We are thrilled to announce the success of several of our team members who have passed the SQE1 exam! With the overall pass rate for SQE1 at just 44%, this is a remarkable achievement for our graduates.

Congratulations to the following individuals, who are currently working as paralegals at Lester Aldridge while studying for their exams:

• Shaina Snashall (currently in Compliance)
• Millie Hamilton (currently in Real Estate Finance)
• Ava Koohgilani (currently in Real Estate Finance)
• Joel Smallman (currently in Residential Property)
• Martyna Pleszka (currently in Interventions)

Additionally, we are excited to congratulate our incoming trainees who have also passed the exam:

• Amelia Connolly
• Lauren Coles
• Hannah Davies
• Scott Rolfe

These individuals are all due to start their training contracts with us soon (pending the successful completion of SQE2), and we look forward to supporting them on the next step of their journey toward qualification.

We also want to extend a special congratulations to our Graduate Solicitor Apprentices:

• Rebecca Knight
• Sadie Chambers

Our Graduate Solicitor Apprentices are following a different route to qualification. These individuals work four days a week at Lester Aldridge, with one day dedicated to study, allowing them to “earn while they learn” while gaining practical experience. They will sit the SQE at the end of their apprenticeship and progress toward becoming fully qualified solicitors.

We’d also like to highlight Ana Estorillio, who has passed SQE1 as part of her route to qualifying as a solicitor in the UK. Ana is a qualified solicitor in Brazil and is currently working as a paralegal in our International Private Client team. Her successful completion of SQE1 marks an important step in her journey toward practising as a solicitor in the UK.

Also, congratulations to Iman Salami, Paralegal in our Real Estate Finance team, who has passed her SQE1 independently.

With their success in SQE1, everyone is now working toward SQE2 and the next step on their path to qualifying as solicitors.

About the SQE and our Support

The SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination) is a challenging two-part exam designed to ensure solicitors meet the highest standards of competence. The first part, SQE1, assesses legal knowledge, while SQE2 evaluates practical legal skills. At Lester Aldridge, we are committed to supporting our team members through this rigorous process, offering financial assistance, study leave, and dedicated time off for exams. We’re proud to invest in their professional development as they work toward becoming qualified solicitors.

Interested in joining our team?

The window for applying for a training contract starting in 2027 is now open. Applications are due by 26 May 2025, and we encourage aspiring solicitors to apply and take the first step toward a rewarding legal career with us. Find out more about our training contracts and how to apply on our graduate training contracts page.