistle and Hexham areas of Northumberland, where we are based."

Traditionally, aspiring solicitors must complete a law degree and a one-year Law Practice Course (LPC) before securing a two-year training contract.

The new Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) will replace the LPC route.

Under Cartmell Shepherd's training programme, law graduates complete the LPC part-time with the firm, with a monetary contribution made by the company.

The trainee can then gain their SQE qualification.

"The SQE route makes it easier for graduates to qualify by offering a more flexible approach for both trainees and their employers through both reducing the burden of cost, and allowing solicitors to specialise earlier," Peter said.