BCL’s In-house Managing Director Mark Levine speaks to Iram Khan, who is following the SQE qualification route within the in-house legal function at Colas, a business that delivers solutions for the UK’s transport infrastructure.

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the new centralised way to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. It will eventually replace the Legal Practice Course (LPC) route to practice.

As well as the exams there is a need to complete Qualifying Work Experience, which can be completed by working alongside a SRA-regulated solicitor or Compliance Officer for Legal Practice.

Getting this experience via a law firm will always be the first thing that springs to mind. However, you can also do this whilst working in-house or in the public sector.

Mark Levine: Iram, when did you decide you wanted to be a lawyer?

Iram Khan: I decided I wanted to be a lawyer during the second year of my undergraduate degree. I was studying History and felt unsure about my career path.

I interned at a legal firm and realised my passion for law. Once I had finished my History degree, I decided to complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Law.

ML: Was training in-house, via SQE your first choice? If not, what did you expect to do and why didn’t you?

IK: No, I used to work in private practice before my current role. Initially, I intended to follow the “traditional” path, which was to finish the LPC and then apply for training contracts.

As I had already completed one year of qualifying work experience, it felt like the better choice to complete my second year of QWE and pursue the SQE route.

ML: How did you learn about the SQE route?

IK: A company approached me to do my qualifying work experience and complete my SQE with them. The SQE was still fairly new and unfamiliar at this point.

I discussed the route with my manager and team and decided it was in my best interest to pursue the qualification.

ML: How did you get the opportunity to work in your current organisation/ enabling you to start the SQE process?

IK: I was approached by BCL Legal about a paralegal role in the company. I had only been in private practice before, so it was all new to me.

After speaking to BCL Legal I felt more confident about switching in-house.

ML: Can you tell us about your role?

IK: I work closely with our Legal Director on various corporate and company secretarial matters. I also support with reviewing and drafting contracts, conducting legal research and providing legal advice to different departments within the company.

Although my focus is on corporate law, I help with different legal areas such as commercial, property and regulatory compliance. The diversity keeps me engaged and challenged.

ML: How does it differ from training in private practice?

IK: I think the main difference working in-house compared to private practice is that I get to dive into various legal matters. It’s exciting to tackle different issues rather than just focusing on one area of law.

As the sole paralegal, I also receive more training directly from my seniors. Because I’m still studying for the SQE, I find this particularly beneficial for my learning and development.

ML: The exams are notoriously hard. How are you finding the preparation?

IK: Juggling work and studies can be challenging. But staying organised, creating a study schedule and seeking help when needed can make the preparation process more manageable.

ML: What tips do you have for aspiring lawyers that might want to follow in your footsteps?

IK: I recommend keeping timetables to stay organised, maximising your experience in your company and being proactive by asking questions to enhance your learning and understanding.

Although it’s crucial to keep everything in order, what’s even more important is to stay motivated throughout the journey. Consistency and perseverance are key!

ML: Is there anything else you think the legal profession needs to consider to “open the doors” even more?

IK: The LPC is expected to be phased out in a few years. So I think it’s important for more legal organisations to provide training programs tailored to students doing the SQE and those needing to complete their qualifying work experience.

I believe this approach will benefit both aspiring solicitors and legal professionals during these changes.

ML: What are your aspirations for the next few years?

IK: My goal is to complete the SQE by the end of this year or beginning of next year and become a qualified solicitor. I’m not sure yet which area of law I’ll specialise in but I’m looking forward to exploring and discovering where my passion and strengths lie and taking the next step in my legal career journey.

Thank you so much for your time and insights Iram. You raise a really interesting point that I hope readers will take note of.

It is sometimes thought that being in-house too soon in your career is less advantageous than being in private practice due to their being fewer lawyers around you to provide support. I think your comment reflects the reality that often in-house you get more focus and support! “As the sole paralegal, I also receive more training directly from my seniors”.

Best of luck with what will be a wonderful legal career and thank you for sharing your experience with us.

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• Colas
• Connect with Iram Khan via LinkedIn