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In-person Roundtable: Early Careers and Trainee Development: Planning SQE Pathways

Event date: 5 February @12:30am-2:00pm
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Designing effective early careers and qualification pathways has become even more complicated in 2026 — balancing SQE training, skills development, budgets, and the needs of the firm is an increasingly complex challenge. The change in apprenticeship funding has left many firms with a significant investment challenge.

We have arranged this roundtable in conjunction with The College of Legal Practice aiming to give members in Early Careers and Legal L&D teams a clear, practical view of the SQE options now available and how firms are using them.

Discussions will include:

Pathways overview:
What you need to know about SQE preparation, solicitor apprenticeships and equivalent programmes — including study models and support structures.
Planning:
How to build an early careers programme portfolio that aligns workforce needs, budget and capability, with approaches for study time, supervision and support through the SQE.
Coaching for SQE success:
Proven models that improve confidence, learning outcomes and progression
What other firms are doing:
Hear from other members and the College, sharing practical examples of different approaches
Q&A:
Bring your challenges and get grounded advice that you can act on immediately.

Speakers

Peter Liver, Chief Operations Director
Was previously Executive Director for Membership at the Law Society England & Wales where he led on education, learning and training. Peter joined The College of Legal Practice in 2019 and works closely with it’s CEO and its not for profit parent company The College of Law.

Alice Payne, Head of Business Development & Marketing, EDI Lead and and manages their relationships with client firms. She also leads the College’s diversity and inclusion work and is passionate about helping all students achieve their career goals. Prior to working at the College, Alice developed the Law Society’s Education & Learning Strategy, and worked in senior roles in fundraising, communications and strategy across a range of not-for-profit organisations. She is based in the Bristol area.

Burges Salmon has been an enthusiastic supporter of BLS for many years. BLS provides a valuable role in uniting and promoting the whole of the legal sector across Bristol to benefit both its members and the city. It facilitates collaboration across the sector to ensure that we can all make a difference. Whether that is driving important initiatives in, for example, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the use of new technologies, liaising with stakeholders and charities in our wider community or providing training to generations of lawyers, the service and support provided by BLS is invaluable. More recently BLS has taken a lead on promoting Bristol’s legal brand, encouraging legal and business services talent to come to the city, which in turn attracts clients and inward investment to our thriving and vibrant commercial community. BLS breaks down barriers and brings those in the profession together for the greater good. We are proud of our long-standing association with BLS.
Roger Bull - Managing Partner, Burges Salmon
Three things to say about my experience of working with Bristol Law Society. Their central team, council members and general hangers-on are just about the nicest, most generous group of people working in the legal sector today. The numerous events, awards, socials and conferences I’ve had the pleasure to attend over the years have been, without exception, top quality and supremely organised. And, thirdly, they consistently exceed and challenge the boundaries of what lawyers might assume a regional Law Society will restrict activities to – from a hugely successful charitable school meals drive to corporate social responsibility and diversity campaigns to being joint architects and coordinators of the region’s unique Bristol+BathLegalTech group, which it has been my privilege to co-chair for the last five years.
Chris Bull - Principal, Edge International
As one of the leading Insurance brokers for law firms in the UK and with a large presence in Bristol it seemed only natural for us to support the Bristol Law Society. Bristol Law Society is one of the oldest and most vibrant of the Law Societies in England and Wales. We are pleased to be working with them on important matters relating to law firms’ liability insurances and Risk Management. From Sole Practitioner to Top 20 law firms we are sure our two organisations can provide excellent support and assistance for the challenges faced by the legal profession.
Matthew Baker - Financial Lines Group, Howden Insurance Brokers Ltd
Joining BLS in 2013 and becoming President in 2018/19 has created many longstanding friendships and business relationships, whilst also unlocking doors to other opportunities in the City. BLS enabled a perfect balance of professional development and also opportunities to give back to the legal and wider community. I am pleased that my Firm has supported BLS in many capacities since 2013 and continues to do so.
Nicholas Lee- Managing Director of Paragon Costs Solutions and Past President of BLS