The University of Law (ULaw) is pleased to announce the launch of a Trainee Solicitor Development Programme in partnership with the Bank of England

The programme delivers an exciting opportunity for law graduates to join the UK’s Central Bank’s legal team and build a career at the heart of the UK economy. The Trainee Solicitors will join the Bank of England’s Legal Directorate and “earn as they learn” alongside world-class specialists in law, economics, supervision, policy-making, risk and finance. The Bank of England’s future Trainee Solicitors will also undertake the Solicitors Qualification Examination (SQE) apprenticeship programme at ULaw, which includes both exam preparation for SQE1 and 2, and additional modules in relevant key practice areas.

Sonya Branch, General Counsel at the Bank of England, said: “We are delighted to be launching our new Trainee Solicitor Development Programme. Successful candidates will join our award-winning legal team at the Bank of England, supporting the Bank’s mission to deliver monetary and financial stability for the people of the United Kingdom. They will benefit from a first class training experience, encompassing a unique mix of public and private law issues at the very heart of the UK economy. If you value diverse ideas, open debate in inclusive teams working with a strong public sector ethos, and finding creative solutions to novel issues, we would be delighted to hear from you!”

As a result of this partnership, the Bank of England’s Trainee Solicitors will study the SQE with ULaw from autumn 2023. This new Trainee Solicitor Development Programme builds on the Bank’s existing relationship with ULaw and provides an innovative and creative approach to the introduction of the SQE and apprenticeships.

Morette Jackson, Director of Business Development ULaw, said: “As a public body, the Bank of England deals in issues that affect everyone. This is an exciting opportunity for graduates to join a legal team at the very heart of the UK financial sector. We are delighted to be working with the Bank of England to support their early talent at the start of their legal careers and their individual journeys to becoming technically excellent lawyers with the right mindset, knowledge and skills to truly make a difference.”

Sharing the Bank of England’s vision for the development of their future lawyers, ULaw’s SQE training focuses on excellent technical knowledge and legal skills alongside those commercial and business behaviours needed to equip junior lawyers for the changing world of work. Each Trainee Solicitor will be allocated an expert skills coach to provide support and guidance, and supervisors will also be supported with additional training by ULaw.

The Bank of England’s Trainee Solicitors will study the SQE with ULaw on a part-time basis, with regular time off from their job each week to study for the SQE. Their SQE studies with ULaw include focused SQE 1 and 2 preparation courses, embedding innovative learning technology and analytics to support exam success with additional training on key practice areas, the business of law, and technology and innovation.